Johnny Jungle

The 6th Man of St. John's Basketball

For the die hard St. John's fan.
The unofficial 6th man. est. '07
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St. John’s suffers first loss to Vanderbilt

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It didn’t take long for the Commodores tsunami to wipe out St. John’s. This was one was over from the opening tip as the No. 19 Commodores cruised to a 92-55 win.

Game Notes

Positives:

  • St. John’s only had 8 turnvoers.
  • Team battled in the 2nd half despite being down 30.
  • The bigs got the ball in the paint and got up 22 shots.
  • The team shot the ball better from the free throw line (17-22).
  • The coaches didn’t wear Hawaiian shirts.
  • Good St. John’s fan attendance.
  • Federico Mussini played hard and scored going to the rim against towers in the paint.
  • Mussini also played well on the other side of the ball with 3 steals. True lone bright spot.

 

Negatives:

  • Going down 7-0 to start the game.
  • Not fronting the big men and letting them catch in their comfort zone.
  • Vanderbilt shooting flame balls from three.
  • Getting out rebounded 49-26.
  • Christian Jones and Yankuba Sima combing for 5-22 shooting.
  • Felix coming back down to earth.
  • No Ellison and Williams.
  • Amar fouling once every 5 min.
  • No other games being played while this was on national TV.
  • People complaining about Bill Walton.
  • Mullin and Richmond shooting better than St. John’s.
  • Facing another ranked team tomorrow.

Overall

Getting an L in this game was expected since it was scheduled. The team looked completely overmatched but they had some silver lining learning experiences. The future is bright and will be interesting to see how the team responds tomorrow against Indiana.

St. John’s battles back from down 16 in 2nd half to beat Rutgers

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What a crazy night at Carnesecca Arena. St. John’s was playing Rutgers, Chris Mullin was coaching while Steve Lavin was in the stands on TV, and Felix Balamou nearly had a triple double.

It really happened. It was amazing.

Chris Mullin’s squad played some inspiring basketball the final 12 minutes, and the team remains undefeated.

Game Notes

Positives:

  • Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond’s sneaker game. Both sporting the new UA Club Leather.
  • Getting Felix Balamou back.
  • Balamou being 1st player off the bench and made a jumper immediately.
  • Mussini and Mvouika going off from 3 in the first half.
  • Sima being consistent in all facets of the game.
  • Keeping it close heading into the locker room.
  • Amar Alibegovic contributing again in limited minutes. His three ignited the comeback.
  • Durand Johnson struggled but his corner 3 was clutch.
  • The energy Mvouika provided was not only contagious to his teammates but also the crowd.
  • Mvouika’s offensive rebound was gutsy. Him keeping the dribble alive falling to the ground was savvy.
  • Balamou established great position on the block. He got in deep which enabled him to get good looks at the rim and enough space to kick to open shooters. Perfect execution.
  • Mullin showing good feel for the game and not being afraid to sit Durand Johnson.
  • Christian Jones had a tough time finding his rhythm but he answered the bell at crucial times. The play where Jones identified he had a smaller defender and bullied him to the rim was a thing of beauty.
  • Mussini getting fired up after he drained the three to cut it to two .
  • The guys on the bench were into the game standing and clapping every possession. No malcontent body language.
  • Mvouika going 2-2 from the line to give St. John’s the 1 point lead.
  • Sima standing tall in the paint blocking and altering shots all day.
  • Rutgers not being able to make a free throw.
  • Only 3 turnovers in the 2nd half.
  • Out rebounding Rutgers by +11.
  • Grabbing 19 offensive rebounds. Five players with 2 or more.
  • The crowd being loud and getting on their feet multiple times. The place was rocking and it was awesome.
  • The refs swallowing their whistle at the end of the game.
  • Mussini’s ball pressure on final possession slowed up Sanders by just a second which was all that was needed.
  • Closed the game on a 10-3 run. Third straight game Mullin’s team closed!
  • Big East win over Big 10.
  • These kids don’t know they’re not supposed to be good.

