Columns – Page 14

St. John’s Opens 2012 By Hosting Louisville At Madison Square Garden

January 2, 2012 by Jaden Daly 1 Comment

The calendar has turned and for those associated with St. John’s basketball, the hope is that so too will the team’s fortunes following an 83-69 defeat at the hands of reigning national champion Connecticut to close out 2011.

Now that the team has returned home after the trip to Hartford, they prepare for another ranked team in the Louisville Cardinals. This game will be the third contest for the Red Storm in Big East play in addition to the 2012 opener for both sides, and a little more information about each team follows this introduction.

Date: Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Location: Madison Square Garden; New York, New York
Time: 7:00 PM EST
TV: ESPNU (Adam Amin, Bill Raftery)
Radio: WBBR 1130 AM (John Minko, Tim O’Toole)
Online: WSJURadio.org (TBD)

St. John’s Red Storm (7-6, 1-1)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin* (2nd season at STJ, 28-18; 173-96 overall)
*- Assistant coach Mike Dunlap will serve as interim coach while Lavin recovers from offseason prostate cancer surgery

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Phil Greene (6-2 Fr., 6.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 34% FG, 73% FT, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG)
G D’Angelo Harrison (6-3 Fr., 15.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 37% FG, 32% 3pt, 82% FT, 2.0 APG, 1.7 SPG)
F Sir’Dominic Pointer (6-5 Fr., 7.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 50% FG, 31% 3pt, 46% FT, 1.2 APG, 1.2 SPG)
F God’sgift Achiuwa (6-8 Jr., 12.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 54% FG, 74% FT, 1.2 BPG)
F Moe Harkless (6-8 Fr., 15.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 46% FG, 66% FT, 1.7 APG, 1.6 BPG, 1.8 SPG)

Key Reserves:
G Malik Stith (5-11 Jr., 3.2 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 42% FG, 38% 3pt, 67% FT, 1.2 APG)
F Amir Garrett (6-6 Fr., 1.7 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 40% FG, 50% FT, 1.0 APG)

Keys To Victory:
– Control the pace. Louisville is notorious for being able to dictate the tempo, so the Red storm have to be the aggressors Tuesday night in order to emerge victorious. In both of the last two meetings with the Cardinals at the Garden; St. John’s played on their terms, forcing Louisville to play defense in a loss in February 2009 and a convincing 19-point win in January 2010.

– Actions speak louder than words. Moe Harkless admitted that he “didn’t take over the game as well as he should have” following the loss to UConn. The confident freshman forward should have more opportunities to do just that against a smaller Louisville lineup, but faces stiff competition inside against center Gorgui Dieng.

– Focus and finish. St. John’s proved that no lead is safe when they trimmed a 23-point UConn lead down to eleven late in the second half, and Mike Dunlap has been pleased with the incremental progress his unit has made since their loss to Kentucky last month. Even though Louisville is offensively proficient; the Red Storm are handling pressure situations much better than anyone expected at this point, which will keep them in the game if Louisville cannot close the door early in the second half.

Leading the charge for the opposition is a homegrown coach who returns to his hometown on the heels of a two-game losing streak.

No. 10 Louisville Cardinals (12-2, 0-1)
Head Coach: Rick Pitino (11th season at UL, 257-98; 611-226 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Peyton Siva (6-0 Jr., 9.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 33% FG, 80% FT, 6.2 APG, 2.0 SPG)
G Chris Smith (6-2 Sr., 9.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 40% FG, 39% 3pt, 75% FT, 2.7 APG, 1.2 SPG)
F Kyle Kuric (6-4 Jr., 12.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 49% FG, 34% 3pt, 74% FT, 1.1 APG, 1.6 SPG)
F Chane Behanan (6-6 Fr., 8.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 43% FG, 60% FT)
C Gorgui Dieng (6-11 So., 10.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 56% FG, 64% FT, 1.3 APG, 3.1 BPG)

Key Reserves:
G Russ Smith (6-0 So., 12.3 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 39% FG, 37% 3pt, 74% FT, 1.8 APG, 2.5 SPG)
F Jared Swopshire (6-8 Jr., 4.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 41% FG, 67% FT)

Keys To Victory:
– Right the ship. Regardless of who a program like Louisville plays, a two-game losing streak is cause for concern. St. John’s comes in off a battle against UConn where the Red Storm gained valuable experience in handling late-game deficits, and Louisville has had to play catch-up in much the same way their opponents Tuesday night attempted to against the reigning national champion Huskies. Expect Louisville to establish themselves early on as the stronger and more efficient team.

