Red Eye – Page 2

St. John’s Students Storm Tip-Off

October 17, 2010 by David Berov 1 Comment

The skies opened up last night, and while no rain was in sight, the storm was felt all throughout Queens.

An electric atmosphere, hours prior to St. John’s Midnight Madness even started was kinetically flowing across campus. Over 300 students were waiting in line for their Tip-Off tickets two hours before they went on sale.

screen-capture-6 — St. John's fans went crazy as the referee began to do the dougie a hot new dance move. The fans were attentive and interactive throughout the course of the evening. (Photo courtesy of Redstormsports)

What a difference a year makes. The decision to move Midnight Madness from Taffner Field House to Carnesecca Arena proved to be the right choice as over 2,000 more Red Storm students, alumni, and fans than a year ago were in attendance for a night no one would forget.

An event like this is all about the fans and support, because it literally is a prelude to the season and what everyone can expect.

“Man I’m excited,” said senior forward Justin Burrell before Tip-Off kicked off. “Seeing all these fans showing all this support, it’s really great.”

Redshirt senior Rob Thomas was just as pumped up for the event. “The support means everything, knowing the fans in the stands are behind us, makes us want to win that much more,” said Thomas.

The biggest question now is what changed? What made so many more fans come out and support and be there for Tip-Off this year, and it’s pretty simple in my eyes. Aside from the hiring of Steve Lavin, who received a standing ovation during his introductions last night, the promotion was very heavy. The entire campus knew about Tip-Off, everyone was asking each other if they were going and that’s the way it should be.

The hype surrounding the St. John’s program is at a level we have not seen in years, Tip-Off was the start of a new season and a new beginning. From the high flying hysteria of Quincy Roberts and Paris Horne to the St. John’s women’s team dancing, it’s safe to say the Red Storm are poised and ready for a big year.

It might seem redundant and repetitive but everywhere you will read will be talking about the positivity surrounding the event, the fans, the noise and most of all the change.

“It was really exciting, and very entertaining,” said St. John’s grad student Dritan Dragovic. “The fans were energized and you could feel the positivity radiate from the players on the court as well.”

An event like Tip-Off is starting to change the students’ perception of St. John’s the school itself. For almost a decade now fans have been waiting for the Red Storm to return to prominence and be in the same conversation with the North Carolinas, Kansas’ and Syracuse like schools, well it seems like that may be about to happen.

“It finally felt like I go to a real big time college,” said St. John’s senior Bill Brusca. “The local papers will be talking about the crowd and now more people will start to jump on the bandwagon.”

You can finally feel the fan base come alive, and at the end of this upcoming season, we may all look back on October 15, 2010 and say this is where it all shifted.

“It was great to see so many people there cheering for both the men’s and women’s team,” said the third year St. John’s student Jessica Maldarelli. “The energy coming from the fans is so much more intense. Everyone has high hopes for both teams, it really would be surprising if we don’t make the NCAA tournament this year.”

On a night where some of the biggest programs in the country like Kentucky, Michigan State and Duke had their Midnight Madness’, St. John’s can proudly say they certainly held their own.

Big Men Big Expectations

October 5, 2010 by David Berov Leave a Comment

They are the tall trees down low, the defenders of the tin, and knights of the nets. The big men on a roster are vital, and can make or break your entire season. It’s an area where the Red Storm have struggled to get consistent production since the departure of stud 6’10 forward, Lamont Hamilton, but this year a lot is on the line for their big three.

Following a dreadful 2006-2007 season, it seemed like new hope was on the horizon with the incoming class. Replacing a talent like Hamilton would be difficult but highly touted New York native Justin Burrell was a good start. 6’8 Philadelphia forward Sean Evans and 6’10 Dele Coker from Nigeria were brought in to solidify the St. John’s paint. Though it seems since 2007 these big three have been inconsistent to say the least with flashes of prominence from time to time.

