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The 6th Man of St. John's Basketball

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The unofficial 6th man. est. '07
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Cincinnati Reds Select St. John’s Signee Amir Garrett In Major League Baseball Draft

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The talk of St. John’s, ironically, has been more about something between the chalk lines on the baseball diamond than anything on the hardwood.

The First Year Major League Baseball Player Draft got underway Monday night and Amir Garrett, the athletic swingman from Findlay Prep (NV) who is signed to play basketball with the Red Storm, was anxiously awaiting the call. He would have to wait until Tuesday to hear his name, but in the 22nd round, with the 685th overall pick, he heard it: “The Cincinnati Reds select Amir Garrett, a left-handed pitcher from Findlay Prep, Nevada.”

“Man all I can say is its a blessing,” Garrett told JohnnyJungle.com after he got the news. “It’s just a great feeling to get a call like that. I give glory to God. That’s all I can do.”

And, with that, Garrett is faced with possibly the biggest decision of his young life.

Two-sport athletes come along every once in a while, but Garrett’s case is particularly intriguing for one reason: as a lefty pitcher, he hasn’t thrown in a live game since June 2010.

But, after two months getting back into baseball shape, he was hitting in the mid-90s on his fastball and scouts were impressed with the potential of the 6’5” California native.

The Decision At Hand

Though there is still much to be proven on the diamond for Garrett, his upside could be tremendous. Already reportedly hitting the mid-90s on his fastball, his ceiling is high. His skill set is something that coaches can mold and develop because he already has natural physical gifts that cannot be taught. Because he is of such a rare size and build, he has excelled in two sports, which speaks to his overall athleticism and versatility.

We have seen two sport athletes in college, including Chicago Bears lineman Julius Peppers, who played football and basketball at North Carolina, and NFL great Tony Gonzalez, who did the same at California.

Amir Garrett was selected in the 22nd round by the Cincinnati Reds. (Photo: Photoshelter)
So, it would seem that Garrett could continue pitching at St. John’s, which has a well-regarded program, while still playing basketball. But, in response to a fan’s question on his Twitter page last night, Garrett has made it clear that will not happen, bluntly saying, “I’m not playing baseball at St. John’s.”

In that same conversation, when the fan said “See you at MSG in ’11-’12”, Garrett responded with “I’ll be there.” He added this evening, in response to Providence commit Kiwi Gardner, something that may be comforting to fans who would like to see him in Queens next season.

Those few hints are the latest on Amir Garrett’s decision, indicating that he is coming to St. John’s, despite this selection in the MLB Draft. But is a conversational statement on Twitter enough to set it in stone? With the whirlwind of rumors surrounding the situation, Garrett says he has still yet to make a definitive decision.

As far as his basketball career, he would be in a good position if he does indeed come to the Red Storm. He is already a Top 100 player in the Class of 2011 and, despite not necessarily being the most publicized recruit in the incoming class, indications are that he will be an integral part of the Red Storm gameplan next season.

At 6’5” and incredibly athletic, he is the prototypical player for Lavin’s up-tempo, defense-generating-offense approach. He may not be an NBA prospect right now, but with a few years under Lavin’s tutelage, his name could pop up on some draft boards.

He is still developing his mid-range game offensively, but he finishes at the rim with authority and flash, and has a defensive motor that runs without end.

But his road to professional basketball could be nearly as tough, for different reasons than his possible baseball path.

If he chooses to play basketball at St. John’s next season, he will be competing against top talent for playing time. Once he wins that playing time, he has to prove himself on the national stage, under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. But, to his credit, confidence doesn’t seem to be a problem for the multifaceted Garrett. In recent weeks, he has taken to his Twitter page to express the excitement he feels to come to St. John’s.

The other major incentive for Garrett to attend St. John’s is the prospect of getting an education. With his basketball scholarship, he has the opportunity for to get a degree with playing for the Red Storm. That could be something that factors into his decision, when that time comes.

He has until August 15th to sign with the Reds. Check back to JohnnyJungle.com for any breaking news on his decision.

