6th Man of St. John's Basketball

St. John's Red Storm => In The Jungle... => Topic started by: bigmaxnosauce on October 20, 2014, 10:46:35 AM

Title: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: bigmaxnosauce on October 20, 2014, 10:46:35 AM
Anyone know?
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: apesNapes on October 20, 2014, 10:53:26 AM
they practice until around 6, you can watch that, they give you a duffel bag, you can eat some food, you can walk around msg, you can get an autograph
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: HowCouldUBeSoHarkless on October 20, 2014, 05:43:29 PM
From the email they sent:

-watch practice
-meet and greet session after
-you can take a tour of MSG
-complementary concessions
-you can pick up your season ticket holder gift
-learn about their new online ticketing
-if you're a new season ticket holder you can select your MSG seats
-you have to be a season ticket holder and had to have RSVP'd
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: bigmaxnosauce on October 21, 2014, 12:05:33 PM
So they are going to try and hit me up for some Do-Re-Mi...
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: apesNapes on October 21, 2014, 04:59:06 PM
briscoe may be in attendance: http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-1514926451609031939/basketball-recruiting-isaiah-briscoe-will-cut-list-to-three-before-making-final-decision/ (http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-1514926451609031939/basketball-recruiting-isaiah-briscoe-will-cut-list-to-three-before-making-final-decision/)
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: HowCouldUBeSoHarkless on October 21, 2014, 09:50:54 PM
So this was really fun.

They had practice as well as a scrimmage in the middle. Fratto was there doing the announcing. They had a half hour MSG tour if you wanted which included visits to the locker room, the concourse with the 366, the bridge and the beer fridge.

They gave us $12 free concessions voucher. They had hot dogs and nachos but no pretzels. Dagger.

After the practice was over Lavin did a long Q&A. I can't argue that he is a very likeable guy when he speaks. He talked about things ranging from attacking the zone, free throws, where the students live, if he will name a captain and much more. Some guy taped the whole thing on his cell phone so that could be on YouTube soon. Lavin said they want to make this event a yearly thing which I think would be great. I feel like a fun time was had by all. 

After the Q&A they made Harrison, Obekpa, Thomas, Amar, Adonis & Felix available for autographs and photos.  They said some of the kids had to go back to campus for classes. All the guys were awesome and having a good time. Especially Harrison and Obekpa who were a ton of fun to talk to and get pictures with. Thomas was fun to talk to as well. Felix was the most reserved. He was laid back and chill and was just enjoying talking to the people who wanted. Adonis really loved that I was a CK graduate, he has a great personality as well. Basically all the kids are awesome.

Oh yeah, Briscoe was there with his dad and two friends(?). I saw Lavs wife talking and sitting with his dad while Lav was doing Q&A. Get it done Mrs Lav.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: bk8664 on October 21, 2014, 09:53:54 PM
How many people attending this?  I was stuck at work, couldn't make it.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Poison on October 21, 2014, 10:06:50 PM
Here are my notes from today's practice.

First off, it was a lot of fun to watch the guys run drills, and encourage each other. Yes, this was a practice/performance, but I can share what I saw, and learned FWIW. Overall, the scrimmage was sloppy, but there were several bright points from the afternoon:

For starters:

- St.John's will look to continue this tradition of inviting season ticket holders to a practice at MSG
- You can now send someone your St.John's tickets electronically
- Isaiah Briscoe was in attendance along with another recruit (IDK who it was, anyone? Plus, some nice person actually asked coach about Briscoe. Coach can't talk about a player who hasn't signed on a LOI. Shouldn't we all know this by now?

Obekpa - Had a great attitude during practice, and really showed a genuine interest in playing on sides of the ball. He scored, passed, and of course blocked shots. I'm saying I see a double double, but 8 and 9 w 4 blocks isn't crazy.

Harrison - Also had a great attitude and seemed to really enjoy practicing in front of his fans. As per usual D'Angelo is in great shape, and scored from all over the court.

Greene - His jumper was falling from all over.

