Columns – Page 16

St. John’s Makes Madison Square Garden Debut Against No. 15 Arizona

November 16, 2011 by Jaden Daly 2 Comments

After two games that went closer to the wire than most had hoped, St. John’s got the comfortable win it was looking for this past Sunday, erasing an early seven-point deficit to defeat UMBC in a victory that proved the Red Storm were more than just a second-half team.

The hangover from a rout has worn off, however. Standing in their way is the 15th-ranked team in the country, one who poses as much a challenge as the several Top 25 programs the Red Storm toppled on the way to the NCAA Tournament. Below, JohnnyJungle.com prepares you for the semifinal matchup of the 2K Sports Classic, pitting the Red Storm against Sean Miller’s Arizona Wildcats.

Date: Thursday, November 17, 2011
Location: Madison Square Garden; New York, New York
Time: 9:30 PM EST
TV: ESPN2 (Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale, Andy Katz)
Radio: WBBR 1130 AM (John Minko, Tim O’Toole)
Online: WSJURadio.org (Tim Dimas, Mike Rossillo)

St. John’s Red Storm (3-0)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin (2nd season, 24-12; 169-90 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:

G Nurideen Lindsey (6-3 So., 16.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 50% FG, 56% FT, 4.7 APG, 3.3 SPG)
G Malik Stith (5-11 Jr., 6.3 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 62% FG, 50% 3pt, 67% FT, 1.0 APG)
G D’Angelo Harrison (6-3 Fr., 14.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 42% FG, 38% 3pt, 79% FT, 1.7 APG, 2.7 SPG)
F God’sgift Achiuwa (6-8 Jr., 17.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 73% FG, 91% FT, 1.0 BPG)
F Moe Harkless (6-8 Fr., 16.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 50% FG, 50% FT, 1.7 APG, 1.7 BPG, 2.0 SPG)

Key Reserves:
F Sir’Dominic Pointer (6-5 Fr., 3.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 44% FG, 50% 3pt, 40% FT, 1.0 SPG)
G Phil Greene (6-2 Fr., 2.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 18% FG, 50% FT, 1.7 APG, 1.0 SPG)

Keys To Victory:
– Force rookie mistakes. Arizona is a young team in much the same vein as the Red Storm, despite starting two seniors and two juniors. However, the Wildcats have already committed 48 turnovers through their first three contests, which gives St. John’s a window to introduce their press defense early and often. Arizona can shoot, too, so don’t be surprised to see this game turn into a track meet between an Arizona team that averages 71 points per game and a St. John’s group that puts up 78 a night, while yielding only 64.

– Close to the three-point line Arizona’s shooting strength lies within its guards, and St. John’s will be introduced to Kyle Fogg and Jordin Mayes from the opening tip. Freshman Nick Johnson has also proven himself as a gifted scorer off the bench for head coach Sean Miller, and the Wildcats will also have Kevin Parrom again after the New York City product made his return this past Sunday against Ball State. Arizona is already shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc for the season, (18-for-48) and the Red Storm have been vulnerable to yielding early baskets from long range, as is evidence by the 11-for-14 start Lehigh got off to against the Johnnies in Steve Lavin’s return.

– Recapture the magic. St. John’s resurgence was sparked by six victories against Top 25 programs last year, and their first game against a ranked team in the miracle 2010-11 season was the thrilling 61-58 victory over then-No. 13 Georgetown on the same Madison Square Garden court the Red Storm take for the first time this season. In addition, St. John’s was 7-2 at the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” a year ago. Head coach Steve Lavin hinted at the potential pressure his young team would be facing, stating that there “could be some butterflies” leading to the opening tip. Just like their season opener, the Red Storm need to fight the tendency to not get caught up in the moment, and their three previous games could actually be a calming influence.