St. John’s Basketball By The Numbers: How Will the Red Storm Replace Their Losses?

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With Malik Stith as the only returning scholarship letterwinner next season for the Red Storm, it is obvious that there are holes to be filled. But, it isn’t entirely clear until one takes a look at the numbers to see just how much production St. John’s is losing. JohnnyJungle.com breaks out the calculator and crunches the numbers to answer the ultimate question, who can step up for the Red Storm in 2011-2012?

96% – Percentage of Point Production Lost to Graduation/Transfer

Harrison is a naturally gifted scorer who should fit seamlessly into the college game.
The Facts:

Dwight Hardy and Justin Brownlee, the two leading scorers for the Red Storm last season, are gone and graduated. In fact, the last season’s top 8 scorers for St. John’s have either graduated or transferred.

To his credit, Malik Stith averaged 10.7 points/40 minutes, which means he has the potential to be a solid contributor if given a starter’s minutes. Especially early in the season, including 13 points against St. Mary’s and 10 against Arizona State, he showed that he had some scoring ability to add to his typical distribution-oriented style.

Who Steps In?:

Fortunately for the Red Storm, scoring was an obvious point of emphasis for Steve Lavin on the recruiting trail. Maurice Harkless, Jakarr Sampson, Nurideen Lindsey, Phil Greene, and God’s Gift Achiuwa all averaged close to or above 20 points per game for their respective teams last season.

But, one name stands out as the premier, Division I-ready scorer: Texas native D’Angelo Harrison. This past season as a senior, Harrison averaged 31 points for Dulles HS (TX). He is a multifaceted scorer who can shoot from distance or take it to the basket with purpose. That, coupled with his unparalleled confidence, could make him a legitimate, high-volume scorer as a freshman in the Big East.

98% – Percentage of Total Rebounds Lost to Graduation/Transfer

The 6'9", 240 lb. Achiuwa will come to St. John's with a physical build already fit for the Big East.(Photo: njcaa.org)
The Facts:

One of the biggest problems St. John’s had in their loss to Gonzaga in the NCAA Tournament was the lack of size and rebounding against the Bulldogs’ size and strength. DJ Kennedy led the team with 5.6 rebounds per game last season, but was more of a perimeter rebounder than a force in the paint. In addition, he was unable to play in the tournament due to injury.

Justin Burrell was the Red Storm’s best physical rebounder, averaging close to 5 in 20 minutes per game. He is a big-framed forward off the bench that the Red Storm will miss next season.

Who Steps In?:

Up until the Spring signing period, there were concerns about incoming big men for the Red Storm because, though they had size, players like Jakarr Sampson, Norvel Pelle, and (before his transfer) Dwight Meikle are lanky and perhaps not bulky enough to throw weight around in the paint.

Then, just after Easter, St. John’s signed God’s Gift Achiuwa, the 6’9’’ 240 lb. native of Nigeria. At Erie CC (NY) this past season, he averaged 11.7 rebounds per game and is a true force in the paint. He is similar in size to Burrell and could play the same role, depending on how Steve Lavin decides to use him. Indications are that he will either start at center, or come off the bench while Norvel Pelle starts.

94% – Percentage of Total Assists lost to Graduation/Transfer

Lindsey is a dynamic scorer and will need to learn to adapt to being a true point guard under Lavin's system.
The Facts:

Point guard Malik Boothe was the team’s leading assist man last season, with nearly 3 per game. Lavin’s offense wasn’t necessarily based on distribution-style basketball because Dwight Hardy was the both starting point guard and the main scoring option. With Hardy running the point, the Red Storm also lacked a consistent outside shooter off the ball, which would have opened up the inside-out game off of Hardy’s effective dribble penetration.

Many times, Steve Lavin had Stith and Boothe on the floor at the same time, which didn’t translate into scoring, but was good at eating clock and controlling the ball. Without Boothe, Stith will be the main ball control point guard and could benefit from the other skilled scorers on the floor.