Dom - Dom looked really good. Rebounded, went strong to the basket and passed well. Amar while racing for a loose ball sent Dom flying. He was ok, but not happy about it. He reminded the kid not to do that to him.

Jones - Lavin told us he had knee surgery two weeks ago. He has not played any ball
since, and have no time table on when he will, if at all. He seamed pretty depressed sitting there on the sidelines. Hopefully, he can get back out there soon.

Balamou - He played guard in the scrimmage and looked fine. Scored a couple of baskets off the dribble, and defended well.

Jordan - He was fine. Went strong to the basket and passed well.

Branch - I can see why Lavin had such high hopes for him last year. He practices really well. He's fast, and intense in the workouts and his circus shots go down almost every time.

New Guys:

Amar Alibegovic - Those who laughed at this addition may be eating their words. He can play. He looked like a twig in the photo we saw over the summer, but he's a big man who can face the basket and stick a three, which he did BTW.

Keith Thomas - He reminded me of Ron Roberts. Even looks like him, too. He has some offensive game, but unfortunately for him Obekpa was guarding him so many of shots were blocked.

Adonis Delarosa - Looked like a cross between Shawnelle Scott and Curtis Johnson, but with Curtis Johnson's meal plan. Coach said he was impressed with him and Amar, but did acknowledge that he needs to lose weight. That much is completely obvious.

Joey Delarosa - Big dude. I didn't notice any offense, but he was holding his ground defensively, so he'll push the bigs in practice, and who knows? Even Albert Richardson had moments of glory, if not greatness.

Myles Stewart - Again, those that laughed will be surprised. He can play. This kid is big, and he's pretty fluid. I was surprised that he walked on to play at St.John's. Does he expect to earn a ship next year? If so, good move.

Jay Henderson - And again, another guy who could have gone to strong programs on a free ride came here, and I'm damn glad he did. Kid can shoot the rock, and he can put it on the floor. He hit at least 2 threes.

Mystery Big Man? There was a big man running drills with the team. He's about 6'6/6'7 or so. Looked ok. Anyone know who this is? He's a walk on.

Depth. There is tremendous depth on this team right now. Lavin has a full roster, and at least two walk ons with game. It's going to be a fun year. I might have left someone out, but that's what I got.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: fordham96 on October 21, 2014, 10:36:11 PM
- Isaiah Briscoe was in attendance along with another recruit (IDK who it was, anyone? Plus, some nice person actually asked coach about Briscoe. Coach can't talk about a player who hasn't signed on a LOI. Shouldn't we all know this by now?

Poison are you serious, someone asked Coach to comment on an unsigned recruit (Briscoe)?
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: jumpinjohnny on October 21, 2014, 10:36:21 PM
Thanks for the reports...much appreciated
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: mjmaherjr on October 21, 2014, 10:37:31 PM
great recap Poison
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: mjmaherjr on October 21, 2014, 10:38:06 PM
- Isaiah Briscoe was in attendance along with another recruit (IDK who it was, anyone? Plus, some nice person actually asked coach about Briscoe. Coach can't talk about a player who hasn't signed on a LOI. Shouldn't we all know this by now?

Poison are you serious, someone asked Coach to comment on an unsigned recruit (Briscoe)?
guarantee that was a member of the sites
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Poison on October 21, 2014, 10:42:21 PM
- Isaiah Briscoe was in attendance along with another recruit (IDK who it was, anyone? Plus, some nice person actually asked coach about Briscoe. Coach can't talk about a player who hasn't signed on a LOI. Shouldn't we all know this by now?

Poison are you serious, someone asked Coach to comment on an unsigned recruit (Briscoe)?

Yes, I'm serious. The same guy who filmed the entire Q&A.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Gray Chudney on October 21, 2014, 10:48:18 PM
Different guy. I sat nearby them both. The question was absurd and the guy filming was especially ridiculous. Lavin handled it correctly
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: redmen4life on October 21, 2014, 11:08:46 PM
The dude filming the QA was a complete d-bag.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Moose on October 21, 2014, 11:39:50 PM
The guy with IB was Kashif Pratt.  You might remember him from Rice and Seton Hall.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: gonzalo on October 22, 2014, 04:39:18 AM
Mystery Big Man? There was a big man running drills with the team. He's about 6'6/6'7 or so. Looked ok. Anyone know who this is? He's a walk on.