Taking the court against the Johnnies, we have…

No. 15 Arizona Wildcats (3-0)
Head Coach: Sean Miller (3rd season at Arizona, 49-23; 169-70 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:

G Kyle Fogg (6-3 Sr., 14.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 43% FG, 50% 3pt, 84% FT)
G Jordin Mayes (6-2 So., 9.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 45% FG, 46% 3pt, 56% FT, 1.0 SPG)
F Jesse Perry (6-7 Sr., 10.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 50% FG, 64% FT, 1.0 BPG)
F Solomon Hill (6-6 Jr., 10.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 40% FG, 75% FT, 3.3 APG, 1.0 SPG)
C Kyryl Natyazhko (6-11 Jr., 2.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 60% FG, 50% FT)

Key Reserves:
G Nick Johnson (6-2 Fr., 10.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 33% FG, 40% 3pt, 73% FT, 2.7 APG)
F Kevin Parrom (6-6 Jr., 6.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 33% FG, 33% 3pt, 75% FT, 2.0 APG)
G Brendon Lavender (6-5 Sr., 4.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 67% FG, 67% 3pt, 100% FT, 1.0 APG)
F Angelo Chol (6-9 Fr., 4.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 60% FG, 1.7 SPG)
G Josiah Turner (6-3 Fr., 3.5 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 14% FG, 63% FT, 2.0 APG)

Keys To Victory:
– Wear St. John’s down. It’s no secret that St. John’s is only playing a seven-man rotation for the first half of the season. Arizona coach Sean Miller has the luxury of playing ten, sometimes even eleven on any given night. The return of Kevin Parrom only makes Miller’s rotation deeper, which helps the Wildcats if the game is close late against a fatigued Red Storm team. However, St. John’s is one of the better conditioned teams in the nation. Solomon Hill and Jesse Perry will match up against God’sgift Achiuwa and Moe Harkless in a battle of the boards that could yield a double-double to each of the four combatants.

–Get to the glass. Through the first three games, Arizona has a plus-23 rebounding margin (116-93) against the minus-15 (98-113) on the St. John’s ledger. In addition to the aforementioned Perry and Hill, (49 rebounds combined this season) Arizona also has 6-9 freshman Angelo Chol at their disposal, and he has managed 15 rebounds through the first three contests. Kyle Fogg and Kevin Parrom can also get to the ball even though both are considered scorers before rebounders.

–Take the crowd out of it early. St. John’s established a true homecourt advantage at Madison Square Garden last season, but this atmosphere actually favors Arizona since the Wildcats averaged close to 13,000 through their first three games on their home court of the McKale Center in Tucson. Being no stranger to playing in front of big crowds, Arizona can feed off what will likely be a house of over 10,000 at the Garden and play inspired basketball that will force St. John’s to pick up the pieces early. If the Red Storm are without their sixth man in the stands, it could be an uphill battle.

So, Who Wins?
St. John’s is not shying away from the fact that this game is their first “Super Bowl” of the season. On the other side of the court, Arizona has some battle scars from big games against the likes of Duke and Connecticut in last year’s NCAA Tournament. This game will come down to how well St. John’s is able to react to the Madison Square Garden stage and how well they can adjust to Arizona’s depth. The Wildcats will try to come out to an early lead after a couple of threes, but don’t be surprised to see the Red Storm try to match them shot for shot in the early going. Arizona will ultimately win out due to their multitude of options on the roster, even though you can expect St. John’s to give an inspired effort while playing a cohesive brand of basketball throughout the night.

Final Score: Arizona 74, St. John’s 68

DJ Kennedy and Justin Brownlee Score Tryouts with D-League Teams

November 15, 2011 by Daniel Martin 1 Comment

NCAA BASKETBALL: JAN 30 Duke at St. John's — Kennedy tore his ACL the final game of his St. John's career but has bounced back to play professional ball. (Photo: Icon/SMI)

While other former members of the Red Storm have moved abroad to pursue professional careers, DJ Kennedy and Justin Brownlee have found opportunities here in the States, with D-League affiliates in Pennsylvania and Maine.

Kennedy, who is working his way back from a serious knee injury that he suffered in last year’s Big East tournament, got a free agent invite to training camp with the Erie Bayhawks, the NBA D-League affiliate of the New York Knicks.

Brownlee played a short time with the New Laredo Bulls of the Mexican National Basketball League and will now try out with the Maine Red Claws, the D-League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and Charlotte Bobcats.

Both players were integral in the St. John’s run to the NCAA tournament last season, combining for almost 23 points and 11 rebounds per game last season.

