Welcome back LJ Figueroa

[quote="Boo Harvey" post=346099][quote="billthetruth" post=346098][quote="Boo Harvey" post=346095]No denying if Figueroa leaves it would be a big blow. Both the program and CMA are in desperate need of positive momentum and this would be yet another set back.[/quote]

Can't start a new program with a player and a rogue assistant coach from a mid major school trying to dictate terms.

Anderson should call Figueroa's bluff and not cave to any shady undertakings.

If he wants to sit a year and play for a mid-major schools at 23, then so be it. Good bye

We are going to be bottom third of Big East with him or without him next year.

I WANT GUYS THAT WANT TO BE HERE AND PLAY FOR NAME ON FRONT OF UNIFORM[/quote]

That’s a nice thought, but unfortunately I don’t think it reflects the realities of where the program is at right now.

I don’t know the specifics behind the Hsu/Figueroa situation and I’m not suggesting CMA is obligated to make any one hire. I do, however, think that the only way we are going to get things moving is to trade in on relationships and catch a few breaks. It seemed to work nicely for Kevin Willard and Seton Hall.

If next season is an utter disaster, it’s going to be very difficult to recruit. Keep Heron and Figueroa and coach the rest of the kids up and we could be competitive next year. I think that would be huge.[/quote]

We hired Mike Anderson, now you have to let him hire the people he wants for his staff and recruit the players he wants. His multiyear track record and success at the high division 1 level, says he will build the program up into a winner. And unless you are the Kentucky and Duke's of the world it will likely take 2 to 3 years. See UCONN
 
We also just went through three weeks with the main theme on this board being that Mike Cragg should be able to hire the coach he wants. Well moving down a level on the so-called corporate ladder, Mike Anderson should be able to make the assistant hires he is most comfortable with, with some constructive input from his boss Cragg.

IMHO: I would tell Hsu to get lost, he is one shady character. (See Binghamton Bearcat Basketball history)
 
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It would be great if Figgy returns but , if he doesn’t , move on . I think Heron can have a big year , without Ponds having the lions share of the ball control . And , that’s not a shot at Slick . Hope Mustapha stays and he and Wright can be decent scorers .
 
[quote="billthetruth" post=346109]We also just went through three weeks with the main theme on this board being that Mike Cragg should be able to hire the coach he wants. Well moving down a level on the so-called corporate ladder, Mike Anderson should be able to make the assistant hires he is most comfortable with, with some constructive input from his boss Cragg.

IMHO: I would tell Hsu to get lost, he is one shady character. (See Binghamton Bearcat Basketball history)[/quote]

Hsu is doing the job he is being paid to do. Just because some folks on twitter assumed he would join this staff doesn’t mean an offer was even extended.

People love to jump to conclusions without knowing any facts.
 
[quote="billthetruth" post=346103][quote="SJUFAN2" post=346102]Its his life. There's more than one path to the NBA, and none of them are guarantees. He doesn't NEED to be here to chase his dreams.

I'd love to have him back because he's one of my favorite players in the past 20 years and with him, Heron and a PG we could be decent next year.

But he doesn't owe us anything, the staff that recruited him is long gone. He should do what he thinks is best for him. Not us. Not not Hsu. Not anyone else. I hope he's here next season but I really hope he's successful wherever he ends up. He's an old school player and an easy kid to root for.[/quote]

Problem is if you read the long article about him (and his direct quotes in it) from the Post last month, he is definitely not doing what is best for him. He is being manipulated by these so-called handlers, with their own agendas. Either that or he was a big liar last month to the writer.[/quote]

I'm not sure what article you are referring to but if its from last month (March) then a ton has changed since it was written. Matt A left, Mullin resigned, we went through an awful/dysfunctional coaching search and power struggle in the administration, we somehow ended up with exactly the type of person we need running our team, etc., etc, ...

Could very well be that he was telling the truth in that article based on events up to that moment, and that changing circumstances since then have changed his decision/thought process. That DOESN'T make him a liar.

Sort of like FDR saying for years that he had no intentions of getting the USA involved in another European war. Then Pearl Harbor happens and the Germans declare war on us and we are in WWII.
 
[quote="Boo Harvey" post=346095]No denying if Figueroa leaves it would be a big blow. Both the program and CMA are in desperate need of positive momentum and this would be yet another set back.[/quote]

Agree. Figgy has to do what is best for him and SJU will have to move on either way.

But can't minimize the setback this would be in terms of your word - momentum. With Figgy and Heron there is a chance next year could be something besides a total rebuilding year. Without one or both, tough to see it.

In his first year in D1 he averaged 14.4 on 51.3% shooting (lead team). He also lead the team in rebounding at 6.4 and tossed in 38.3% from 3 for good measure. Besides Justin Simon I'm not sure I saw a better perimeter defender in the conference. His win / compete factor is off the charts. Probably one of the more dynamic two-way players at SJU since the Elite 8/BET Championship teams.