– Hey, you never know. After hard-fought losses to Georgetown and Kentucky; St. John’s is a game that the Cardinals and their fan base expect to win, but it is also a potential trap game. The Cardinals are looking to avenge an upset at the hands of the Johnnies in their most recent regular season trip to Madison Square Garden, which came in January of 2010 when the Norm Roberts-led Red Storm knocked off Louisville by the final of 74-55.

– Pound it inside. Combined, the duo of freshman Chane Behanan and sophomore Gorgui Dieng average over 18 points and 17 rebounds per game. Dieng in particular has been most impressive to watch after a shaky rookie campaign last season. The Senegalese import needs eight points and fifteen rebounds to average a double-double for the season; and might be able to attain the latter against God’sgift Achiuwa and Moe Harkless, who have not always been effective in beating their matchups to the paint.

So, Who Wins?
It has to get worse before it can get better. For St. John’s, the worst may have come in the aforementioned Kentucky game that the coaching staff now regards in much the same way they did with Fordham last year as a turning point for the season. In the Louisville camp, the potential to turn into a team on the decline is at its highest. A similar situation occurred in 2008-09 when a far more talented Notre Dame team came into the Garden ranked seventh in the country and lost to St. John’s for what would start a seven-game losing streak that ultimately cost the Fighting Irish an NCAA Tournament bid. Louisville has the right players and coach to avoid that misfortune. St. John’s will give the Cardinals all they can handle early, but the physicality and shooting of the Cardinals wins out as the night wears on.

Final Score: Louisville 73, St. John’s 62

Red Storm Look For 2-0 Big East Start Against Reigning National Champion UConn

December 30, 2011 by Jaden Daly Leave a Comment

Records were made to be broken, and Moe Harkless proved that in his Big East debut by scoring 32 points to set a new standard for freshmen playing in their first game as a member of what has been described as the best conference in the nation.

Harkless’ St. John’s team used the career night to their advantage on the way to a 91-67 victory over Providence in their Big East opener.

Now, the seven men that comprise the youngest roster in program history get one of their biggest challenges when they make the two-hour trip to New England to square off against the reigning national champion Connecticut Huskies, who narrowly escaped their 2011-12 conference debut with a win when they defeated USF on the road by the final of 60-57.

Ninth-ranked UConn will be without the services of their Hall of Fame head coach, though; as Jim Calhoun serves the second of his three-game suspension imposed as a result of a recruiting scandal involving former prospect Nate Miles, one that Calhoun really did not have much involvement in from a big picture standpoint.

Longtime Calhoun assistant and former Seton Hall coach George Blaney will be at the helm tomorrow afternoon, and JohnnyJungle.com gives you the particulars and the analysis before the New Year’s Eve showdown with the defending champs in what will serve as game number two on the Big East ledger for both schools.

Date: Saturday, December 31, 2011
Location: XL Center; Hartford, Connecticut
Time: 12:00 PM EST
TV: SNY/ESPN3 (Bob Picozzi, Kara Lawson, Andy Katz)
Radio: WBBR 1130 AM (John Minko, Tim O’Toole)
Online: WSJURadio.org (Kieran Lynch, Vince Ruffino)

St. John’s Red Storm (7-5, 1-0)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin* (2nd season at STJ, 28-17; 173-95 overall)
* – Assistant coach Mike Dunlap will serve as interim coach while Lavin recovers from offseason prostate cancer surgery

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Phil Greene (6-2 Fr., 6.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 35% FG, 75% FT, 2.2 APG, 1.3 SPG)
G D’Angelo Harrison (6-3 Fr., 15.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 39% FG, 34% 3pt, 82% FT, 1.8 APG, 1.6 SPG)
F Sir’Dominic Pointer (6-5 Fr., 6.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 48% FG, 31% 3pt, 47% FT, 1.2 APG, 1.1 SPG)
F God’sgift Achiuwa (6-8 Jr., 12.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 55% FG, 73% FT, 1.2 BPG)
F Moe Harkless (6-8 Fr., 15.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 46% FG, 62% FT, 1.8 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.8 SPG)