Other members of the St. John’s Class of 2011 that are now playing abroad include Dwight Hardy in Italy, Paris Horne and Sean Evans in Germany, and Justin Burrell in Japan. Former walk-on Kevin Clark is playing out his last year of college eligibility at Pace.

St. John’s Looks To Go 3-0, Red Storm Face UMBC In Sunday Matinee

November 12, 2011 by Jaden Daly Leave a Comment

St. John’s rallied to a comeback win in their last game Wednesday night, erasing a 16-point deficit to beat Lehigh on a night highlighted by the triumphant surprise return of head coach Steve Lavin.

But, in Friday’s press conference, it was clear that the Red Storm are looking forward.

In the words of their own head coach last season, St. John’s now needs to put “hammer to rock” and move on to the next one, which comes against America East program UMBC, who represented the conference in the 2008 NCAA Tournament.

For the first time this season, the Red Storm compete directly with the National Football League, with a 2pm tip-off. JohnnyJungle.com gets you up to speed with everything you need to know about this Sunday’s matinee in Queens, below.

Date: Sunday, November 13, 2011
Location: Carnesecca Arena; Jamaica, New York
Time: 2:00 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 (Mike Rossillo, Karl Delatorre)

St. John’s Red Storm (2-0)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin (2nd season, 23-12; 168-90 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Nurideen Lindsey (6-3 So., 17.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 62% FG, 47% FT, 2.5 APG, 4.0 SPG)
G Malik Stith (5-11 Jr., 4.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 67% FG, 1.5 APG)
G D’Angelo Harrison (6-3 Fr., 13.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 38% FG, 30% 3pt, 73% FT, 1.0 APG, 2.5 SPG)
F God’sgift Achiuwa (6-8 Jr., 19.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 71% FG, 88% FT, 1.0 APG, 1.0 BPG)
F Moe Harkless (6-8 Fr., 16.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 45% FG, 33% 3pt, 36% FT, 2.5 APG, 1.0 BPG, 1.5 SPG)

Key Reserves:
F Sir’Dominic Pointer (6-5 Fr., 5.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 67% FG, 100% 3pt, 40% FT, 1.0 BPG, 1.5 SPG)
G Phil Greene (6-2 Fr., 1.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 75% FT, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG)

Keys To Victory:

– Come out firing on both sides. St. John’s can take care of business offensively if the right shots fall at the right time, but in each of the first two games the Johnnies have played so far, their defensive efforts have yet to yield favorable results until the second half. Going against a UMBC team that committed 20 turnovers in its season opener Friday night against Penn, the press defense and matchup zone needs to be executed to near-perfection on almost every possession to avoid a repeat of the first two opening halves, even though the Retrievers missed each of their eleven three-point attempts in their 59-45 loss to the Quakers.

– Yes Sir! Each of the first two games has a common thread: A standout defensive exhibition from Sir’Dominic Pointer in the second half. Be it a block from out of nowhere or a run down the court to steal a potential field goal against Lehigh, the Detroit product has demonstrated an innate ability to go after the ball on each end. However, Pointer’s offensive prowess has yet to be maximized at this point in the season. Pointer should have many opportunities to change that against a UMBC squad that averaged just 64 points per game during a five-win campaign.

– Divine intervention. God’sgift Achiuwa has come out from the half-dozen newcomers and established himself as the leader in the clubhouse in the race for “most impressive newcomer.” Achiuwa has posted near-double-doubles in each of the first two contests for St. John’s, and solidified his reputation as an effective post presence with his 21 points on a perfect shooting night against Lehigh. The Nigerian big man will draw a UMBC frontcourt of equal stature to his 6’8″ frame, but Achiuwa should have his moments of dominance more often than not.

