Big Men Big Expectations

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.

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.