Justin Burrell came out of the gates with a stupendous rookie season averaging over 10 points per game and almost six rebounds. His production and tenacity gave the idea that he would be a player to build around for the next three years. Unfortunately injuries and role confusion have plagued the Bronx baller to further develop since his rookie campaign. A broken bone in Burrell’s face during the 2008 season forced him to miss time and then get acquainted with a facemask, which he said he hated wearing. Back at full strength in 2009, Burrell rolled his ankle on the first play of the game in North Carolina against Duke and subsequently missed the next 5 games. Burrell’s fierce nature and knack for finding the rim have gone missing from game to game in his three-year tenure. At times he would back down an opponent and finish with a slam, other times he would show off his touch from 18 feet away and then there were games where he just did nothing. A player like Burrell is like a knight in Chess, he can move many ways and be deadly if placed in the right situation but if used poorly he will become stagnant and ineffective.

EvansboxoutND — Sean Evans is at his best when he plays within himself inside the paint. Can this coaching staff channel and focus Sean Evans to maximize his potential? (Icon SMI)

Both a football and basketball star in high school, when Sean Evans came to St. John’s he gave them a very valuable asset, versatility. His ability to play on the wing and bang in the paint gave the Red Storm options especially paired up with Burrell. After his rookie season, Evans showed everyone what he was all about averaging 10 points and seven rebounds per game. A major flaw plagued Evans last season, with his strong desire to handle the ball and try to play like a guard. There were too many times where we saw Evans catch the ball at the three point line and try to weave his way to the basket, only to turn the ball over. Then we see the other side of Evans, the one that grabs second and third chance rebounds and puts the ball in the hole. A lack of direction has put Evans in a precarious position where he was unable to define his true role thus incapable to reach his full potential on the court.

It took a long time for Dele Coker to display what he could contribute to this program simply due to a lack of playing time. Coker rode the bench for an extended stretch and his enormous frame was rarely used. The 2009 season was his breakout season, blocking shots at will. No one expects Coker to drop 15 points a night, he is the “Nigerian Nightmare” for a reason, and his defense scares opponents. The 6’10 center has come a long way since his freshman season, and has learned his impact is best felt when he uses his size to challenge and alter shots. Staying on the court has been the Dele’s Achilles heel, foul trouble has followed him throughout his entire career. With plenty of forwards and centers leaving the Big East in the last two years, someone like Coker can really take advantage of his size against most lineups.

All three are now seniors and are entering the most important season of their collegiate careers. Fortunately for them a brand new coaching staff has been put in place with a large focus placed on player development. This could pay dividends especially to guys like Burrell, Evans and Coker who once given a concrete game plan can flourish. Assistant Coach Mike Dunlap is one of college basketballs best on court strategists and known for his tremendous teaching ability. I believe the progression we see in all the players, not just the three mentioned here, will be largely due to his influence. In a year were the Red Storm will be under new tutelage they will rely on their experienced seniors to lead the way. Steady production out of Burrell, Evans and Coker off the bench, could literally be this teams “X-Factor.”

Nothing prepares you for competition in the Big East than actually playing in it. Burrell, Evans and Coker have been in the trenches with the toughest the Big East has had to offer over the last three years. If they do live up to the “X-Factor” label I have so cautiously put on them, then we will need to see some major changes.

To start, Justin Burrell will need to have a remarkable season, preferably better than his freshman year. That certainly should not be a problem if you simply factor in the time elapsed along with natural progression. Burrell has the talent to be one of the most dynamic and exciting power forwards in the Big East. A senior season of 15 ppg, 7 rpg should be relatively attainable if all goes to plan for JB. His scoring ability, outside range and tenacity to clean up the boards are all there. The rest will come from the amount of heart he can show on the hardwood.