Now, to get you caught up on the team making the trip up Interstate 95 into Queens…

UMBC Retrievers (0-1)
Head Coach: Randy Monroe (8th season, 81-135)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Joey Getz (6-0 Fr., 4.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 25% FG, 67% FT, 3.0 APG, 1.0 SPG)
G Jamar Wertz (6-3 So., 6.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 25% FG, 100% FT, 1.0 SPG)
F Adrian Satchell (6-5 Jr., 4.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 40% FG, 1.0 SPG)
F Chase Plummer (6-6 So., 15.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 36% FG, 56% FT, 2.0 BPG, 2.0 SPG)
F Nate Basalyga (6-9 Fr., 1.0 RPG, 1.0 APG)

Key Reserves:
G Brian Neller (6-4 Jr., 4.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 13% FG, 100% FT, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG)
F Jake Wasco (6-8 Sr., 4.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 100% FG)
F Will Wise (6-8 Fr., 2.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 100% FG, 1.0 SPG)
F Chandler Thomas (6-6 Fr., 3.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 33% FG, 50% FT)

Keys To Victory:

– Rookie quarterback. With senior Chris De La Rosa still recovering from offseason foot surgery and not expected to play, freshman Joey Getz has been thrust into the role of floor general for coach Randy Monroe. Although he only made one field goal Friday night, the Philadelphia native posted well-rounded numbers against Penn, with four points, five rebounds and three assists. Getz’s baptism by fire continues Sunday when he goes up against fellow City of Brotherly Love native Nurideen Lindsey at the point.

– Keep it simple. UMBC enduring an 0-for-11 performance from three-point range Friday night against Penn could be a blessing in disguise. Given that St. John’s has had difficulty closing to the arc early in games thus far, open looks for the Retrievers could result in brick after brick that will enable St. John’s to draw away sooner rather than later. With that in mind, UMBC would be better off going inside, especially to swingman Chase Plummer. The 6-6 sophomore started his second campaign with a very promising showing in the loss to the Quakers, finishing one rebound shy of a double-double while leading his team with 15 points.

– Fear the triple. One big reason why Penn was able to defeat the Retrievers convincingly was due to their six three-pointers, four of which came from shooting guard Zack Rosen. St. John’s has been streaky from beyond the arc so far, but that does not mean the Johnnies don’t have the shooters to put games away from long range. If UMBC can single out D’Angelo Harrison and even Moe Harkless on film and adequately prepare for their forays outside the line, they will be in this game longer than some people expect.

So, Who Wins?
On paper, this looks like the easiest of the three matchups St. John’s has been a part of this season. On the court, it may be just the same. UMBC will need to exert themselves against competition they have not won against in quite some time, with a 12-game losing streak dating back to 2000. For St. John’s, all they need to do is stay out of trouble, and the win that fans and experts expect should come to them before the final buzzer. UMBC is on the rise, but the loss of their senior leader will prove too much for them to overcome, as the Red Storm make their 2011-12 Madison Square Garden debut as an undefeated team.

Final Score: St. John’s 79, UMBC 53

St. John’s Takes On Lehigh in Game Two of 2k Classic

November 9, 2011 by Jaden Daly Leave a Comment

St. John’s gave their fans a little bit of everything Monday night in their season opener against William & Mary: A sluggish start, struggles at the free throw line, and ultimately twenty perfect minutes during the second half on their way to a 74-59 victory.

Nurideen Lindsey’s 17 second-half points ignited a defensive showcase that forced 21 turnovers, with four players in double figures and a seven-man rotation that outlasted the Tribe for 40 minutes.

The show goes on no less than 48 hours after the collegiate debuts of all but one of the Red Storm players, with Patriot League foe Lehigh next up on St. John’s schedule in what will continue the preliminary round of the 2K Sports Classic.

Below, we take a closer look at Lehigh, and get you further prepared for the opening tip of game number two.

Date: Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Location: Carnesecca Arena; Jamaica, New York
Time: 7:00 PM EST
TV: ESPN2 (Bob Wischusen, Len Elmore)
Radio: WBBR 1130 AM (John Minko, Tim O’Toole)
Online: WSJURadio.org (Mike Rossillo, Vince Ruffino)
LehighSports.com (Matt Kerr, Steve Lomangino)

St. John’s Red Storm (1-0)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin (2nd season, 22-12; 167-90 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:
G Nurideen Lindsey (6-3 So., 19.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 67% FG, 38% FT, 4.0 APG, 5.0 SPG)
G Malik Stith (5-11 Jr., 2.0 PPG, 100% FG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG)
G D’Angelo Harrison (6-3 Fr., 14.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 46% FG, 67% FT, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG)
F God’sgift Achiuwa (6-8 Jr., 17.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 55% FG, 71% FT, 1.0 APG, 1.0 BPG)
F Moe Harkless (6-8 Fr., 17.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 41% FG, 33% 3pt, 33% FT, 4.0 APG, 1.0 BPG, 2.0 SPG)

