Welcome back Julian!

Jack Williams post=436019 said:
NCJohnnie post=435998 said:
This is best team SJU has had since Elite 8 team w/o question. So deep too. Have not been this optimistic in a long time; season can't get here quickly enough. 


 
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Talent wise I still give the edge to that 2013-14 St John’s team. JaKarr, Dom, DLo, Phil, Obekpa and we brought in Rysheed Jordan. Team was stacked. It still hurts they couldn’t make the tournament that year 

Unfortunately that team literally had no quality depth, which was the same issue with the team the following season when they made the tournament.
 
mjmaherjr post=436049 said:
The thing to remember is so many new pieces and CMA longer learning curve. Having a strong start and not digging ourselves out of a while is beyond important. Let’s hope for a very productive summer

I agree Mjmaherjr. The thing that I’m hoping though is that we have much better and much more efficient offensive players now. For The last two CMA squads, defense was there strong point. So, in the beginning of the season when they were trying to master the defensive system, they didn’t have enough players who were good enough offensively to overcome any lapses in defense when they were still learning the defensive system. Now, I believe we have enough offensive talent to overcome those defensive lapses early in the season while the team is still trying to master CMA’s defensive system. I’m hoping that this will prevent the one or two bad early season losses that we usually have to endure.

I was listening to Emmanuel Acho and Marcellus Wiley on their show. They said, a famous defensive coach told them that defensive should be easy for us to play but hard to play against. That’s what every team should strive for regardless of the sport. It made me think of CMA’s system. That’s what the team strives for but his system is complex and takes time. Maybe too complex. But hopefully we have enough offensive talent to get us through until the team gets to that point.
 
Room112 post=436056 said:
Jack Williams post=436019 said:
NCJohnnie post=435998 said:
This is best team SJU has had since Elite 8 team w/o question. So deep too. Have not been this optimistic in a long time; season can't get here quickly enough. 



 
.
Talent wise I still give the edge to that 2013-14 St John’s team. JaKarr, Dom, DLo, Phil, Obekpa and we brought in Rysheed Jordan. Team was stacked. It still hurts they couldn’t make the tournament that year 

Unfortunately that team literally had no quality depth, which was the same issue with the team the following season when they made the tournament.

I think it had too much depth and Lavin couldn’t get a feel for it all season. Sampson, Sanchez, Gods gift, Obekpa, Dom all in the front court. Dlo, Greene, branch, and Sheed in the back court.
 
I haven't posted much lately but thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's posts in this thread.

I am thrilled Julian will be returning. He was a great player for us last year and his work ethic will make its possible to meet his goals. I don't see Julian as a what's in it for me player. I am sure when the game is on the line he will do whatever it takes to win.

It made me laugh a little when he said he doesn't want to be guarding 5's. When we went up against guys like Wahab and Watson I would always say to my son that we should put Julian on them as he was unfortunately our best 5 defender last season. 

I thought the McDermott comparison was interesting. He is not close to the shooter that McDermott was through two seasons but better in other areas. Julian finished the season 5-27 in his last four games so he is certainly capable of shooting well over 40% from 3 this season.

As for the Duke's comment about running two of the best players in the country out there every game, I think with a couple of qualifiers he is not that far off. They are definitely "one of the better returning duos in the college game".

Bring on Kansas!
 
 
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Think we're all optimistic about the coming season, but let's wait a while before comparing this team -- be it favorably or otherwise -- with earlier teams, especially with so many new guys on the roster.
 
Amaseinyourface post=436060 said:
Room112 post=436056 said:
Jack Williams post=436019 said:
NCJohnnie post=435998 said:
This is best team SJU has had since Elite 8 team w/o question. So deep too. Have not been this optimistic in a long time; season can't get here quickly enough. 




 
.
Talent wise I still give the edge to that 2013-14 St John’s team. JaKarr, Dom, DLo, Phil, Obekpa and we brought in Rysheed Jordan. Team was stacked. It still hurts they couldn’t make the tournament that year 

Unfortunately that team literally had no quality depth, which was the same issue with the team the following season when they made the tournament.

I think it had too much depth and Lavin couldn’t get a feel for it all season. Sampson, Sanchez, Gods gift, Obekpa, Dom all in the front court. Dlo, Greene, branch, and Sheed in the back court.

14-15 didn't have quality depth beyond Branch, so I agree with Room there.  When Jordan's head was on straight, we had a talented starting 5 and Branch was a solid PG off the bench.  Lack of depth forced Lavs to play Pointer at the PF position, where he thrived and had one of the best breakthrough/jumps from junior to senior year in my lifetime, because he was one of the best players in the BE that year.