Khadim Ndiaye?

http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/khadim_ndiaye_825258.html (http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/khadim_ndiaye_825258.html)
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Moose on October 22, 2014, 06:43:32 AM
Mystery Big Man? There was a big man running drills with the team. He's about 6'6/6'7 or so. Looked ok. Anyone know who this is? He's a walk on.

Khadim Ndiaye?

http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/khadim_ndiaye_825258.html (http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/khadim_ndiaye_825258.html)

No.
There was another two walk-ons.  #30 was pretty impressive in terms of athleticism.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: paultzman on October 22, 2014, 09:35:57 AM
Great reports guys!
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: sjulaw1991 on October 22, 2014, 09:40:05 AM
I would add Jordan and harrison taking lots of extra 3s after the scrimage.  Jordan was hitting consistently from all over.  Shot appears improved.  Dom also showed greater arch on shot (desparately needed).
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: boo3 on October 22, 2014, 10:28:48 AM
 Thanks for the recap, Poison and others... good stuff.. Season can't start soon enough w/ local football being pretty bad.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Poison on October 22, 2014, 11:05:11 AM
Mystery Big Man? There was a big man running drills with the team. He's about 6'6/6'7 or so. Looked ok. Anyone know who this is? He's a walk on.

Khadim Ndiaye?

http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/khadim_ndiaye_825258.html (http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/khadim_ndiaye_825258.html)

No.
There was another two walk-ons.  #30 was pretty impressive in terms of athleticism.

Yes, that's the guy. He looked like an undersized PF.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: newsman13 on October 22, 2014, 11:54:17 AM



great stuff, everyone!
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: carmineabbatiello on October 22, 2014, 12:17:58 PM
For starters:

- St.John's will look to continue this tradition of inviting season ticket holders to a practice at MSG
 

Was there any mention of inviting poor yet loyal fans without season tickets that attend many games a year?

Thanks for the great write-ups guys!
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Celtics11 on October 22, 2014, 12:31:29 PM
Mystery Big Man? There was a big man running drills with the team. He's about 6'6/6'7 or so. Looked ok. Anyone know who this is? He's a walk on.


Khadim Ndiaye?

http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/khadim_ndiaye_825258.html (http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/khadim_ndiaye_825258.html)

No.
There was another two walk-ons.  #30 was pretty impressive in terms of athleticism.
Finally, the mystery recruit is uncovered! But alas, we still don't know his identity!  :)
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: desco80 on October 22, 2014, 01:30:48 PM
Thanks for the recap guys.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Tiznow on October 22, 2014, 08:07:40 PM
- Isaiah Briscoe was in attendance along with another recruit (IDK who it was, anyone? Plus, some nice person actually asked coach about Briscoe. Coach can't talk about a player who hasn't signed on a LOI. Shouldn't we all know this by now?

Poison are you serious, someone asked Coach to comment on an unsigned recruit (Briscoe)?

Yes, I'm serious. The same guy who filmed the entire Q&A.

Reliable sources have identified Baldi.   I'm not sure it is truthful.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: mjmaherjr on October 22, 2014, 08:11:01 PM
- Isaiah Briscoe was in attendance along with another recruit (IDK who it was, anyone? Plus, some nice person actually asked coach about Briscoe. Coach can't talk about a player who hasn't signed on a LOI. Shouldn't we all know this by now?

Poison are you serious, someone asked Coach to comment on an unsigned recruit (Briscoe)?

Yes, I'm serious. The same guy who filmed the entire Q&A.

Reliable sources have identified Baldi.   I'm not sure it is truthful.
   Baldi's jungle career is over. He's getting married this weekend and his future wife has limited him to posting on 20 sites and we didn't make the cut
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: carmineabbatiello on October 22, 2014, 08:23:45 PM
- Isaiah Briscoe was in attendance along with another recruit (IDK who it was, anyone? Plus, some nice person actually asked coach about Briscoe. Coach can't talk about a player who hasn't signed on a LOI. Shouldn't we all know this by now?

