Welcome back Julian!

[monte]

Why are people just making stuff up now, because we had a few transfers like most teams?

What is your definition of a few?  Roberts, Williams, Earlington, McGriff, Moore, Cole & Caraher.  7 is not a few.  7 is not like most teams.  7 sounds more like an exodus.  What do you think the narrative would be if Seton Hall had 7 transfers this year or any team in the BE?  They would be a laughingstock.  This is not a normal occurrence.  What is the average # of transfers in the BE? 

Think of it this way.  CMA and staff transformed a largely overlooked bunch of recruits into the 4th best team in the Big East this season.    It's almost natural that these guys think they have a higher trajectory than they did before coming to St. John's, and for some this is there only chance to explore that via the transfer portal without having to sit a year.   This is a by-product of success, not failure of our program.   We were a 9th place projected team that finished 5 places higher.   Coach won BE coach of the year, Posh Rookie of the year and co-defensive player of the year, Champ 1st team all BE.   This is all very good stuff for a team of castoffs.    We will upgrade - staff has been aware of these transfers for quite some time, due to the respect these kids have for coaches, and have been working diligently since.


Some double edged swords(if that's the right term) Beast. Yes we finished 4th which was wonderful, but we shouldn't have had a roster in the first place that was expected to finish 9th. And we still weren't even a border line tourney team. Second, if the kids had so much respect for the staff, most would still be here. So while it's great that they notified them so early, it would have been ideal if they had stayed. That shows real respect.
At the end of the day, as we head towards CMA's third year here, the expectation was that we were, at the very least, going to be a potential tourney team next season. If we can still do that, and retain a large part of our team for the following year, then I'll be satisfied with the progress.

I too love the work ethic of the staff, but at the end of the day it's the results that count. Happy Easter. 


 

Happy Easter Monte!   Well I don't agree that with about a year on board, his year 2 roster should have been much better than it was.    Lavin, who you didn't care much for, recruited very well out of the gates, but we'd all agree that if he pushed a little harder could be one of the best recruiters in the country.    Anderson is a program builder, and not a silver tongue like some others.   From what I hear, the exodus is all about kids wanting to put themselves in a better position to make money playing ball post college, and zero about unhappiness with the staff.    

If you had one shot to change jobs to better yourself at that stage of your life, to something that could affect the next 10-12 years for you, would you think of loyalty to a boss or company you really liked?    I know I left places I loved at that age.   I guarantee you that for most if not all players, it's about that and no knock on current coaches.    

But for certain, I'm not on the team, and your opinion is as good as mine.

Fair enough, besides trying to keep it positive on Easter Beast. Go CMA(and staff) and go Johnnies!!! 
 

 

[boo haarvey]

https://twitter.com/JulianChampagn2/status/1378504011708522496

Not just the best player, but without question has grown into the leader of this team.   He is reminding me of David Wright in that regard

I don’t understand why people keep referring to him as the leader of the team.  Right now, he isn’t even on the team.  You can’t be a leader with of the team with one foot out the door.

Why would he post then?   He isn't even on anyone's lists to be a 2nd round draft pick.   He is going as a sophomore to get valuable feedback from scouts, and if he absolutely kills it against the best college players wanting to enter the draft, good for him.  Can't say a single thing negative about a guy who has even an outside shot at the NBA.  

I’m not saying anything negative about him.  He absolutely appears to be making the best decision for himself and I can’t fault him for that.  But you can’t be a team leader if you’re not even on the team.  His comment is no different than if it came from Dunn.  If he chooses to come back, that’s another story.

 

[mjmaherjr]

There is no team right now. We only have a couple guys on campus if they are even on campus I have no idea with the covid stuff and holidays. He's still in school until the point  hires an agent he's a leader and part of the team to me

 

[boo haarvey]

There is no team right now. We only have a couple guys on campus if they are even on campus I have no idea with the covid stuff and holidays. He's still in school until the point  hires an agent he's a leader and part of the team to me

My point is you can’t be a leader of the team when you’re trying  to leave the team.  That doesn’t make him a bad guy or suggest that he can’t be a leader if and when he returns.  But right now, he’s not in any position to lead the team.

 

[monte]

https://twitter.com/JulianChampagn2/status/1378504011708522496

Not just the best player, but without question has grown into the leader of this team.   He is reminding me of David Wright in that regard

I don’t understand why people keep referring to him as the leader of the team.  Right now, he isn’t even on the team.  You can’t be a leader with of the team with one foot out the door.

Why would he post then?   He isn't even on anyone's lists to be a 2nd round draft pick.   He is going as a sophomore to get valuable feedback from scouts, and if he absolutely kills it against the best college players wanting to enter the draft, good for him.  Can't say a single thing negative about a guy who has even an outside shot at the NBA.  

I’m not saying anything negative about him.  He absolutely appears to be making the best decision for himself and I can’t fault him for that.  But you can’t be a team leader if you’re not even on the team.  His comment is no different than if it came from Dunn.  If he chooses to come back, that’s another story.

I  tend to agree with you. Right now the only 2 kids who are certain to return are Posh and Wusu, and it seems to me that they have wisely chosen to stay above the fray with all the chatter. They've quickly become my 2 favorite Johnnies! 
 

 

[paultzman]

https://twitter.com/julianchampagn2/status/1385036174314643458?s=21

 

[MakingPlays]

https://twitter.com/julianchampagn2/status/1385036174314643458?s=21

Interesting he would post that this early, obviously means he's close to making his decision.  I'm kinda surprised I thought he would wait until June when they announce the combine invites.  He must have already got the feedback he was wanting.

 

[L J S A]

https://twitter.com/julianchampagn2/status/1385036174314643458?s=21

Interesting he would post that this early, obviously means he's close to making his decision.  I'm kinda surprised I thought he would wait until June when they announce the combine invites.  He must have already got the feedback he was wanting.