CMA can get there either way but stating the obvious that simply avoiding disaster next year can really expedite the process. LJ retention big swing factor in doing so.
 
I think as fans it’s time to sit back and just enjoy the ride. We finally have a proven coach. One very good assistant hired and more to come. The speculation is all over the place and at this point moving forward does t make much sense. Figueroa looking at his options is perfectly normal. He will realize it’s likely more penalizing to leave than stay. In addition, while Hsu seems like a nice assistant coaching candidate and good recruiter, he’s not the only option. Looks like we still have Borman targeted and there are countless others. Hsu is far from the only guy which is my point. Most on the board haven’t even heard of him until about a month ago if I were to guess and he’s an assistant at a mid-major right now which means he blue bloods weren’t beating down his door either. Anybody talking about “leverage” is exaggerating at this point. We have a week-old head coach. Reel it in fellas.
 
[quote="SJUFAN2" post=346112][quote="billthetruth" post=346103][quote="SJUFAN2" post=346102]Its his life. There's more than one path to the NBA, and none of them are guarantees. He doesn't NEED to be here to chase his dreams.

I'd love to have him back because he's one of my favorite players in the past 20 years and with him, Heron and a PG we could be decent next year.

But he doesn't owe us anything, the staff that recruited him is long gone. He should do what he thinks is best for him. Not us. Not not Hsu. Not anyone else. I hope he's here next season but I really hope he's successful wherever he ends up. He's an old school player and an easy kid to root for.[/quote]

Problem is if you read the long article about him (and his direct quotes in it) from the Post last month, he is definitely not doing what is best for him. He is being manipulated by these so-called handlers, with their own agendas. Either that or he was a big liar last month to the writer.[/quote]

I'm not sure what article you are referring to but if its from last month (March) then a ton has changed since it was written. Matt A left, Mullin resigned, we went through an awful/dysfunctional coaching search and power struggle in the administration, we somehow ended up with exactly the type of person we need running our team, etc., etc, ...

Could very well be that he was telling the truth in that article based on events up to that moment, and that changing circumstances since then have changed his decision/thought process. That DOESN'T make him a liar.

Sort of like FDR saying for years that he had no intentions of getting the USA involved in another European war. Then Pearl Harbor happens and the Germans declare war on us and we are in WWII.[/quote]

nice posts
Yes Germany -
DO Not Forget the Pacific theatre - I am sure many of we "old" and "very old" posters had Dads serving in WWII and in the Pacific theater fighting the equally brutal opponents from Japan - my Dad served in Burma - was neverthe same after the war - I miss him very much :)
but back to college B Ball, wars help keep college basketball in perspective - I know I lose perspective with St. Johns!
No need to.
We are moving in the right direction with MA imo.
I sense most agree.
Hi there LJ - you gave us such a fine year - we are grateful - if you return great - if not - you will move on and so will we.
I think you'll return - hope so :) - why sit out a year, hmmn
 
Source: St. John's transfer LJ Figueroa is receiving interest from Western Kentucky, Arkansas, Miami, UConn, Illinois, Dayton, Georgia, UNLV, and Nebraska. #SJUBB
Per Rothstein
 
I woke up to this and had a few thoughts.

1) Moving to St. John’s would be a good career move for Hsu. I remember his name from Binghamton where I went to school and follow their basketball program. He was very young at that time. I haven’t heard his name again until it was mentioned about a month ago on here. I looked at his resume and he seems to be a good young coach who has spent over fifteen years at mid majors and below. If our coach thought he would be a good fit then great but I am not going to lose sleep over it.
2. LJ is a very good college player who helped us a lot last year. We always talk about players wanting to maximize their earnings. If he doesn’t have to sit out a year then it’s up to him where the best fit is for him. If he has to sit out a year then I feel badly for him as I see a good career overseas and not playing is not good for him, but it’s up to him and I don’t know his reasons for exploring other options.
3. The majority on here wanted a new coach and except for those who wanted Pitino which I am glad didn’t happen, most on here where very happy with the Mike Anderson hire.
4. As a long time St. John’s fan I am always skeptical. I was recently reminded that Northern Arizona was the last tournament game we won in 2000. Next season will be the twentieth anniversary of that game. I am hopeful that our new coach can get us a tournament win as he has a very good track record but I will believe it when I see it.
5. To further point 4, I am backing our new coach 100%. I trust that he will hire strong assistants and recruit good players to fit his system. He needs to have a point guard if he wants to continue his streak of .500 or above records next season and I trust he will do his best to find one at this late date.
6. LJ or no LJ, I think next year will be a fun team with Heron, Wright and Williams who are all extremely athletic. I have no expectations for the team though. I am just hoping to see good play and some competitive games hopefully winning a few along the way.
 
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[quote="Paultzman" post=346121]Source: St. John's transfer LJ Figueroa is receiving interest from Western Kentucky, Arkansas, Miami, UConn, Illinois, Dayton, Georgia, UNLV, and Nebraska. #SJUBB
Per Rothstein[/quote]

At this point I'd be pretty surprised if LJ came back. He came to the press conference, met CMA, and even practiced with him on Saturday, and that wasn't enough for him to take his name out of the transfer portal. Now he's setting up visits to other schools. Not a good sign.
 