Poison are you serious, someone asked Coach to comment on an unsigned recruit (Briscoe)?

Yes, I'm serious. The same guy who filmed the entire Q&A.

Reliable sources have identified Baldi.   I'm not sure it is truthful.
   Baldi's jungle career is over. He's getting married this weekend and his future wife has limited him to posting on 20 sites and we didn't make the cut

Congrats Marco!  Best always for you and the future Mrs. B.

P.S.  Any truth to the rumor that Wasju is the best man?
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: bball purist on October 22, 2014, 08:58:32 PM
- Isaiah Briscoe was in attendance along with another recruit (IDK who it was, anyone? Plus, some nice person actually asked coach about Briscoe. Coach can't talk about a player who hasn't signed on a LOI. Shouldn't we all know this by now?

Poison are you serious, someone asked Coach to comment on an unsigned recruit (Briscoe)?

Yes, I'm serious. The same guy who filmed the entire Q&A.

Reliable sources have identified Baldi.   I'm not sure it is truthful.
   Baldi's jungle career is over. He's getting married this weekend and his future wife has limited him to posting on 20 sites and we didn't make the cut
I need to ask Baldi about a wedding reception after party - I'm guessing Junior's Bar and Grill  :P
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: wwalwyn on October 22, 2014, 09:01:55 PM
This might be the Mystery walk-on

Olisa Nwachie

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/news/_/id/187953/olisa-nwachie (http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/news/_/id/187953/olisa-nwachie)
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Poison on October 22, 2014, 09:07:40 PM
This might be the Mystery walk-on

Olisa Nwachie

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/news/_/id/187953/olisa-nwachie (http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/news/_/id/187953/olisa-nwachie)

Yes! That's him.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Amaseinyourface2 on October 22, 2014, 09:11:55 PM
This might be the Mystery walk-on

Olisa Nwachie

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/news/_/id/187953/olisa-nwachie (http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/news/_/id/187953/olisa-nwachie)

Yes! That's him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTHtlP4s9bA&noredirect=1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTHtlP4s9bA&noredirect=1)

Lefty?!
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Marillac on October 22, 2014, 09:51:01 PM
Wow, thanks Poison and Harkless and everyone one else for the reports.  It's really appreciated.

FWIW, ESPN describes Olisa Nwachie as "an undersized 5 man with good length and soft hands.  He is a physical specimen while operating in the paint area...."  And he's a lefty? Music to my ears! These are the kinds of gems that slip through the cracks. 

I'm extremely impressed with the quality walkons Lavin has delivered.  Lipscomb is a low to mid-major scholarship player IMO and I like all the videos, reports, and articles about Stewart and Nwachie.  Henderson seems like a kid that could be playing for free at a low to mid-major this season and possibly even high level D-1 in two years if he went the Juco route.  Add JDR a former top 150 recruit, and Ndiaye is no slouch himself.  You have to love that these kids come from monster programs too.  Wheeler (where Lipscomb's dad coaches) is a GA powerhouse and Westchester (Stewart and Polee) and Fairfax (Nwachie) have a ton of NBA and high-major basketball alumni.

Practice is going to be a different world.  It's a good year to be able to get so many talented walkons experience to make the transition to next season more smooth.

Dom was playing the four (best news from this)...who was he matched up with?
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Amaseinyourface2 on October 22, 2014, 09:57:04 PM
Wow, thanks Poison and Harkless and everyone one else for the reports.  It's really appreciated.

FWIW, ESPN describes Olisa Nwachie as "an undersized 5 man with good length and soft hands.  He is a physical specimen while operating in the paint area...."  And he's a lefty? Music to my ears! These are the kinds of gems that slip through the cracks. 