Negatives:

  • Getting to Queens during rush hour for a 7:00 tip is damn near impossible. Missed the 1st half but luckily watched FoxSportsGo app.
  • Turnovers in the 1st half helped Rutgers jump out to a lead.
  • Missing free throws (13-24)
  • You can live with cold shooting nights but Durand Johnson’s 5 turnovers in 23 min is a killer.
  • No Malik Ellison. Need him!
  • Darien Williams getting hurt in 4 min of action. Need him!
  • Mussini’s 0-2 trip at the line.
  • The air conditioning at Carnesecca Arena never being put into the renovation plan.
  • Shooting 32% from the floor.
  • Not enough bobbleheads.

Overall

The team showed a lot of heart playing without a few of their teammates and never giving up in the 2nd half. Mullin continues to show competence on the sidelines with his rotation, half court sets, defensive adjustments, and poise. Couldn’t have asked for better results on court to start the season.

Johnson, Mvouika step up in win against UMBC

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So far, so good for Chris Mullin’s squad.

The Red Storm defeated the UMBC Retrievers 75-53. Federico Mussini led the way for second straight game with 18 points and 6 assists. Seniors Durand Johnson and Rob Mvouika combined for 31 points fueling St. John’s in the 2nd half.

UMBC played as expected with their lead guards getting into the lane and their shooters set up around the perimeter. Their cold start helped St. John’s play with a lead for the entire game. UMBC started to heat up in the second half but Durand Johnson was hotter. The retrievers cut the deficit to two points but Johnson went on a tear scoring 9 straight points for the Johnnies. Mvouika poured it on late to seal the deal.

Game Notes

Positives:

  • The guys came ready to play and jumped out to an early lead.
  • Mullin took Ellison and Jones out early and put in Mvouika and Williams. Good adjustment.
  • Mussini got into the lane and converted tough layups.
  • Williams nailed the three as soon as he came in.
  • Alibegovic played positive minutes for 2nd straight game.
  • Mullin has had productive timeouts. Team comes out of the huddle prepared.
  • Mussini scored on hesitation dribble play out of the timeout to end the half.
  •  Sima was a force blocking shots. Team blocked 11.
  • Durand Johnson stepped up huge in the 2nd half when the team needed him most.
  • The Federico Iverson crossover.
  • Mussini had 3 key defensive stops in the 2nd half two of which were in the paint on help defense.
  • In transition Mussini pump fake, no look pass to Mvouika for three to cap 15-6 run.
  • Mvouika was extremely clutch shooting 6-7 floor, 4-4 from three.
  • Christian Jones played with great energy. Took a fantastic charge which led to tech.
  • Durand Johnson finishing everything at the rim.
  • Mullin switching up the defenses coming out of timeouts keeping UMBC off balance.
  • The team playing well together as a unit. Ball movement is quick and decision making is decisive.
  • Closed out the game very strong. This is a good trend.
  • Mullin sipping Perrier.
  • Yakwe end of bench celebrations.

Negatives:

  • Team gave up way too many open looks from three. Better teams will cash in.
  • Sima had 4 fouls and didn’t register 20 minutes of playing time.
  • Ellison still struggling scoring the ball.
  • 18 team turnovers.
  • Team fell into trigger happy trap from three late in first half.
  • Allowed 17 offensive rebounds to a poor rebounding team.
  • Only a +3 rebounding margin.
  • Empty seats in the arena. Need better attendance next game.

Overall

The team continues to show potential and the future is bright in Queens. There are good building blocks (Mussini, Sima, Ellison, and Williams) and solid stopgaps (Johnson, Mvouika) that will be fun to watch all season long. The team continued to surprise shooting the ball from deep but I’m still under the belief they can’t fall in love with the three ball. Next: Beat Rutgers

St. John’s wins opener against Wagner

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Chris Mullin laid the first brick of his new house tonight as St. John’s defeated Wagner 66-57 in the season opener. Federico Mussini led all scorers with 18 points going 4-6 from deep.