Key Reserves:
G Malik Stith (5-11 Jr., 3.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 44% FG, 43% 3pt, 67% FT, 1.3 APG)
F Amir Garrett (6-6 Fr., 2.5 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 67% FG, 50% FT, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG)

Keys To Victory:
– Avoid the bounce factor. Following a 24-point win in which Moe Harkless, D’Angelo Harrison and Phil Greene outscored Providence by themselves; the likelihood of a letdown is greater than usual, especially against a team the caliber of Connecticut. If St. John’s can attack the UConn frontcourt the way they did against teams the likes of Arizona and Texas A&M, the chances of an upset will improve.

– Guard play. Much like last season; the Huskies have three guards capable of changing the game at any given moment, which makes Greene and Harrison even more important than usual. With no other guards in their rotation, don’t be surprised to see Malik Stith play more minutes than usual in an attempt to combat the explosiveness of UConn’s backcourt.

– What’s up with Gift? A question asked by New York Daily News writer Roger Rubin at a press conference earlier in the season could once again be asked given the magnitude of tomorrow’s game. With the exception of the Kentucky game in which he posted his first and only career double-double, God’sgift Achiuwa has struggled against both marquee opponents and on the road. In three games against Arizona, Texas A&M and Detroit, Achiuwa has averaged just 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s now time to meet the reigning national champions.

No. 9 Connecticut Huskies (11-1, 1-0)
Head Coach: Jim Calhoun* (26th season at UConn, 618-232; 866-369 overall)
* – Associate head coach George Blaney will coach while Calhoun serves part of three-game suspension imposed by NCAA

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Shabazz Napier (6-1 So., 14.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 46% FG, 40% 3pt, 74% FT, 6.4 APG, 2.2 SPG)
G Jeremy Lamb (6-5 So., 19.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 52% FG, 40% 3pt, 82% FT, 1.6 APG, 2.0 SPG)
F Roscoe Smith (6-8 So., 3.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 41% FG, 73% FT)
F Alex Oriakhi (6-9 Jr., 7.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 48% FG, 53% FT, 1.3 BPG)
C Andre Drummond (6-10 Fr., 9.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 61% FG, 33% FT, 2.8 BPG)

Key Reserves:
G Ryan Boatright (6-0 Fr., 12.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 52% FG, 67% 3pt, 77% FT, 3.5 APG)
F Tyler Olander (6-9 So., 6.9 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 49% FG, 50% 3pt, 67% FT, 1.8 APG)
F DeAndre Daniels (6-8 Fr., 5.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 38% FG, 75% FT)

Keys To Victory:
– Third time is the charm. UConn has been soundly defeated by St. John’s in each of their last two meetings, both coming at Madison Square Garden. In March of 2010, the Red Storm defeated the Huskies in the first round of the Big East tournament by the final of 73-51 to burst what slim chances UConn had of remaining on the NCAA Tournament bubble; and picked up a 33-point performance from Dwight Hardy for an encore in the Johnnies’ 89-72 upset victory this past February in a game that featured many magic moments, with the halfcourt three-pointer that Malik Boothe banked off the backboard to beat the buzzer at halftime being one of them. UConn got the better of the Red Storm the last time the two teams squared off at the XL Center, and owns a lifetime record of 14-3 against St. John’s when the two sides take the court either in Hartford or at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs. In fact, St. John’s has not won in the Nutmeg State since January 16, 2000.

– The X factor. Many will bestow this title upon freshman guard Ryan Boatright due to his explosiveness off the bench, but UConn’s ace in the hole is really Tyler Olander. After struggling through most of his rookie season, the second-year forward has had a solid second-year campaign, with averages of nearly seven points and six rebounds in 25 minutes per game. Olander has truly blossomed as one of Jim Calhoun’s unsung heroes; and following a Big East tournament where he played some of the best games of his life, has really turned the corner for the Huskies.