Who Will Step In?:

Though he is naturally a combo guard, the job will most likely fall to projected starting point guard Nurideen Lindsey. He is a prolific scorer, averaging 22 points per game at Redlands CC (OK) last season, but will have to facilitate the offense as well next season.

His ability to dribble penetrate will help him enormously, drawing the defense in and kicking it out to shooters like Harrison and Harkless. All of the athleticism and size down low will also benefit the Philadelphia native, as he can feed it into the post to Pelle and Sampson and work an inside-out game. Ultimately, Lindsey will be the catalyst to this offense, just as Hardy was last season.

99% – Percentage of Total Blocks Lost to Graduation/Transfer

Pelle can use his length to cause problems for opponents around the basket.
The Facts:

The Red Storm lacked a true shotblocker last season and their interior defense struggled at times because of it. Justin Brownlee led the team with 28 blocks, but that still averages out to less than one per game. Dwayne Polee II showed some bright spots rolling to help on the weak-side and block shots, but he has left the program as well.

Dele Coker, at 6’10”, had potential to be a Mutombo-like shotblocker, but he saw limited minutes and struggled to stay out of foul trouble during those minutes.

Who Will Step In?:

St. John’s will feature incredible length and versatility next season in the frontcourt, with at least three players who are potential shotblockers at the Division I level. But, of those, 6’9”, lanky forward/center Norvel Pelle will shine. His reach and length will make it tough for there to be dribble penetration into the lane and he gets blocks from the weak side, as well.

Along with Pelle, Sampson and God’s Gift will get their share of blocked shots. Sampson plays with raw ferociousness and impressive athleticism that allows him to alter shots around the rim. God’s Gift will be the “traditional” shotblocker, the big-bodied, bulky Ben Wallace-type down low.

Scouting St. John’s: Are Justin Burrell and Justin Brownlee ready for the NBA?

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According to St. John’s Sports Information Director Mark Fratto, five graduated former members of the Red Storm currently have “representation” and are, assumedly, looking to play professional basketball. Here Johnny Jungle takes a look at how the first two may fit into the pro game in the first installment of a three-part series, Scouting St. John’s:

Justin Brownlee

Indications are that Brownlee will go undrafted, but he could be a good, versatile fit for an NBA team. (Photo: Icon/SMI Select)
Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv reported Thursday that Brownlee would work out for five NBA teams in the coming weeks: the Cleveland Cavaliers on June 8th, the Atlanta Hawks June 13th, the Charlotte Bobcats June 15th, the Miami Heat June 17th, and the Los Angeles Lakers June 19th. During the season, he was mentioned in a number of NBA Mock Drafts, but has since slipped off.

Brownlee averaged just over 12 points and 5 rebounds for the Red Storm last season and, more importantly for his professional aspirations, showed impressive versatility for his size.

To his credit, he passes very well for a forward and has showed that his fall-away jumper within 12-feet is solid. He was also the most consistent finisher at the rim for the Red Storm last season. He is more athletic than some scouts give him credit for, as we saw from his junior college days. The biggest thing he would bring to an NBA team would be his versatility offensively, where he could work in the post or on the perimeter.

At 6’7” tall and 215 pounds, he is still working on the polished handle that would make him a true NBA small forward, and is a bit undersized to be a true power forward. This would hurt him mostly on the defensive end, where he may not have the quickness to defend some small forwards, but not large enough to body-up larger forwards in the post. He most likely will not get drafted, but could work his way onto a team as a free agent. Also, playing European basketball for a few seasons could be an option.

Justin Burrell

Justin Burrell has an NBA-ready body and a solid set of fundamentals. Will a team take a chance on him? (Photo: Icon/SMI Select)
Earlier this month, Burrell announced via his Twitter page that he would be working out for 20 NBA teams at an event showcasing athletes signed to the agency that represents him, BDA Sports Management.

If there is one thing that is undeniable about Justin Burrell, it is that he has an NBA-ready body. Not only is he 6’8”, 244 pounds, but he has learned how to use his bulk to impact a game in the post.

Winning Big East Sixth Man of the Year this past season, Burrell reemerged in full force from the facial injury he suffered his sophomore season and showed the promise that he first showed as a freshman.