Knowing your role, it’s such a simple rule and philosophy yet it can fly by the waist side far too often. This exact thing has put handcuffs on Evans’ play and it was no more apparent than last season. As long as coach Lavin, and coach Dunlap can assert Evans’ play within the paint, St. John’s will have great production from the inside. He is a matchup nightmare of smaller forwards in the Big East, using his football player frame, and basketball quickness. He must stay within himself and his position, and most of all kick the habit of trying to do too much. Repeating his sophomore season’s numbers is a great start for Evans. 10 points and seven rebounds will certainly be serviceable enough.

It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff uses Dele Coker this season. Most likely we will see him come off the bench to spell Evans and or Coker early in the game. Last season Coker showed that he is more than just a great shot blocker but he can hit short-range jumpers. If Coker logs about 20 minutes a night and can put up four points, eight rebounds and multiple blocked shots per game, he could be the spark plug off the bench St. John’s will need to carry them through games.

The best thing about these three is that St. John’s doesn’t need them to score 20 points a night in order to win. That’s what D.J Kennedy, Paris Horne and Dwight Hardy are for. It is usually said that a team will only go as far as their star player or point guard will take them; well I think St. John’s is the exception. This is a game where guys like Luke Harangody, Dejuan Blair and Greg Monroe took their respective teams to new heights, so it seems in the Big East, it just might be all about the big man. Burrell, Evans and Coker can be the equilibrium of the 2010-2011 season, making sure the team stays balanced. Several missteps however could force a stumble, and in the Big East that misstep could lead to an awful lot of regret.

Getting to Know JaKarr Sampson

September 22, 2010 by David Berov 5 Comments

Steve Lavin took the job at St. John’s to turn the program around and bring it back to prominence. After assembling an elite coaching staff, bringing in Dwayne Polee, Lavin began focusing on the 2011 recruiting class. Queens, New York native Maurice Harkless, a top 75 recruit was the first to board the Lavin “Ark.” Last week the St. John’s Red Storm welcomed the 6-7 dynamic forward JaKarr Sampson to the family.

Sampson, a consensus top 50 player in the 2011 class made his decision on ESPNU on Thursday, September 16th and gave even more hope to the future of St. John’s. “He’s versatile and demonstrates a high skill level, which makes him a difficult matchup for opponents,” said Brewster Academy coach Jason Smith. Now that Sampson has made his decision, which he told me “felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” he was nice enough to take some time out and let us get know him a little better.

David Berov: Who is someone you model your game after?
JaKarr Sampson: Kevin Durant and I have to say LeBron.

DB: Are you a big LeBron James fan being from Ohio? Do you have a relationship with LeBron?
JS: Yea me and LeBron are close, he is a really cool guy. I call him up ask him questions, he’s like a mentor to me.

DB: Who has been most instrumental to you in your development in the game of basketball?
JS: I’d have to say my coaches, mainly coach Dru [Joyce – Head Coach of St. Vincent-St. Marys]

DB: It’s 15 minutes before tip off of your 1st regular season game at Carnesecca Arena…what’s the song you want to hear to get you pumped up?
JS: Right Above It by Lil Wayne and Drake.

DB: Besides basketball what else do you like to do as a hobby?
JS: I just like to hang out with my friends, playing jokes on people and keep everyone laughing.

DB: You can have dinner with any 3 people in the entire world living or dead, who are they?
JS: It would have to be Kobe Bryant, definitely Beyonce (laughs) and I’d have to say LeBron.

David Berov: Favorite movie?
JaKarr Sampson: I like all of them, but I’d say Inception

DB: Any hidden talents?
JS: I like to draw, I don’t know if I’m any good but it’s something I like to do.

DB: Alright cool so if JohnnyJungle needs a new logo we are coming to you.
JS: [laughs] alright no problem.

DB: What was it about St. John’s that you liked so much?
JS: I just liked the atmosphere of everything, coach Lavin and the staff. I really liked that they have coaches on the staff that have been in the NBA because that’s my ultimate goal, to be in the NBA.