– Embrace a shootout. This event could happen if both Jeremy Lamb and D’Angelo Harrison get off to quick starts tomorrow afternoon. Although he is as confident as they come, Harrison is a freshman that has yet to face the hostile environment created by the Connecticut fans. Lamb is also a better marksman on paper than his likely counterpart, shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc thus far this season. With Kemba Walker having graduated a year early and deciding to forgo his final year of eligibility in favor of the NBA; Jeremy has emerged as the go-to guy for the Huskies, and you can bet the ball will be in his hands come crunch time.

So, Who Wins?
UConn overcame a scare from USF in the first of three games the Huskies will play without the services of Jim Calhoun behind the bench, and the Hall of Famer will miss his team’s next game against Seton Hall as well. For St. John’s, it does not get any easier on the way back from Connecticut’s state capital as Louisville and Rick Pitino will await them in a Madison Square Garden matchup that will open 2012. St. John’s will have recent history on their side by virtue of having won the last two meetings with UConn in convincing fashion, but this is a new team and they are contesting this matchup on the road as opposed to the friendly confines of the Garden. The Huskies come in with something to prove following those aforementioned defeats and their near-upset loss to USF, and the smart money will be on a Connecticut runaway. However, St. John’s is far more talented and competitive than their seven-man roster lets on. UConn takes it, but it won’t be decided until the final minute or so.

Final Score: Connecticut 79, St. John’s 70

Red Storm Open Big East Play At Home Against Ed Cooley and Providence

December 26, 2011 by Jaden Daly Leave a Comment

The last time St. John’s took the court, it almost produced a result everyone would have loved to forget. Fortunately for the Red Storm and its vast fan base, Texas-Pan American’s attempts to walk away from Queens with a monumental upset of the Johnnies were thwarted by a game-ending 7-0 run from St. John’s. Six days removed from the closest of close calls this team has endured this season, the Red Storm open the 18-game natural selection exhibit known as Big East play when they take on Providence College at home tomorrow night. Below, JohnnyJungle.com gives you all the particulars leading up to the conference opener.

Date: Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Location: Carnesecca Arena; Jamaica, New York
Time: 7:00 PM EST
TV: MSG (Mike Crispino, John Celestand)
Radio: WBBR 1130 AM (John Minko, Tim O’Toole)
Online: WSJURadio.org (Tim Dimas, Jaden Daly)

St. John’s Red Storm (6-5)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin (2nd season at STJ, 27-17; 172-95 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Phil Greene (6-2 Fr., 6.2 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 36% FG, 69% FT, 2.2 APG, 1.2 SPG)
G D’Angelo Harrison (6-3 Fr., 14.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 36% FG, 34% 3pt, 81% FT, 1.4 APG, 1.5 SPG)
F Sir’Dominic Pointer (6-5 Fr., 6.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 51% FG, 36% 3pt, 47% FT, 1.0 APG, 1.1 SPG)
F God’sgift Achiuwa (6-8 Jr., 12.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 57% FG, 50% 3pt, 74% FT, 1.3 BPG)
F Moe Harkless (6-8 Fr., 14.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 42% FG, 62% FT, 1.5 APG, 1.7 BPG, 1.6 SPG)

Key Reserves:
G Malik Stith (5-11 Jr., 3.3 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 42% FG, 40% 3pt, 67% FT, 1.4 APG)
F Amir Garrett (6-6 Fr., 3 pts, 2 rebs, 1/2 FG and 1/2 FT in 15 minutes in collegiate debut 12/21 vs. UTPA)

Keys To Victory:
– Take care of the ball. In today’s pregame press conference, interim coach Mike Dunlap remarked about how impressed he was with Phil Greene’s baptism by fire at the point guard position. Since he is matched up with a point guard that has an assist to turnover ratio of greater than 2:1 in Providence’s Vincent Council, Greene will need to make handling the ball his top priority against a deceptively explosive Providence backcourt.

– The higher power. God’sgift Achiuwa comes into tomorrow night’s game off a career-high 22 points against Texas-Pan American last Wednesday, and will face an inexperienced frontcourt in the post. Providence is reintroducing Kadeem Batts to its lineup after a suspension cost him the first eleven games of the season; and although LaDontae Henton has been explosive out of the gate, he is still only a freshman. Achiuwa and Moe Harkless will be able to employ their size advantage early on if Batts comes off the bench as expected.