Burrell was the big-bodied enforcer off the bench who stood in contrast to the lanky starter Dwayne Polee II in 2010-2011, and he could play a similar role on an NBA team in the future. His rebounding instinct and toughness are building blocks that scouts will look for in the process of evaluating him.

The past three seasons, he was never truly dominant in the post, but showed flashes of strong play down low. Against Pitt at the Garden this year, as part of a 15 point, 8 rebound performance, he capitalized offensively every time Gary McGhee came out of the game. Steve Lavin began running the offense through Burrell and he outplayed Pitt big man Dante Taylor on multiple possessions.

The intangibles are in line for Burrell, too. He is well-spoken and handles himself with class in the media, which teams should take notice of. It looks like he, as well, will not be drafted, but could get some looks from teams as a free agent. If he does not play in the states, he could find a good fit overseas, where his size would be even more attractive to teams.

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Check back to JohnnyJungle.com, as we profile two more aspiring professionals from St. John’s Class of 2011, Dwight Hardy and Paris Horne.

Red Storm Watch: Is Steve Lavin Leading a Power Shift in the Big East?

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With the exception of Ed Cooley taking over for the fired Keno Davis at Providence, the whirlwind of the spring college coaching carousel missed the Big East in 2011.

That same invisible hand that was passed over with no effect this season shook the conference last season and has set the stage for a major power shift in the Big East.

Steve Lavin will be the head coach of one of the youngest teams in the nation in 2011-2012. (Photo: Icon/SMI Select)
The league is following the natural ebb and flow of teams dominating and rebuilding and, now, as the dust finally settles from the shakeout last season, the bigger picture is beginning to take shape.

From this dust, there are three distinct, relevant groups of coaches taking form in the Big East. First are the Legends, including Jim Calhoun at UConn and Jim Boeheim at Syracuse, who have been with their respective programs for long enough to cement their legacy as perennial powerhouses.

There is the established “Upper Middle Class” coaches, who have had success and are well-regarded, but not yet at Calhoun or Boeheim status. Among these are coaches like Mike Brey at Notre Dame, Jamie Dixon at Pittsburgh, and Jay Wright at Villanova.

The most interesting group, though, are the Movers and Shakers, the Up-and-Coming, revamped programs. Within this, we find Steve Lavin and St. John’s, Mike Rice and Rutgers, and Mick Cronin and Cincinnati. They may be on different trajectories on their way to the “Upper Middle Class,” but they are all headed in that direction.

Part of the reason why the Big East sent a record 11 teams to the NCAA Tournament this past season was because of the rise of these Movers and Shakers and the fall of higher orders. When Villanova limped through the end of the regular season and into the NCAA Tournament, teams like St. John’s and Cincinnati took advantage.

And this trend could continue.

How much longer will established names like Calhoun, Boeheim, and Pitino stick around? When they leave, will a replacement come in with the same recruiting prowess and coaching stature to keep the program at the same level? Even at programs like Pittsburgh, there could be instability. Jamie Dixon‘s name was reportedly floating around as a possible candidate to become the next head coach at Maryland a few weeks ago, which could dramatically change the landscape of the conference.

This is the point where other programs can make their way to the top.

While UConn’s sanctions will not turn out to be devastating (a loss of a scholarship for 3 years and a reduction in off-campus recruiting days), it still shines a negative light on the program.

St. John’s has taken advantage of this already, swooping in and getting a signature from Queens forward Maurice Harkless after he decommitted from Connecticut, following the announcement of the NCAA investigation that eventually led to the sanctions above.

This season, the Red Storm have a Top 3 recruiting class in the country, according to ESPN, a class that is brand new, aside from returning guard Malik Stith.

Absent from that same Top 25 are Notre Dame, Connecticut, and Villanova.

Syracuse, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Georgetown all maintain strongholds in the Top 15, and Rutgers sneaks in at No. 16.