Key Reserves:
F Sir’Dominic Pointer (6-5 Fr., 5.0 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 67% FG, 100% 3pt, 1.0 BPG, 1.0 SPG)
G Phil Greene (6-2 Fr., 1.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.0 SPG)

Keys To Victory:

– All press, all the time. Once the second half started Monday night, St. John’s wore down William & Mary within minutes with their stifling matchup zone and press defense. After getting burned from long range by the Tribe in the opening period, the Red Storm forced 21 turnovers, while committing only four of their own. Lehigh comes into this game having averaged 74 points per game last season in the offensively-oriented Patriot League, ten more than William & Mary managed on a nightly basis last season. Lehigh also has a potent second option in 6-9 forward Gabe Knutson, who should be the get a number of open looks in the paint, simply because of his height advantage on the block.

– Watch the star guard. Lehigh’s C.J. McCollum is a 6-3 junior who just so happens to enter this season as the Patriot League’s Preseason Player of the Year. In his sophomore campaign, he averaged just under 22 points and eight rebounds for the Mountain Hawks, en route to the Patriot League championship game, where they lost to Bucknell. McCollum will undoubtedly be the focal point on the wing for Lehigh, as he can do a little bit of everything. If St. John’s can take him out of the game early and force point guard Mackey McKnight to get the supporting cast involved, it will be a long night for the boys from Pennsylvania.

– Stay out of foul trouble. After Monday night’s 12-of-25 performance at the charity stripe, the last thing a young team like St. John’s wants to do is get into a battle at the line with a team like Lehigh, who shot 76 percent from the line as a team last season. In fact, each of the Mountain Hawks’ starters shot 70 percent or better from the stripe a year ago, led by McCollum (85 percent) and McKnight (84 percent). If the game is close in the final five minutes, the potential for it to be won or lost at the line increases dramatically, and plays into Lehigh’s favor.

Now, for a little more on the guys across the court…

Lehigh Mountain Hawks (2010-11 Record: 16-15, 6-8 Patriot League)
Head Coach: Brett Reed (5th season, 66-55)

Projected Starting Lineup: (Stats reflect 2010-11 season)
G Mackey McKnight (6-0 So., 7.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 34% FG, 84% FT, 3.7 APG)
G C.J. McCollum (6-3 Jr., 21.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 40% FG, 32% 3pt, 85% FT, 2.1 APG, 2.5 SPG)
F Jordan Hamilton (6-6 Sr., 5.0 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 47% FG, 75% FT)
F Holden Greiner (6-7 Jr., 6.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 46% FG, 72% FT, 1.0 BPG)
F Gabe Knutson (6-9 Jr., 12.2 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 50% FG, 74% FT)

Key Reserves:
G Anthony D’Orazio (6-2 So., 2.4 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 40% FG, 33% FT)

Keys To Victory:

– McLovin. What better way to expose a young team than by allowing your star player to introduce himself early and often? C.J. McCollum will be hearing his name called from the opening tip until the final buzzer for the Mountain Hawks after a sensational sophomore season that was good enough to earn the title of top returning scorer in the nation, going into this season. McCollum is truly a jack of all trades: a wing who can score, pass and rebound just as well as those five inches taller than him. In other words, think D.J. Kennedy, but with more of an offensive touch around the basket.

– Establish a post presence. The primary candidate for this role is expected to be 6-9 junior forward Gabe Knutson, who is one inch taller than the biggest Red Storm forwards, God’sgift Achiuwa and Moe Harkless. Knutson is no slouch offensively himself, coming off a sophomore season that saw him average twelve points and just under six rebounds per game. If the St. John’s matchup zone places McCollum in situations where he is double-teamed, look for Lehigh to run back-door cuts to get Knutson the ball under the rim and beat St. John’s to the paint. The Red Storm outscored William & Mary 44-10 in that department Monday night, but Lehigh is a bigger team than the Tribe.