As expected St. John’s had some struggles early on with the ball pressure and Wagner attacking the offensive glass but the Red Storm battled. Coach Mullin made it a point of emphasis to his team that they needed to rebound.

Game Notes:

Positives:

  • Malik Ellison came out gunning nailing two threes.
  • Sima hook shot is really pretty. He is an offensive weapon.
  • Mussini started to look for his own off the bounce.
  • Mussini hesitation dribble and lefty scoop finish was magnifico.
  • The Mussini three off the ball screen followed up by the pull-up was turning point in the game.
  • Williams with a great on ball screen freeing up Mussini for three.
  • Mullin addressed rebounding in first team huddle.
  • Christian Jones is tough to stop when he faces up.
  • Jones nailed a midrange shot from the elbow.
  • Jones and Alibegovic combining for a blocked shot.
  • Durand Johnson getting in the lane and to the line.
  • Johnson making 7-8 free throws.
  • Mvouika being the bully ball handler when the team needed it.
  • Mullin identifying he needed Mvouika on the ball at times.
  • Alibegovic played a solid 5 min. Pulled down important board and hit two free throw.
  • Team shot 9-20 from three.
  • Mullin didn’t get a technical for being way way way outside the coach’s box.
  • Kassoum Yakwe and Tariq Owens with great bench mob moves.

Negatives:

  • Ellison picked up two quick fouls in first half. Picked up his third in first min of 2nd half.
  • Team allowed Wagner to get 15 offensive rebounds.
  • Mussini getting caught with hand down at top of key to allow three.
  • 8 turnovers in the first half.
  • Durand Johnson struggling from the floor going 2-10.
  • The team going through a stretch of chucking threes in 2nd half allowing Wagner to come back.
  • Mussini shooting one from 40 ft with a fresh shot clock
  • Darien Williams taking two shots both being threes.
  • Losing the rebounding battle 42-38
  • Going 15-25 from free throw stripe.
  • Williams, Mvouika, and Alibegovic combining for 7 turnovers.

Overall

St. John’s took care of business at home and showed improvement from their exhibition games. Mussini silenced some doubters and opened the door back to his bandwagon. Sima is way better than I expected and Christian Jones contributing is a bonus. This team will have some ups and downs but they’ll be fun to watch.

St. John’s takes care of business against Sonoma State

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St. John’s rebounded against Sonoma State to get their first win of the preseason. There was never really doubt in this game as St. John’s jumped out early and never looked back. While this victory doesn’t give you a ton of confidence heading into the regular season, it doesn’t make everyone hit the panic button 100x.

Lets head right into the game notes:

Positives:

  • Christian Jones earned the start.
  • Chris Mullin rewarded Jones for playing well.
  • Yankuba Sima showed some stuff offensively that got everyone excited.
  • Both starting bigs finished the game with double doubles.
  • Sima can block shots!
  • Darien Williams flashed some serious potential. His length and skills will prove to be very valuable.
  • Mvouika and Holifield provided spark off the bench.
  • Mullin showed ability to adjust and trust his bench.
  • Only giving up 46 total points.

Negatives:

  • Mussini had a rough day failing to make a shot to go along with 5 turnovers.
  • Mussini committing two offensive fouls handling the ball.
  • St. John’s really not having a backup point guard option.
  • Durand Johnson still not looking like that go-to guy.
  • Only scoring 64 points.
  • Malik Ellison committing 4 turnovers in 14 min.
  • Going 1-12 from three.
  • Relying on a walk-on to lead you to victory.

Overall

St. John’s is still struggling to find their identity, which was expected this preseason with so many new players. However they found a way to win. An ugly win is still a win. This team sorely needs Marcus LoVett and Felix Balamou back in the lineup. Fingers crossed.