I'm extremely impressed with the quality walkons Lavin has delivered.  Lipscomb is a low to mid-major scholarship player IMO and I like all the videos, reports, and articles about Stewart and Nwachie.  Henderson seems like a kid that could be playing for free at a low to mid-major this season and possibly even high level D-1 in two years if he went the Juco route.  Add JDR a former top 150 recruit, and Ndiaye is no slouch himself.  You have to love that these kids come from monster programs too.  Wheeler (where Lipscomb's dad coaches) is a GA powerhouse and Westchester (Stewart and Polee) and Fairfax (Nwachie) have a ton of NBA and high-major basketball alumni.

Practice is going to be a different world.  It's a good year to be able to get so many talented walkons experience to make the transition to next season more smooth.

Dom was playing the four (best news from this)...who was he matched up with?


Marillac, ive got Stewart as being the best walkon of the bunch. I take it youve got Henderson. Want to make a wadger?
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Moose on October 22, 2014, 10:18:52 PM
Wow, thanks Poison and Harkless and everyone one else for the reports.  It's really appreciated.

FWIW, ESPN describes Olisa Nwachie as "an undersized 5 man with good length and soft hands.  He is a physical specimen while operating in the paint area...."  And he's a lefty? Music to my ears! These are the kinds of gems that slip through the cracks. 

I'm extremely impressed with the quality walkons Lavin has delivered.  Lipscomb is a low to mid-major scholarship player IMO and I like all the videos, reports, and articles about Stewart and Nwachie.  Henderson seems like a kid that could be playing for free at a low to mid-major this season and possibly even high level D-1 in two years if he went the Juco route.  Add JDR a former top 150 recruit, and Ndiaye is no slouch himself.  You have to love that these kids come from monster programs too.  Wheeler (where Lipscomb's dad coaches) is a GA powerhouse and Westchester (Stewart and Polee) and Fairfax (Nwachie) have a ton of NBA and high-major basketball alumni.

Practice is going to be a different world.  It's a good year to be able to get so many talented walkons experience to make the transition to next season more smooth.

Dom was playing the four (best news from this)...who was he matched up with?


It was
Dee
Sheed
Phil
Dom
Chris

Vs.
ADR
Keith
Jay
Felix
Jamal

Amar came off bench for this team and him and Keith matched up with Dom
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Marillac on October 22, 2014, 10:54:45 PM
Wow, thanks Poison and Harkless and everyone one else for the reports.  It's really appreciated.

FWIW, ESPN describes Olisa Nwachie as "an undersized 5 man with good length and soft hands.  He is a physical specimen while operating in the paint area...."  And he's a lefty? Music to my ears! These are the kinds of gems that slip through the cracks. 

I'm extremely impressed with the quality walkons Lavin has delivered.  Lipscomb is a low to mid-major scholarship player IMO and I like all the videos, reports, and articles about Stewart and Nwachie.  Henderson seems like a kid that could be playing for free at a low to mid-major this season and possibly even high level D-1 in two years if he went the Juco route.  Add JDR a former top 150 recruit, and Ndiaye is no slouch himself.  You have to love that these kids come from monster programs too.  Wheeler (where Lipscomb's dad coaches) is a GA powerhouse and Westchester (Stewart and Polee) and Fairfax (Nwachie) have a ton of NBA and high-major basketball alumni.

Practice is going to be a different world.  It's a good year to be able to get so many talented walkons experience to make the transition to next season more smooth.

Dom was playing the four (best news from this)...who was he matched up with?


Marillac, ive got Stewart as being the best walkon of the bunch. I take it youve got Henderson. Want to make a wadger?
 

I'll take Nwachie. It's so early, but I'd rank them:  Nwachie>Stewart>Lipscomb>Henderson   

Did a little search and found out that both Stewart and Nwachie were 2nd team All-Western League as juniors, and Nwachie was 1st team as a senior while Stewart was a 2nd team honoree again.  There was so much talent on both of those teams for them to go under the radar.  Lindsey Drew, Larry's little brother, is the #24 PG in the country and is undecided beginning his senior season at Fairfax.  I like what I see.