– Freshman orientation. In addition to the praise that Phil Greene drew earlier today; Amir Garrett was complimented just as much, and it’s easy to see why. Despite being with the team for only a week since being declared eligible, Garrett has demonstrated the ability to be far more mature than an average person his age. The rookie has used this skill to his advantage in practice, as Mike Dunlap noticed that his character has enabled him to embrace the challenges surrounding the Red Storm easier and faster than he would have expected. However, Garrett is still a work in progress, and should get an increased opportunity to prove himself tomorrow night.

Making the trip down Interstate 95 to open their Big East season against the Red Storm for the second time in four years are the Friars of Providence College.

Providence Friars (11-2)
Head Coach: Ed Cooley (1st season at PC, 11-2; 103-71 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Vincent Council (6-2 Jr., 16.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 42% FG, 60% FT, 6.9 APG, 1.1 SPG)
G Bryce Cotton (6-1 So., 15.7 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 47% FG, 43% 3pt, 91% FT, 2.0 APG, 1.3 SPG)
G Gerard Coleman (6-4 So., 15.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 47% FG, 72% FT, 2.2 APG, 1.2 SPG)
F LaDontae Henton (6-6 Fr., 13.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 45% FG, 34% 3pt, 65% FT, 1.0 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.3 SPG)
F Ron Giplaye (6-6 So., 1.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 54% FG, 37% FT)

Key Reserves:
F Kadeem Batts (6-9 So., 8.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 64% FG, 25% FT)
F Bilal Dixon (6-9 Jr., 2.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 52% FG, 89% FT, 1.1 BPG)
F Brice Kofane (6-8 Fr., 2.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 55% FG, 52% FT, 1.8 BPG)

Keys To Victory:
– Conditioning. Ed Cooley is now the beneficiary of a nine-man rotation now that Kadeem Batts is back in the fold, and four of his starters average 35 or more minutes played per game. Not coincidentally, those four players are all averaging at least thirteen points per night as well. Cooley mentioned in an interview earlier today that he has worked on executions inside the last four minutes of every game; so if this one goes down to the wire, the Friars will have a mental edge based on what they have gone through in practice.

– Ball strong and ball quick. Those were Cooley’s words when asked what the keys to victory would be against a defensively gifted team the likes of St. John’s. The coach mentioned that his team could ill afford to turn the ball over (they have only one more assist than turnovers this season as a team) and could not get outrebounded either. Fortunately for the Friars, they have averaged a plus-5 margin on the glass through thirteen games, pulling down 40 boards while yielding just 35. Sophomore guard Gerard Coleman will be a factor here, as he has played more like a swingman by virtue of Providence’s three-guard lineup. Initially starting the season as a reserve, Coleman’s inclusion into the starting lineup has propelled the Friars to their current seven-game winning streak.

– Flashbacks. On paper, the statistics for sophomore shooting guard Bryce Cotton and freshman forward LaDontae Henton are very impressive. When those numbers translate to the court, however, St. John’s fans will recognize shades of former Red Storm legends in each one. With a 43 percent success rate from three-point range and a 91 percent mark from the free throw line to go with averages of two assists and over one steal per game, Cotton draws comparisons to Dwight Hardy; while Henton’s averages of thirteen points and eight rebounds per game coupled with a 34 percent shooting effort from beyond the arc is enough of a reason to liken the freshman from Michigan to former swingman D.J. Kennedy.

So, Who Wins?
Each team has too much to gain and seemingly just as much to lose going into their second Big East contests on Saturday. Providence continues down Interstate 95 to face Georgetown at the Verizon Center, while the Red Storm go into New England for a collision with reigning national champion Connecticut. If St. John’s is to pull this out, it will not come easy given the thin roster they have to work with throughout the season. However, Providence has not been as battle tested as the Red Storm, with a road victory at Fairfield in the second game of the year serving as the Friars’ signature nonconference matchup. Games are not played on paper, though; and in a game that will come down to the final minute just as last year’s installment of the Red Storm-Friars rivalry did, Providence uses their deceptively explosive offense to get up in their conference opener.

Final Score: Providence 72, St. John’s 68

Amir Garrett Joins St. John’s, Red Storm face Texas Pan-American

December 21, 2011 by Jaden Daly Leave a Comment

No Lindsey, no problem.