DB: What was it that Coach Lavin and the other coaches said that sold you on St. John’s?
JS: They said a lot but it was more of the fact that I just felt real comfortable at St. John’s and I had a really good feeling about being here.

David Berov: You announced your decision on ESPNU on Thursday at 5:30 P.M, when did you actually make your decision?
JaKarr Sampson: I made my decision around 5 that day. We drove up there kind of early and I got to meet all the ESPN guys, where they shoot NFL Live it was really cool.

Yea I’m trying to help recruit Naadir [Tharpe] up here. Yea I talked to him, we talk everyday, he’s cool with the idea of playing here.

DB: What’s next for you? Will you be trying to bring any friends along with you?
JS: Yea I’m trying to help recruit Naadir [Tharpe] up here.

DB: How’s that going? Have you talked to him already?
JS: Yea I talked to him, we talk everyday, he’s cool with the idea of playing here.

DB: What’s one part in your game that you are working hard to improve for Big East play?
JS: My strength and I’m really working on my 3 point shot.

DB: What position are you most comfortable at?
JS: I’m really comfortable at the 3. (Small Forward) I like the fact that If I have a smaller defender I can just take him in the post, or if they try to size up with me I can take them off the dribble.

David Berov: What does playing in New York & MSG mean to you?
JaKarr Sampson: That means a lot! That’s the garden, there’s been a lot big name talent. I think that has to be any young players dream to play at MSG.

DB: Have you ever played at the garden before?
JS: No, I’ve never played there, never been inside, I’ve only seen the outside.

DB: What’s something you want St. John’s fans to know upon your arrival?
JS: I just want them to know that I’m going to bring the highlights and bringing the fame back to St. John’s basketball. They were really good back in the day and I’m looking forward to bringing St. John’s back to that level.

It looks like coach Lavin reeled in a pretty big fish here, and he is going to be quite the catch. I think it is clear to see that JaKarr Sampson has the proper goals in mind much like coach Lavin, for his St. John’s tenure. The Red Storm fans are buzzing with the commitment by Sampson and the scary part about all these early happenings is this is only the beginning for St. John’s.

A Change in Forecasts for Storm Fest

September 16, 2010 by David Berov 1 Comment

For basketball programs, it’s a massive pep rally full of balloons, streamers, cheerleaders and thousands of screaming fans. A storied tradition dating back to the 1970’s, used to get fans excited for what could be a historic season ahead. Midnight Madness, the official launch of a new season filled with new hope and ambitions.

The goal is always the same – to win – but this is the warm up party, the lay up lines to the regular season, the cocktail hour before the feast.

Over the years, St. John’s has had their take on Midnight Madness, calling it “Storm Fest.” Every year the men’s and women’s team get introduced to the crowd, they scrimmage and in between breaks, there are some cheerleader routines. For the most part “Storm Fest” over the last couple years hasn’t exactly been all that “mad”. The highlight of any recent “Storm Fest” would have to be the appearance of St. John’s alum and ESPN host Howie Schwab. In 2008 Schwab wearing a Chris Mullin jersey, spoke to the crowd and judged a dunk contest. Pretty lackluster if you ask me… THIS is supposed to ignite a fire under the St. John’s faithful?

Last year’s “Storm Fest” drew a crowd of 1,200, and it was deemed a success. To think that this event was not only open to St. John’s students but also to the general public and that is all a basketball rich school can reel in is pretty sad. But who knows, this year it can all be different, everything is changing for the better now that Coach Steve Lavin has taken over the reigns.

When you think about Midnight Madness certain things come to mind. Thousands upon thousands of boisterous fans packing a gym, face paint, mascots, rousing speeches and most of all a show put on by the team. Last year Michigan State’s head coach Tom Izzo put on a play, which he featured in during their Midnight Madness. Coach Calipari of Kentucky called in music sensation Drake to perform for his Wildcat fans. There is no reason that St. John’s and everyone associated with putting together this event do not deliver in that same grand fashion.