Established programs like Rick Pitino and Louisville will have to keep pace with younger, up-and-coming programs in the Big East. (Photo: Icon/SMI Select)
Though a ranking in the Top 25 does not guarantee anything, it gives a solid outline of where certain teams are. The Big East will always bring in talent, as is evidence by Villanova’s strong, yet unranked incoming class, but, because there is so much talent, every small advantage could be the difference between being in the Tournament and not.

This coming season, Steve Lavin and St. John’s will try to follow the path to success that Marquette’s Buzz Williams is now enjoying.

Though the programs were at different points when their respective coaches took over, Williams brought his 2009-2010 Golden Eagles, a team that had lost their three stars in Jerel McNeal, Wes Matthews, and Dominic James, back to the NCAA Tournament when few expected it.

The Red Storm face a similar situation, after losing nine seniors to graduation and two players (Dwayne Polee II and Quincy Roberts) to transfer. Lavin could pull off the same surprise that Williams did, but he will have to do it with one of the youngest teams in the country.

An NCAA Tournament berth, even if there is a first round exit, would be a major victory for the Red Storm in 2011-2012, and it would keep them on track with Marquette’s three-year plan under Williams.

His Golden Eagles went to the Tournament in 2008-2009, his first season with a talented team (as did the Red Storm), surprised in his second season, and made the Sweet Sixteen this past season, his third with the team.

If St. John’s stays on that path, Lavin will keep the fanbase energized and pave a road for long-term success in Queens. So long as their recruiting presence stays as strong as it was this past year, the Red Storm can make a push toward the top of the conference.

Across the state line in New Jersey, it appears Rutgers is working on a plan similar to what Jay Wright built at Villanova.

It took Jay Wright three seasons before the Wildcats made their way to the NCAA Tournament, and Mike Rice could make that blueprint work for the Scarlet Knights.

Rice’s incoming class, at No. 16 in the country, is highlighted by extremely quick and talented local product Myles Mack, who could develop into a quality point guard on an NCAA Tournament team in the future.

Because the influx of talent isn’t as great as the flood to Lavin and St. John’s, Rutgers’ rebuilding curve will be longer, perhaps even longer than Wright at Villanova. But, Rice is a classy coach who is proving he can convince local talent to stay home, and that will benefit him in the long run.

Changes will not happen overnight. This shift does not mean Syracuse, Louisville, and Pittsburgh suddenly round out the bottom half and St. John’s, Rutgers, Cincinnati, and Marquette rule the top. Certain things must fall into places, with perhaps big-time retirements or departures, but the other pieces are in position and ready to attack.

It could take as long as three to five years, but expect to see some surprising teams fall and other surprises rise to the top of the nation’s most competitive conference.

Red Storm Look Ahead: Five Possible Starting Lineups for St. John’s in 2011-2012

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With so many new players coming to the Red Storm next season, Steve Lavin has some decisions to make about how to shuffle his lineup. Below are some ideas about how Steve Lavin could play his cards in 2011-2012:

#1 The Most Likely

Nurideen Lindsey, D’Angelo Harrison, Maurice Harkless, Jakarr Sampson, God’s Gift Achiuwa

This lineup gives the Red Storm the best fit at every position and a good overall mix of different skills at each spot.

In the backcourt, St. John’s will have a good combination with the slashing, driving Lindsey and the long-range shooting Harrison. Harrison also has the ability to attack the basket, but he will be the main 3-point shooter on this team.

Nurideen Lindsey is slated to be the starting PG next season. (Photo: Recruit Scoop)
In the front court, 6’6” Maurice Harkless will be a versatile swing player that can play on the perimeter, in the mid-range, or get to the rim. Scouts look at Jakarr Sampson at the power forward position and see a player capable of winning Freshman of the Year in the Big East. He is still raw, but he can do work in the paint and take defenders off the dribble when he faces up.

And, at center, God’s Gift Achiuwa brings bulk and muscle to the lineup. He is a 6’9” natural power forward whose brawn will allow him to drop to the center position. If God’s Gift plays more of a role like Justin Burrell did last season, where he comes off the bench, expect Norvel Pelle to start at the 5.