– Get the bench involved. Lehigh has a deeper bench than St. John’s (who doesn’t?) and returns four reserves from last year’s Patriot League runner-up unit. However, sophomore guard Anthony D’Orazio was the most productive of the returning bench players, and he averaged just 2.4 points per game. Lehigh may have the numbers, but both of the St. John’s reserves (Phil Greene and Sir’Dominic Pointer) have demonstrated an ability to make themselves known offensively. Therefore, if this matchup extends to the bench, coach Brett Reed will need to find ways to create opportunities for his substitutes early and often.

So, Who Wins?

Now that St. John’s has played their first regular season game, both their coaching staff and the opponents they will face are able to prepare for them to some degree. Don’t be surprised to see some of the plays that worked against William & Mary be unsuccessful this time around as a result. However, the Johnnies will be able to employ their high-octane transition game more freely than they did Monday night. Lehigh will be able to run with St. John’s, but only as far as McCollum and Knutson will take them in a game that will prepare them for their one other matchup against a big-name opponent, which comes in December against Michigan State at the Breslin Center. St. John’s wins convincingly, but not in a blowout.

Final Score: St. John’s 77, Lehigh 62

St. John’s vs. William & Mary: The Official Start Of A New Era

November 7, 2011 by Jaden Daly Leave a Comment

For the last four years, St. John’s fans and foes have been accustomed to seeing the same names and numbers on the back of Red Storm jerseys. After nearly eight months since the Red Storm’s magical season came to an end, tomorrow this group will embark upon the new era of St. John’s basketball.

Moe Harkless — Freshman Maurice Harkless will be relied on heavily to do a little bit of everything for the young Red Storm team. (Dave Krupinski)

St. John’s opens the curtain for its 104th season of men’s basketball with the youngest team in program history. The Red Storm comprised of one returning letter winner from last season and welcome seven new faces to the team.

Over the past two weeks, fans have had the opportunity to get to know this year’s Red Storm unit through two exhibition games that have prepared this young bunch for what lies ahead, but many questions still remain unanswered as we enter the time of the year where the games now count in the standings, and the progress levels of each player will be evaluated under even more of a microscope than in weeks and months past.

William and Mary will be the first official opponent for all but one of the Johnnies at the Division I level, and you’ll find out a little more about them here as well.

The game is the nation’s first of the season, as part of the preliminary rounds of the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament, which will move to Madison Square Garden for St. John’s match up with Arizona.

Below, JohnnyJungle.com takes a look at how the young Red Storm will stack up against sharpshooting William & Mary.

Date: Monday, November 7, 2011
Location: Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY
Tip Off: 7:00 PM EST
TV: ESPNU (Bob Wischusen, Len Elmore)
Radio: WBBR 1130 AM (John Minko, Tim O’Toole)
Online: WSJURadio.org (Mike Rossillo, Vince Ruffino)

St. John’s Red Storm (2010-11 Record: 21-12, 12-6 Big East)
Head Coach: Steve Lavin (2nd season, 21-12; 166-90 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup:(Stats reflect two preseason games against C.W. Post and St. Mary’s [Md.])

G Nurideen Lindsey (6-3 So., 15.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 52% FG, 22% FT, 5.5 APG, 2.5 SPG)
G Malik Stith (5-11 Jr., 4.0 PPG, 1.0 RPG, 38% FG, 50% FT, 4.0 APG, 1.5 SPG)
G D’Angelo Harrison (6-3 Fr., 16.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 41% FG, 83% FT, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG)
F God’sgift Achiuwa (6-8 Jr., 18.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 77% FG, 22% FT, 1.5 BPG, 1.0 SPG)
F Moe Harkless (6-8 Fr., 17.0 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 63% FG, 83% FT, 2.0 APG, 1.5 SPG)

Key Reserves:
F Sir’Dominic Pointer (6-5 Fr., 10.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 69% FG, 38% FT, 1.5 APG, 2.5 SPG)
G Phil Greene (6-2 Fr., 12.0 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 56% FG, 50% 3pt, 50% FT, 1.5 APG, 2.5 SPG)

Keys To Victory:

– Play smart. Being that this is the first official game for nearly everyone on this team, the potential for St. John’s to get caught up in the moment is higher than ever. Even though most of this team seems mature and emotionally grounded going into tomorrow night’s match up, the atmosphere at Carnesecca Arena 24 hours from now will be something that this team has, by and large, never experienced. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see assistant coach Mike Dunlap, who will fill in for a still recovering Steve Lavin, to make that a critical part of his preparation for William & Mary.