All the fans are buzzing about Coach Lavin and what he is going to do to this program well maybe it starts before the actual season begins. Maybe it all starts with an amazing new version of “Storm Fest.”

Let me paint a picture for you all. It’s mid October, you can smell college hoops around the corner and its “Storm Fest” time. Carnesecca Arena is packed to the brim with fans donning the traditional red and white colors. Both teams are lined up at mid-court as coach Barnes Arico and coach Steve Lavin give speeches on what to expect this year. Then, just before the festivities begin Lavin says he’d like to introduce some people who would like to celebrate the start of the season with the fans.

The lights dim, music begins to play in the background as the crowd falls into a deafening silence; waiting.

The PA announcer gets on the mic and proudly introduces Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson, Ron Artest, Walter Berry and a slew of other St. John’s greats as Carnesecca Arena erupts as if they just hit the game winning three-pointer during a Big East contest. Then we see a little friendly scrimmage between the legends and the current players to give the fans a feel of how it once was in the arena. Sure, it might be a bit of a stretch, but that’s what it will take to get fans excited again.

As of right now, a 2010 version of “Storm Fest” is up in the air according to Senior Associate Athletics Director for Communications, Mark Fratto. “A lot of it depends on the head coaches’ preferences,” said Fratto. Other possible roadblocks include “what else is going on with men’s and women’s basketball recruiting, fundraising, the teams’ practice schedules vs. their first game dates, and NCAA rules, which have changed several times in the past several years regarding Midnight Madness, open practices, pep rallies, etc. during the preseason,” stated Fratto.

An event similar to a “Storm Fest” such as having an open practice or pep rally is still being considered. As far as the venue is concerned, the last two years “Storm Fest” has taken place at the Taffner Field House. The event prior to 2008 would take place at Alumni Hall / Carnesecca Arena but was subsequently moved to the newly built Taffner Field House. As of now, it is uncertain whether or not “Storm Fest” will return to Carnesecca Arena, but you have to think the move would bring some life back into the occasion.

The biggest legal advantage for a team is its fans. The Red Storm need to become relevant. Forget in the city or the Big East, they need to become relevant on campus. There are too many students that don’t know, or don’t care about the basketball program. An event like “Storm Fest” needs to cater to its audience.

Provide a great service such as free entertainment, food, a bunch of laughs and leave the fans wanting more.

Put on the Oscar worthy performance that has the campus buzzing the next morning.

And it’s all about marketing. Make it a point to let everyone know about “Storm Fest” and what the meaning behind it is. Let the students know who will be stopping by and what’s in store during this major kick-off.

There is a new regime in place. It’s time to focus on the little things that will give the Red Storm an edge this season. Putting fans in the seats should be a top priority. And yes, it will take wins, but there are steps that can be taken to make it happen sooner. This year, “Storm Fest” should be one for the ages, leave no fan unsatisfied and just put on a show. Pick up the phone and get in touch with St. John’s alum and up and coming hip-hop artist J.Cole and ask him to perform. Call up the Daily News, Newsday, Post and Times because it will be that big of a deal. Have the SNY and MSG trucks outside in the parking lot, it needs to be of that magnitude to get the fans in the proper St. John’s state of mind.

It’s about that time for Midnight Madness to live up to its name in Queens.

UPDATE: St. John’s Midnight Madness will be held in Carnesecca Arena October 15th at 7:00 PM

First Game Pressure

August 31, 2010 by David Berov Leave a Comment

“Lavin’s arrival immediately altered the school’s profile, and I think, in a lot of ways, signified to many that St. John’s is finally prepared to enter the game of high-stakes business,” said Tierney.