That described St. John’s win last Saturday against Fordham, as the Red Storm pulled out the victory with a six-man rotation in their first game without Nurideen Lindsey running the point. Now back at .500, the Red Storm welcome Texas-Pan American to Carnesecca Arena in their final nonconference game before the start of Big East play this Tuesday against Providence.

Also, for his season debut, Amir Garrett will suit up and be able to play for St. John’s.

JohnnyJungle.com gets you closer to what you need to know below before tonight’s opening tip.

Date: Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Location: Carnesecca Arena; Jamaica, New York
Time: 7:00 PM EST
TV: ESPN3/espn3.com via STJ-TV (Tony Luftman, Tarik Turner)
Radio: WBBR 1130 AM (John Minko, Tim O’Toole)
Online: WSJURadio.org (Tim Dimas, John Sudolsky)

St. John’s Red Storm (5-5)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin (2nd season at STJ, 26-17; 171-95 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Phil Greene (6-2 Fr., 6.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 36% FG, 69% FT, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG)
G D’Angelo Harrison (6-3 Fr., 13.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 34% FG, 32% 3pt, 82% FT, 1.4 APG, 1.6 SPG)
F Sir’Dominic Pointer (6-5 Fr., 6.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 52% FG, 40% 3pt, 48% FT, 1.1 APG, 1.0 SPG)
F God’sgift Achiuwa (6-8 Jr., 11.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 54% FG, 75% FT, 1.3 BPG)
F Moe Harkless (14.7 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 42% FG, 64% FT, 1.3 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.7 SPG)

Key Reserves:
G Malik Stith (5-11 Jr., 3.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 43% FG, 40% 3pt, 67% FT, 1.5 APG), Amir Garrett

Keys To Victory:
– Slow and steady wins the race. With a six-man rotation, the biggest factor in this game will be conditioning. St. John’s can ill afford to burn themselves out in a game like this with the Big East season starting in just another six days. Therefore, the tendency to show off will have to be reined in through most of the first half. Conservative basketball will serve the Red Storm well in the opening minutes in this matchup.

– Don’t look too far ahead. Not only does St. John’s have a winnable game tonight, their Big East opener against Providence (currently 10-2) is also a matchup that some fans are tipping the scales toward the Johnnies in before their New Year’s Eve clash with reigning national champion Connecticut. With two games where they will be favored, (one of them heavily) St. John’s needs to take this upcoming stretch one game at a time going into the start of conference play and beyond.

– Welcome to the family. After initially being declared ineligible, swingman Amir Garrett has finally arrived on the bench. The left-handed two-sport star has earned the respect of the fans by upholding his commitment to the Red Storm; and if he does make his collegiate debut tonight, expect an ovation similar to the rousing hands former walk-on Kevin Clark received every time he touched the court.

Now, to familiarize everyone with a little-known opponent…

Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Broncs (4-9)
Head Coach: Ryan Marks (3rd season at UTPA, 16-61; 164-144 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Nick Weiermiller (6-1 Sr., 4.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 39% FG, 34% 3pt, 80% FT, 3.5 APG)
G Brandon Provost (6-3 Jr., 12.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 38% FG, 38% 3pt, 80% FT, 2.2 APG)
G Jared Maree (6-3 Sr., 14.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 51% FG, 38% 3pt, 64% FT, 1.5 APG)
F Earl Jefferson (6-5 Jr., 4.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 42% FG, 60% FT)
F Ruben Cabrera (6-7 Jr., 7.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 49% FG, 39% 3pt, 57% FT)

Key Reserves:
G Aaron Urbanus (6-0 Jr., 6.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 38% FG, 36% 3pt, 55% FT, 1.4 APG)
G Jesus Delgado (6-4 Jr., 3.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 34% FG, 62% FT, 1.6 APG)
F Josh Cleveland (6-6 So., 3.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 38% FG, 40% FT)

Keys To Victory:
– Confidence. Anything can happen on any given day, and UTPA will look to prove that old adage to be true. Still reclassifying from Division II, the Broncs will look to use their long-range proficiency to keep the Red Storm defense at work throughout the night in the hope of doing what Kennesaw State did last year when they knocked off Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

– Experience against top teams. UTPA may play in the lightly-regarded Great West Conference, but the Broncs have challenged themselves through thirteen games this season. With contests against the likes of DePaul, Northwestern and second-ranked Ohio State already under their belt, UTPA is up for the challenge against a six-man St. John’s roster.