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[quote="SJUFAN2" post=346112][quote="billthetruth" post=346103][quote="SJUFAN2" post=346102]Its his life. There's more than one path to the NBA, and none of them are guarantees. He doesn't NEED to be here to chase his dreams.

I'd love to have him back because he's one of my favorite players in the past 20 years and with him, Heron and a PG we could be decent next year.

But he doesn't owe us anything, the staff that recruited him is long gone. He should do what he thinks is best for him. Not us. Not not Hsu. Not anyone else. I hope he's here next season but I really hope he's successful wherever he ends up. He's an old school player and an easy kid to root for.[/quote]

Problem is if you read the long article about him (and his direct quotes in it) from the Post last month, he is definitely not doing what is best for him. He is being manipulated by these so-called handlers, with their own agendas. Either that or he was a big liar last month to the writer.[/quote]

I'm not sure what article you are referring to but if its from last month (March) then a ton has changed since it was written. Matt A left, Mullin resigned, we went through an awful/dysfunctional coaching search and power struggle in the administration, we somehow ended up with exactly the type of person we need running our team, etc., etc, ...

Could very well be that he was telling the truth in that article based on events up to that moment, and that changing circumstances since then have changed his decision/thought process. That DOESN'T make him a liar.

Sort of like FDR saying for years that he had no intentions of getting the USA involved in another European war. Then Pearl Harbor happens and the Germans declare war on us and we are in WWII.[/quote]

He said the #1 priority is being close enough for his family to see him. Kentucky and Arkansas a little further than NYC from MA
 
[quote="PharmDJohnnie11" post=346125][quote="Paultzman" post=346121]Source: St. John's transfer LJ Figueroa is receiving interest from Western Kentucky, Arkansas, Miami, UConn, Illinois, Dayton, Georgia, UNLV, and Nebraska. #SJUBB
Per Rothstein[/quote]

At this point I'd be pretty surprised if LJ came back. He came to the press conference, met CMA, and even practiced with him on Saturday, and that wasn't enough for him to take his name out of the transfer portal. Now he's setting up visits to other schools. Not a good sign.[/quote]

If that’s the case, we just have to replace him with another juco. I’m hoping TJ Cleveland is already out working his JC contacts because we are going to need a few. Need to get more staff in here as well soon. time is running out and kids flying off the board.
 
[quote="PharmDJohnnie11" post=346125][quote="Paultzman" post=346121]Source: St. John's transfer LJ Figueroa is receiving interest from Western Kentucky, Arkansas, Miami, UConn, Illinois, Dayton, Georgia, UNLV, and Nebraska. #SJUBB
Per Rothstein[/quote]

At this point I'd be pretty surprised if LJ came back. He came to the press conference, met CMA, and even practiced with him on Saturday, and that wasn't enough for him to take his name out of the transfer portal. Now he's setting up visits to other schools. Not a good sign.[/quote]

This has nothing to do about the kids well being, which is quite sad. But not the first time it has happened and I'm sure not the last.
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=346121]Source: St. John's transfer LJ Figueroa is receiving interest from Western Kentucky, Arkansas, Miami, UConn, Illinois, Dayton, Georgia, UNLV, and Nebraska. #SJUBB
Per Rothstein[/quote]

If he goes to UConn I am going to throw up.
 
I usually think where there is smoke there is fire but not sure why he would want to sit out. Also a lot of trips late in the semester hope grades are not an issue ?
 
I'm going full Pollyanna on this one.

Everyone loves to be courted. LJ started the process and will enjoy a little love. I think for many of the logical reasons noted above – proximity to family, ability to play next year, et al – he'll opt back in when this come to its conclusion. smiley face, winky face et al...
 
[quote="MainMan" post=346091]Bottom line, he’s a top 10 Big East player.
Without him, we’re toast next year.[/quote]

Toast? I don't think so. I'm not even sure he's a top 10 Big East player. This transfer thing and sitting out is odd for a player who would likely be a starter on a team regardless of the coach. And with a better coaching staff at that. Hopefully he is in good academic standing but this would be his 4th college since high school where he wasn't a star pupil. We have to see who the new staff adds before making us toast.
 
Look, LJ moves on it's a huge loss, same as Simon moving on. This is the price that gets paid when a school keeps removing the head coach and it's a large one. I'm not trying to rehash the validity of getting rid of Mullin or Lavin, it's all been beaten to death, but there is nothing good about having yet another rebuild underway.

As SJU was losing players all the time under Mullin anyway it's not really any different than the last four years, so there is that, and there is nothing about recent history to indicate half the team wasn't leaving even if Mullin stayed. I get that. The biggest thing that Anderson can do is recruit players that have at least a passing interest in college. As long as there is a revolving door nothing is going to really improve.
 
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