Steve Lavin has a major, difficult job ahead of him – trying to get the Red Storm to a a level of sustained success in the Big East and nationally. And the first test comes on national television, during ESPN’s 24-hour ESPN College Basketball tip-off Marathon on November 16th. At 2 AM. On the road in a small, well-attended venue in Moraga, California. Against a St. Mary’s team that made the Sweet Sixteen last year (28-6 overall) with excellent returning guards. And a team from an inferior conference, but with experienced and possibly even talent.

Yeah, there is pressure to win the first game. It is a chance to show the nation that St. John;’s is relevant again… or show them that the Red Storm continue to be irrelevant.

For comparison, here are the openers for the St. John’s men’s basketball squad for the past ten years:

2000 – Kentucky (home at Garden)
2001 – Stony Brook (home)
2002 – Stony Brook (home)
2003 – Marquette (home at Garden)
2004 – Wagner (home)
2005 – Maryland – Eastern Shore (home)
2006 – North Florida (home)
2007 – St. Francis (home)
2008 – Long Island U (home)
2009 – Long Island U (home)

Besides the loss to Marquette and the win over Kentucky, that is quite a list of cupcake opponents – the kind of teams brought in for a secure win, not to challenge a team. This will no doubt be the toughest test for the Red Storm to kick off a season in 10 years, but coach Lavin thinks this is a good thing.

7492135_GT_V_UCLA — Steve Lavin will be back roaming the sidelines for the first time since 2003 after taking a 7 year hiatus from coaching. (Icon SMI)

“Opening our season at St. Mary’s in a nationally-televised matchup on ESPN is an outstanding early-season test to gauge where we are as a team,” said Lavin in a statement. “A contest like this will pay great dividends in preparing our team for the rigors of the BIG EAST.”

This is more than just a “measuring stick” for the Red Storm. This is the closest they will get to playing a battle-tested NCAA talent for over two months.

We can use the clichés like “it’s only one game on a long schedule.” But a win is what matters in college basketball. A victory over the Gaels instantly puts the team on the right track for a turn around. The media will go crazy over this caliber of win, and it will give Lavin a steady leg to stand on. It is his jumping off point, his base for success, and his message to everyone that the Red Storm are back and they are for real.

On the other side of the spectrum, a loss raises concerns from all angles and the questions will begin to fly. Is this St. John’s team ready to play and compete with the likes of St. Mary’s and other NCAA tourney tested teams? Has anything changed from last year with the Lavin hiring? These questions will be fired at Lavin in the post game press conference, but that comes with the territory.

But under the radar is the opponent and the venue. The McKeon Pavilion is beyond a home field advantage for the Gaels, it’s almost unfair. Over the last three years the Gaels have lost an astounding FOUR games at home, while racking up 47 wins in that time frame. Lets not forget how small the Pavilion is, capacity is 3500, almost twice as small as Carnesecca Arena. That means its going to be rocking with loud, boisterous Gael faithful to the point where it will feel like they are sitting on the Jonnies shoulders at the free throw line. And it’s one of the few times the school will be on national television.

If St. John’s goes on the road and wins that first game against a team with one of the best back-courts in the country featuring Matthew Dellavedova and Mickey McConnell it could, like Lavin said pay great dividends.

“Of course it would be nice to deposit an early season win and ride the wave of positive coverage into the season,” said 1050 ESPN Radio host and Red Storm Report’s Brandon Tierney. “But to react to a single game is missing the ultimate point, in my opinion” While Tierney is not putting major stock into the first game against the Gaels he does think the Red Storm are finally ready to turn that corner and compete with the major players of college basketball such as the St. Mary’s Gaels.

“The school tried to walk an impossible line of playing and competing in a monster conference, in a highly sophisticated city with astute, and passionate fans, but they weren’t able or willing to cut the checks to back it up, and it killed the program,” said Tierney. “The University has finally turned the page, and entered the ‘new’ world of college athletics. And I guarantee, it will serve them very well moving forward.”

Steve Lavin is used to the spotlight. He is ready for the challenge and it begins with the Gaels.

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