– One-man show. The Broncs have three players averaging more than ten points per game, but Jared Maree has established himself as the star of this team. Coming into this contest with a clip of 14.8 points per game and a 38 percent mark from three point range, the most impressive statistic on Maree’s ledger is his ability to take high percentage shots. At 51 percent, he is UTPA’s top shooter from the field, and will likely get a number of opportunities to capitalize off of that against a St. John’s unit that has been historically susceptible to giving up a big game to a particular player.

So, Who Wins?
UTPA will come into this contest with an “us against the world” mentality, and rightfully so. Even if Amir Garrett does make his debut tonight as expected, don’t be surprised to see UTPA compete early and get a few triples and mid-range jumpers to keep it close against the Red Storm. With Big East play approaching, St. John’s is well aware of what is at stake here. It’s not going to be a clinic for either side, but the Johnnies get the job done to open conference play with a 6-5 record.

Final Score: St. John’s 73, UTPA 55

St. John’s Returns To MSG For Holiday Festival Meeting With Fordham

December 17, 2011 by Jaden Daly Leave a Comment

Twelve days ago, St. John’s dropped their third straight game when they fell to Detroit on the road. Since then, the atmosphere around the Red Storm program has underwent a complete 180.

Shortly following the Detroit game, point guard Nurideen Lindsey announced his intentions to transfer once final exams were completed at the end of the semester. With Lindsey on the verge of departing, Phil Greene will likely see the lion’s share of the minutes at the point starting today as St. John’s takes the court for the first time in twelve days when the Red Storm hosts Fordham in the Holiday Festival at Madison Square Garden. Once a two-day tournament, the Holiday Festival is now a one-day soiree; and the Johnnies will have revenge on their minds against Fordham, who erased a 21-point deficit with two 16-0 runs in the second half to upset St. John’s on their home court in the Bronx one year ago. The Red Storm then used that game as motivation for their captivating run through the Big East into the NCAA Tournament. Below, JohnnyJungle.com helps you get caught up on all the background information heading into the long-anticipated rematch in midtown Manhattan.

Date: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Location: Madison Square Garden; New York, New York
Time: 2:30 PM EST
TV: MSG Plus (Mike Crispino, Brandon Brown)
Radio: WBBR 1130 AM (John Minko, Tim O’Toole)
WFUV 90.7 FM, wfuv.org (Kyle Kesses, Ricky Cibrano)
Online: WSJURadio.org (Mike Rossillo, Kieran Lynch)

St. John’s Red Storm (4-5)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin (2nd season, 25-17; 170-95 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Phil Greene (6-2 Fr., 6.1 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 39% FG, 71% FT, 1.8 APG, 1.0 SPG)
G D’Angelo Harrison (6-3 Fr., 13.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 35% FG, 32% 3pt, 82% FT, 1.3 APG, 1.4 SPG)
F Sir’Dominic Pointer (6-5 Fr., 6.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 56% FG, 44% 3pt, 41% FT, 1.0 SPG)
F God’sgift Achiuwa (6-8 Jr., 11.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 51% FG, 76% FT, 1.1 BPG)
F Moe Harkless (6-8 Fr., 14.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 43% FG, 64% FT, 1.3 APG, 1.8 BPG, 1.8 SPG)

Key Reserves:
G Malik Stith (5-11 Jr., 3.7 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 43% FG, 40% 3pt, 71% FT, 1.7 APG)

Keys To Victory:
– Good things come in small packages. Not in terms of height, but numbers. Now that Nurideen Lindsey is on his way out, St. John’s will be employing a six-man rotation until Amir Garrett is declared eligible. Garrett will not be able to suit up until Wednesday at the earliest, so the Red Storm will have an even shorter bench for at least one game should Lindsey not play. With that being said, the margin for error decreases just as much. In order for the Red Storm to walk out of the Garden winners, they need to cut down on their average of 14 turnovers per game; and only two players in the rotation have more assists than turnovers.