He's got to announce soon so his brother and Alvarado can plan accordingly./media/kunena/emoticons/cool.png

 

[MakingPlays]

https://twitter.com/julianchampagn2/status/1385036174314643458?s=21

Interesting he would post that this early, obviously means he's close to making his decision.  I'm kinda surprised I thought he would wait until June when they announce the combine invites.  He must have already got the feedback he was wanting.

He's got to announce soon so his brother and Alvarado can plan accordingly./media/kunena/emoticons/cool.png

I think both are pipe dreams.  I think Justin gets a combine invite and probably sticks in the draft, if not, him and Capel have a great relationship, I don't see him leaving him hanging like that, plus he was very specific in his letter that if he returns he'd be going back to Pitt.

With Alvarado, how did this start anyways?  He's not even in the portal. I understand he's a Brooklyn native, but he seems to really like Josh Pastner, there's literally a video of him crying after winning the ACC tournament saying how much he loves Pastner for taking a chance on him and how much he loves his team.  He's a fringe draft pick, he's like in the 90's on ESPN top 100 board, seems like an unnecessary risk changing schools and learning a new system when you are that close, especially since they should have a good team next year and make the tournament, he should get plenty of exposure there.  I could understand maybe transferring if he was on a bad team.

 

[Mullins Revenge]

https://twitter.com/julianchampagn2/status/1385036174314643458?s=21

Interesting he would post that this early, obviously means he's close to making his decision.  I'm kinda surprised I thought he would wait until June when they announce the combine invites.  He must have already got the feedback he was wanting.

Neither Julian or his brother are getting drafted so im not sure what the decision is.  They are both coming back to college.  Hes just messing around with people.

 

[boo haarvey]

https://twitter.com/julianchampagn2/status/1385036174314643458?s=21

Interesting he would post that this early, obviously means he's close to making his decision.  I'm kinda surprised I thought he would wait until June when they announce the combine invites.  He must have already got the feedback he was wanting.

Neither Julian or his brother are getting drafted so im not sure what the decision is.  They are both coming back to college.  Hes just messing around with people.

Portal?

 

[MakingPlays]

https://twitter.com/julianchampagn2/status/1385036174314643458?s=21

Interesting he would post that this early, obviously means he's close to making his decision.  I'm kinda surprised I thought he would wait until June when they announce the combine invites.  He must have already got the feedback he was wanting.

Neither Julian or his brother are getting drafted so im not sure what the decision is.  They are both coming back to college.  Hes just messing around with people.

Justin has a chance to get drafted.  He's #66 on ESPN's big board.  Several projected picks will drop out, so there's a respectable chance he's a late 2nd rounder if he stays. 

Also, just because Julian is unlikely to get drafted doesn't mean he doesn't have a decision to make.  He could have his choice of any Pro League overseas and make a lot of money.  Also, I'm pretty confident if he did stay (which I don't think he will) he could secure a 2-way contract and have a chance to make a roster.

 

[L J S A]

https://twitter.com/julianchampagn2/status/1385036174314643458?s=21

Interesting he would post that this early, obviously means he's close to making his decision.  I'm kinda surprised I thought he would wait until June when they announce the combine invites.  He must have already got the feedback he was wanting.

Neither Julian or his brother are getting drafted so im not sure what the decision is.  They are both coming back to college.  Hes just messing around with people.

Also,  I'm pretty confident if he did stay (which I don't think he will) he could secure a 2-way contract and have a chance to make a roster.

Don't think he stays in draft or stays in school?

 

[ErickTheRed]

He’s a class act, wish him the best either way. I don’t see him leaving us on the edge of our seats long, hopefully the he’s made the decision to come back for one more year doubt he would post that if he knew he was already entering draft. I would take him as a guy to post a nice thank you to staff, university and fans.

 

[MakingPlays]

https://twitter.com/julianchampagn2/status/1385036174314643458?s=21

Interesting he would post that this early, obviously means he's close to making his decision.  I'm kinda surprised I thought he would wait until June when they announce the combine invites.  He must have already got the feedback he was wanting.

Neither Julian or his brother are getting drafted so im not sure what the decision is.  They are both coming back to college.  Hes just messing around with people.

Also,  I'm pretty confident if he did stay (which I don't think he will) he could secure a 2-way contract and have a chance to make a roster.

Don't think he stays in draft or stays in school?

I think he comes back to school.  Everything to gain by having a good season next year.  Draft class is much weaker next year, he should win a ton of awards if he comes back and position himself to get drafted for sure, rather than a slim chance this year.

 

[JohnnyFan]

Not speculating, but the choices he would be deliberating are:

1.   Hiring an NCAA approved agent and maintaining his eligibility
2.   Staying in the Draft
3.   Entering the Portal
4.   Returning to St. John's

From his post, we know he is currently considering at least two of these four options.

 

[bamafan]

Not speculating, but the choices he would be deliberating are:

1.   Hiring an NCAA approved agent and maintaining his eligibility
2.   Staying in the Draft
3.   Entering the Portal
4.   Returning to St. John's

From his post, we know he is currently considering at least two of these four options.

You forgot
5) Join the French Foreign Legion

 

[SJUNC]

Maybe he is deciding between LA Lafayette; Manhattan; USD or Robert Morris ?
 

 

[rawdognyc]

Ahhh shit...I hope he stays.. I spent a good 2 hours on my new avatar last night

 

[room112]

This is the first and probably last time I will ever be able to say I have a source. But according to someone I know who knows the family, he'd be very surprised if either brother transfers. Anything beyond that, he has no idea. 

I'm feeling pretty confident following the process he will come back.