13-14 -- totally agree with you.  We had too much depth and Lavin couldn't figure out what combinations worked best consistently.  I forgot Sanchez, which shows you how much talent that team had, because he was a good 4-man in the league.  There were games that team looked awesome, like they could make a run to the Sweet 16, and then games where Lavs couldn't figure out the right group to play together.  Dom was particularly lost because he basically had to play the 3 with Kar/Sanchez taking up the 4 and Obekpa/Gift at the 5.  Except Dom wasn't a 3 b/c outside shooting was his weakness.  All that said, if Sampson makes a layup we beat Providence in that insane comeback BE tourney game, and probably dance, and who knows what happens when we got there.  Because I recall Jay Wright saying on Francessa that by year-end our athleticism/length with Obekpa in the middle could make anyone in the country's life difficult on the defensive end, and when we had some shots falling, the group was really dangerous.
 
 
Rob post=436071 said:
Amaseinyourface post=436060 said:
Room112 post=436056 said:
Jack Williams post=436019 said:
NCJohnnie post=435998 said:
This is best team SJU has had since Elite 8 team w/o question. So deep too. Have not been this optimistic in a long time; season can't get here quickly enough. 





 
.
Talent wise I still give the edge to that 2013-14 St John’s team. JaKarr, Dom, DLo, Phil, Obekpa and we brought in Rysheed Jordan. Team was stacked. It still hurts they couldn’t make the tournament that year 

Unfortunately that team literally had no quality depth, which was the same issue with the team the following season when they made the tournament.

I think it had too much depth and Lavin couldn’t get a feel for it all season. Sampson, Sanchez, Gods gift, Obekpa, Dom all in the front court. Dlo, Greene, branch, and Sheed in the back court.

14-15 didn't have quality depth beyond Branch, so I agree with Room there.  When Jordan's head was on straight, we had a talented starting 5 and Branch was a solid PG off the bench.  Lack of depth forced Lavs to play Pointer at the PF position, where he thrived and had one of the best breakthrough/jumps from junior to senior year in my lifetime, because he was one of the best players in the BE that year.

13-14 -- totally agree with you.  We had too much depth and Lavin couldn't figure out what combinations worked best consistently.  I forgot Sanchez, which shows you how much talent that team had, because he was a good 4-man in the league.  There were games that team looked awesome, like they could make a run to the Sweet 16, and then games where Lavs couldn't figure out the right group to play together.  Dom was particularly lost because he basically had to play the 3 with Kar/Sanchez taking up the 4 and Obekpa/Gift at the 5.  Except Dom wasn't a 3 b/c outside shooting was his weakness.  All that said, if Sampson makes a layup we beat Providence in that insane comeback BE tourney game, and probably dance, and who knows what happens when we got there.  Because I recall Jay Wright saying on Francessa that by year-end our athleticism/length with Obekpa in the middle could make anyone in the country's life difficult on the defensive end, and when we had some shots falling, the group was really dangerous.

Ah, the Infamous game where obekpa refused to return.  Sampson’s missed layup would have given us the lead but there was still more than a limited left so no guarantee we would have won.  I thought Lavin should have played Gift more that year.  He wasn’t the shot blocker obekpa  was but he was better offensively.
 
Yup - I was sitting courtside across from the bench.  Saw Lavin gesture for him to go in, saw Obekpa pout like a child, and Tony Chiles thrown his hands down in disgust.  There was time left when Kar missed the layup, but with how that game was trending I think we come out on top.
 
2 of the things Julian needs to work on, ball handling and on ball defense.  Just so happens we have one of the best on ball defenders in the country in Posh, so JC should be practicing his ball handling against him.  If Posh can't take it from him most others will not either.  Posh is also a good guy to work on the on ball defense.  Just try to keep him in front of you.  The opportunity is there and with his work ethic I am sure he will take advantage of it.
 
·       Web Release QUEENS, N.Y. (July 7, 2021) – Rising junior Julian Champagnieformally withdrew his name from consideration for the NBA Draft on Wednesday, as the BIG EAST’s leading scorer from last season will return to St. John’s for a third campaign in Queens. “There is more work to be done,” said Champagnie. “We have some business to handle.”

We’re obviously thrilled to welcome Julian back to St. John’s for his junior season,” said Head Coach Mike Anderson.  “Julian used this pre-draft process the way it was intended, getting important feedback that will make him a better player and prospect in the long run.  We look forward to helping Julian develop in any way we can.”
 
So happy that Julian will be wearing a Johnny uniform next year. Looking forward to following him and the team, and hopefully after next year Julian moves on to a long successful NBA career.

Good to see him back!!!!
 
Julian Champagnie separated his thumb and pointer finger ever so slightly. He was that close to keeping his name in the NBA draft; that close to a decision that would have significantly impacted St. John’s hopes for the coming season; that close to leaving college behind and joining his twin brother, Justin, in the professional ranks.“I didn’t want to come back,” he said bluntly. “For most of the time I was out [testing the draft waters], school wasn’t really a priority for me, if I’m being honest.”Ultimately, the Big East’s reigning leading scorer opted to return, and with that choice, he became one of the most popular people in Queens on July 4. With that decision, the 6-foot-8 Champagnie set up the Johnnies for what could be a season the fan base has been awaiting for more than two decades, one in which they could advance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2000.

Champagnie, sitting down for an interview with The Post this week before a summer workout at Carnesecca Arena, didn’t shy away from the hype that has returned since he opted to come back to school.