– Greene means go. Phil Greene has had some of the greatest moments of his young career inside Madison Square Garden, and the Chicago native returns to the “World’s Most Famous Arena” with the keys to the Red Storm offense following the Lindsey transfer announcement. Greene’s primary assignment will likely be fellow freshman Devon “Fatty” McMillan in defensive matchups, with Branden Frazier perhaps moving over from his position off the ball. Against a Fordham team that is susceptible to yielding the open shot, Greene and D’Angelo Harrison will likely be the targets early and often.

– Take advantage of the mismatch. Fordham will likely start three guards, but Chris Gaston is a small forward that is forced into the power forward spot due to the Rams’ undersized roster. This lack of height will give God’sgift Achiuwa the chance to exploit a small Fordham lineup and beat Gaston into the low post. Sir’Dominic Pointer gives up two inches to the 6-7 Gaston, but has the athleticism and speed to cut the New Jersey product off inside if need be as well.

Coming over the Triboro Bridge and into Midtown looking for their second consecutive win over St. John’s are the pride of the Bronx.

Fordham Rams (4-5)
Head Coach: Tom Pecora (2nd season at Fordham, 11-26; 166-152 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Devon McMillan (5-10 Fr., 11.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 33% FG, 63% FT, 3.3 APG, 2.0 SPG)
G Branden Frazier (6-1 So., 10.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 38% FG, 56% FT, 2.8 APG, 1.7 SPG)
G Bryan Smith (6-2 Fr., 9.3 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 39% FG, 31% 3pt, 50% FT, 1.6 APG, 1.7 SPG)
F Chris Gaston (6-7 Jr., 14.6 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 40% FG, 75% 3pt, 55% FT, 1.0 APG, 1.9 BPG, 1.3 SPG)
F Kervin Bristol (6-10 Sr., 4.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 52% FG, 40% FT, 2.1 BPG)

Key Reserves:
G Alberto Estwick (6-3 Sr., 3.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 34% FG, 25% FT)
F Marvin Dominique (6-7 So., 3.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 47% FG, 83% FT)

Keys To Victory:
– Score. Plain and simple. Fordham has only eclipsed 70 points twice this season, whereas St. John’s has done so in four games. However, the Red Storm have yet to top the 70-point plateau since scoring 72 in the losing effort against Arizona one month ago at the Garden. The offensive dropoff on the part of the Red Storm gives Fordham an additional glimmer of hope, but the Rams’ 38 percent clip from the field will need to be improved against a St. John’s team that can and will hit an open shot if given the opportunity.

– Combo guards. Freshman Devon “Fatty” McMillan and sophomore Branden Frazier both have the ability to run the point for Tom Pecora, but only Frazier has demonstrated an equal talent to excel off the ball. Frazier, who committed to Hofstra last season only to follow Pecora to Fordham once he took the job there in March of 2010, was a huge factor in the Rams’ upset win at Rose Hill Gym against the Red Storm last year, tallying 16 points and five assists despite early foul trouble.

– Win the battle of the boards. Pecora’s team has done that on average this season, outrebounding their opponents by a slim 38-37 margin. A major part of that is forward Chris Gaston, who needs 11 rebounds today to average a double-double for the season. Gaston’s innate ability to track down the ball wherever it may be on the court gives him the advantage against a rather inexperienced duo of God’sgift Achiuwa and Moe Harkless, both of whom are still adjusting to the style of play in their first seasons at the Division I level.

So, Who Wins?
Fordham will be looking to prove that last year was no fluke. The homecourt advantage that was so deeply in their favor twelve months ago at Rose Hill is gone, replaced by the bright lights of Madison Square Garden and the memories of Red Storm magic created within the past year. Malik Stith may be the only member of the team still around for St. John’s, and there is no doubt that the junior guard remembers the image of Fordham fans rushing the court in the wake of the Rams’ 84-81 victory last season. This game won’t be the prettiest one you’ll see this year, but sometimes the game is a war. It will be a lot closer than people think now that St. John’s has a smaller bench than they have been accustomed to, but Goliath gets his revenge on David this time around only because Fordham is still a work in progress.

Final Score: St. John’s 71, Fordham 61

« Previous Page