– Dictate the pace. In the Red Storm’s 110-80 exhibition win over C.W. Post, the team was able to set the tone early-on with their athleticism and run-and-gun offense, turning a contest with the Division II Pioneers into a track meet just minutes into the first half. If St. John’s can be the aggressors on offense against a William & Mary team that averaged just 64 points per game last season, they will force the Tribe to come from behind early and often.

– Guard the lines. William & Mary shot 36 percent from three-point range as a team last season, led by the 46 percent clip from senior swingman Quinn McDowell, who is ready to go after missing the preseason. Sophomore point guard Brandon Britt may not be as productive from long range as McDowell, but if you leave him open at any position on the court, he can (and will) burn you.

And their opponents across the court…

William & Mary Tribe (2010-11 Record: 10-22, 4-14 CAA)
Head Coach: Tony Shaver (9th season, 97-146; 455-267 overall)

Projected Starting Lineup: (Stats reflect 2010-11 season)

G Brandon Britt (6-1 So., 10.9 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 38% FG, 72% FT, 2.2 APG)
G Julian Boatner (6-2 So., 6.8 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 40% FG, 40% 3pt, 83% FT)
G Kendrix Brown (6-3 Sr., 3.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 39% FG, 62% FT, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG)
F Quinn McDowell (6-6 Sr., 15.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 48% FG, 46% 3pt, 87% FT, 2.1 APG)
F JohnMark Ludwick (6-8 Sr., 3.8 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 39% FG, 38% 3pt, 60% FT)

Key Reserves:
*F Kyle Gaillard (6-8 Jr., 5.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 48% FG, 35% 3pt, 46% FT, 1.4 APG)
*F Tim Rusthoven (6-9 So., 5.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 57% FG, 84% FT)
G Matt Rum (6-4 Jr., 5.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 35% FG, 80% FT, 2.1 APG)

* Will not play due to injury

Keys To Victory:
– Win with Quinn. As Quinn McDowell goes, so too does the team. The leading scorer, three-point shooter, foul shooter and top returning rebounder from last year’s team, McDowell is the biggest part of this Tribe roster. At 6-6, McDowell is the second-tallest of the William & Mary starters, and will most likely draw Moe Harkless as a defensive assignment, which makes his ability to knock down shots even more of a factor, given Harkless’ two double-doubles in as many preseason games for the Red Storm.

– Bombs away. For every reason why St. John’s needs to guard the three-point line, William & Mary should come out firing. After a year in which the Tribe shot a collective 36 percent from beyond the arc, coach Tony Shaver would be smart to force St. John’s into showing off their length and athleticism against a group that has experienced options outside. St. John’s would also need to have their shooters get on a hot streak to keep up with the Tribe if the game becomes a shootout.

– Use the big men. Not only does William & Mary have a deeper bench than St. John’s, their roster as a whole is also bigger, with five members of the regular rotation measuring equal to or taller than the biggest St. John’s players (Harkless and Achiuwa) at 6-8. If they can stay out of foul trouble, William & Mary’s bigs, which give them a decided size advantage in the generally small CAA, will create a mismatch inside the paint that will play to their favor.

So, Who Wins?

In one corner, you have a team many critics are lauding as a sleeper that is just two years removed from a 22-win season and NIT appearance that is trying to return to the upper echelon of one of the strongest mid-major leagues in the nation.

In the other lies the reigning national media darling, now starting over, while simultaneously keeping the national attention on their side. This will be a telling game for both sides.

For the Johnnies, it will be a match up in which the team gets some much-needed experience that will prepare them for bigger opponents the likes of Arizona and Kentucky.

For William & Mary, it’s a chance to prove that they are just as much a part of the mix for a CAA title as conference brethren George Mason and VCU. The Tribe will also get the benefit of having a high-major opponent, something that will serve them well for future match ups against Missouri and Iona, among others.

Although this game will be close, don’t count on it to be the trap that some analysts are suspecting it may be. The Tribe may have the experience, but the Johnnies have the superior talent that will get them over the hump in this one.

Final Score: St. John’s 82, William & Mary 71

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