 “Yes, our goal is to win a Big East championship, and yes, our goal is to get to the NCAA Tournament and win games,” he said, without hesitation. “Not get there and lose. Get there and win multiple games, if we can.”Champagnie worked out for three teams, the Bulls, Celtics and Nets, and took part in the NBA Draft Combine. For large stretches, he felt the tug of his dream. His focus was on going pro

 A few factors changed his mind. One was a wrist injury that limited him to just one workout before the combine. If not for that setback, he said, St. John’s might be looking for a new small forward. Perhaps the most important day was his workout with the Bulls after the combine.Following that workout, he sat down with Chicago’s associate general manager, Brian Hagen. They had a lengthy conversation, going over the many pros and cons of staying in school compared to leaving. After that talk, Champagnie began thinking for the first time about returning to St. John’s. Why settle for being the 50th pick in the draft, he thought? Why not bet on yourself? He had just turned 20 years old. Age isn’t a concern for him.

I’m super young still. I’m in a good place,” he said. “My name has already gotten out there. Everybody here has put in work, we’ll have a better team in my opinion than last year. I just felt like coming back for one more year is not going to hurt me. It can only help me or keep me in the same spot.”

After coming back to the area prior to a workout with the Nets, Champagnie had made his mind up to return. One of the first people he told was St. John’s point guard Posh Alexander, his longtime friend. Alexander hadn’t lobbied him to return, encouraging him to chase his dreams. But when last season’s Big East Freshman of the Year got the news, he smiled.

 “All right, let’s work,” Alexander told Champagnie. Coach Mike Anderson was thrilled with the decision his star made, and not because of what it meant for his team. Anderson has seen how far Champagnie has come, from under-recruited to one of the best freshmen in the league to its leading scorer last year. He thinks there is another major leap his star can make to really set himself up for the future

 “You give yourself an opportunity not necessarily to just be in the league, but have a career in the league,” Anderson said. “That’s something we talked about.”Sometimes when players opt to return to school, they focus too much on what NBA teams and executives tell them to work on to the detriment of their college team. Champagnie doesn’t believe that will be the case for him. His focus is on improving as a defender, tightening his ball-handling, improving his pace, and further developing his perimeter game. Those are all things that will only help St. John’s, improvements he had previously discussed with Anderson before coming back to school

 What I need to do runs into how we play,” Champagnie said. “It’ll run right into it perfectly. I don’t think I need coach to change too much for me.”Champagnie just met several of his new St. John’s teammates this week. Of the five transfers, he only had a previous relationship with Yonkers native Joel Soriano. But he has watched all of the others play before, and thinks this is a roster capable of doing big things, one with more size, versatility and depth.It is part of the reason Champagnie returned, because of the potential he sees. He isn’t planning to be back for his senior year. This is it — one last go-around to go out with a bang.“I have no regrets that I’m back,” he said. “I love this place. All the coaches and the kids welcomed me back with open arms. I’m 100 percent confident in the choice that I made.“I just [want] to do something that hasn’t been done at St. John’s in a while, bring St. John’s back to where it was. That’s our goal. That’s the goal I’m going to set for the team, something I’m going to push for.” 

https://nypost.com/2021/07/15/julian-champagnie-put-nba-dream-on-hold-for-st-johns-hype/
 
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Paultz - you scared me with the opening sentence !!!!

Thought he got hurt....lol
 
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RedStormNC post=436675 said:
Paultz - you scared me with the opening sentence !!!!

Thought he got hurt....lol
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this is one  case when an injury to our star player helped us,


 
 
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Given his stated lack of interest in education at this point, which is surprising, I'd say it's a fair bet that this will be his last season playing college ball.
 
Beast of the East post=436734 said:
Given his stated lack of interest in education at this point, which is surprising, I'd say it's a fair bet that this will be his last season playing college ball.
Very prophetic as he has been quoted as saying as much. /media/kunena/emoticons/wink.png/media/kunena/emoticons/smile.png
 
May not be fair to say lack of interest in education.  Seems more that he's just on the cusp of a possible NBA career & money and that he's focused.

Hope he goes all out and he and team are successful. Then, hopefully, he finishes his degree at some point. Maybe he's closer to graduating than we may know, credit wise.
 
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I think Julian's comments might not be in full context. While not the same thing January of my senior year I had already started working at Lehman and I really didnt have much interest in school from then on other than going through the motions. Didnt mean I didnt want to get my diploma but I was more interested in leaving school each day to go to work afterwards. Julian is a smart kid with a great support system around him his comments to me just look like someone who is focused on getting to the next level. Personally I'm fine with that. i'd assume a lot of college kids once they lock in jobs or  get close while in school might have the same outlook
 
JC said essentially after his Junior year he is done. That is fine, like MJMJ said and I agree with Mike wholeheartedly,

I am sure a smart kid like Julian if he wanted to could easily finish up a degree at a school likeSJU in three years or at most after the summer of his Junior year. This isn't MIT.

I have no doubt that his parents will guide him through the academic portion of the process just as well as they have the athletic part.

 
 
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