#2 Length/Run-and-Gun

Nurideen Lindsey, Amir Garrett, Maurice Harkless, Jakarr Sampson, Norvel Pelle

There hasn't been as much chatter about Amir Garrett, but he will play a big role in 2011-2012 (Photo: PhotoShelter)
Steve Lavin and his pressure defense will be a staple of the 2011-2012 Red Storm. With a lineup like this, Nurideen Lindsey is “small” at 6’4”. Garrett has a motor that doesn’t stop running, with an incredible vertical leap and active hands. Harkless, Sampson, and Pelle, at 6’6”, 6’8”, and 6’10”, with the same lanky, long body type, will wreak havoc when teams try to bring the ball up the floor.

The turnovers that they force will turn into an up-tempo offense and some fireworks in transition. All five can play above the rim and few teams will be able to match up with this arrangement of size, length, and speed.

SNY’s Jon Rothstein has compared this St. John’s teams to the versatile West Viriginia squads of the past. What they may lack in true, powerful size, they will undoubtedly make up for with hustle, length, and athleticism.

#3 True Fab 5

Phil Greene, D’Angelo Harrison, Maurice Harkless, Jakarr Sampson, Norvel Pelle

Pelle is a long-armed, freakish athlete who will cause a lot of problems in the paint for players trying to attack the rim. (Photo: ESPN)
There have been early, rather loose connections made between this incoming class and the Fab 5 of Michigan during the early 1990s. If Lavin goes with the set of players above, he will have the true Fab 5.

This probably isn’t going to be a typical lineup, but Lavin could use it from time to time. Phil Greene will share time with Malik Stith at the back-up point guard position, and he brings a different set of skills than Stith. He attacks the basket well and can knock down a consistent jumper in the mid-range. If he falls back during the season and Stith excels, he could lose minutes, or vice versa.

In addition to having the “gimmick” of featuring all freshmen, the Red Storm have an impressive front court in this set, one that could be the full-time starting front court, depending on what Coach Lavin decides to do with God’s Gift.

#4 Defensive Lockdown

Malik Stith, Amir Garrett, Sir’Dominic Pointer, Norvel Pelle, God’s Gift Achiuwa

Malik Stith will be the only scholarship winner on the roster for the Red Storm in 2011-2012. (Photo: Icon/SMI Select)
Coach Lavin did a good job during his first season in Queens finding the right times to change pace. One “mode” the Red Storm employed was the slowed-down, defensive-minded, shot clock-eating set. With the distribution-oriented Malik Stith at point guard, St. John’s will bleed the shot clock down to 15 seconds and work from there.

In addition to a slow offense, the Red Storm will lock down on defense. Sir’Dominic Pointer, 6’6” tall and built like an NFL linebacker, is regarded as one of the best on-ball defenders in the Class of 2011. Alongside Pointer, Garrett brings length and athleticism to the perimeter defensively.

Down low, Norvel Pelle’s long arms keep the offense away from the basket, and Achiuwa brings the Ben Wallace-like rebounding and size as a complement.

#5 Size

Nurideen Lindsey, Sir’Dominic Pointer, Jakarr Sampson, Norvel Pelle, God’s Gift Achiuwa

Sir'Dominic Pointer is a physical presence on the floor and could make an impact defensively for the Red Storm. (Photo: Facebook)
When the Red Storm match up against some of the bigger teams in the Big East like Syracuse and UConn, they may have to go with size over shooting (Harrison) or perimeter offense (Harkless).

Lindsey, at 6’4”, is a tough match-up for smaller point guards. Pointer, with his muscular build, poses the same problem for opposing shooting guards. And, lastly, a frontcourt of players who are 6’8”, 6’9”, and 6’10” is tough to find anywhere.

It is true that St. John’s will lack a “true” big man like former Syracuse center Rick Jackson, or the type of player Georgetown typically recruits (Roy Hibbert, etc.), but three players 6’8″ and above will help fill that gap. The Red Storm will have long big men that keep players out of the paint, not necessarily true bigs who grind down on the block.