Also saw that Nwachie went for 19 pts and 18 boards against top 100 PG Tra Holder's Brentwood team.  Averaged 17 and 8 as a senior.  Here is a full game of him:  http://www.ncsasports.org/mens-basketball-recruiting/ca/los-angeles/fairfax-high-school/olisaemeka-nwachie (http://www.ncsasports.org/mens-basketball-recruiting/ca/los-angeles/fairfax-high-school/olisaemeka-nwachie)

He plays center.  Offensive skills are RAW and he rushes a lot of shots, but looks to be a legit 6'6 with a solid body (listed 6'8 220, but the 6'8 is probably generous).  Moves well on D and plays low (will be able to cover the three after a year or two), good hands on offense, very good passer, and his team looks extremely well-coached attacking the 2-3...fundamentally sound across the board.   He looks good in the middle of the zone offense.  On D he got beat a few times of the bounce rotating over to cover guards, but it was due to poor technique too far from the basket.  At first look, he kind of reminds me of Kevin Freeman the old Uconn PF.

Overall in this game he looks like he doesn't hustle as much as I hoped for, but has some really explosive sequences on the glass and has a powerful lower body.  I'm a  little disappointed after watching this video because I wanted a brawler, but he might be the kind of kid that could turn into that player in college now that he isn't being called on to score and will have to adopt a different mentality.  That's his only path to possibly starting or playing a key role in a few years and then playing overseas.  Get him to buy into that role and we might have something.

Craig Smith averaged 20.7 and 11.3 for Fairfax and was very under-recruited.  He's clearly no Craig Smith on offense, though.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Poison on October 22, 2014, 11:19:06 PM
Wow, thanks Poison and Harkless and everyone one else for the reports.  It's really appreciated.

FWIW, ESPN describes Olisa Nwachie as "an undersized 5 man with good length and soft hands.  He is a physical specimen while operating in the paint area...."  And he's a lefty? Music to my ears! These are the kinds of gems that slip through the cracks. 

I'm extremely impressed with the quality walkons Lavin has delivered.  Lipscomb is a low to mid-major scholarship player IMO and I like all the videos, reports, and articles about Stewart and Nwachie.  Henderson seems like a kid that could be playing for free at a low to mid-major this season and possibly even high level D-1 in two years if he went the Juco route.  Add JDR a former top 150 recruit, and Ndiaye is no slouch himself.  You have to love that these kids come from monster programs too.  Wheeler (where Lipscomb's dad coaches) is a GA powerhouse and Westchester (Stewart and Polee) and Fairfax (Nwachie) have a ton of NBA and high-major basketball alumni.

Practice is going to be a different world.  It's a good year to be able to get so many talented walkons experience to make the transition to next season more smooth.

Dom was playing the four (best news from this)...who was he matched up with?


Marillac, ive got Stewart as being the best walkon of the bunch. I take it youve got Henderson. Want to make a wadger?
 

I'll take Nwachie. It's so early, but I'd rank them:  Nwachie>Stewart>Lipscomb>Henderson   

Did a little search and found out that both Stewart and Nwachie were 2nd team All-Western League as juniors, and Nwachie was 1st team as a senior while Stewart was a 2nd team honoree again.  There was so much talent on both of those teams for them to go under the radar.  Lindsey Drew, Larry's little brother, is the #24 PG in the country and is undecided beginning his senior season at Fairfax.  I like what I see.

Also saw that Nwachie went for 19 pts and 18 boards against top 100 PG Tra Holder's Brentwood team.  Averaged 17 and 8 as a senior.  Here is a full game of him:  http://www.ncsasports.org/mens-basketball-recruiting/ca/los-angeles/fairfax-high-school/olisaemeka-nwachie (http://www.ncsasports.org/mens-basketball-recruiting/ca/los-angeles/fairfax-high-school/olisaemeka-nwachie)

He plays center.  Offensive skills are RAW and he rushes a lot of shots, but looks to be a legit 6'6 with a solid body (listed 6'8 220, but the 6'8 is probably generous).  Moves well on D and plays low (will be able to cover the three after a year or two), good hands on offense, very good passer, and his team looks extremely well-coached attacking the 2-3...fundamentally sound across the board.   He looks good in the middle of the zone offense.  On D he got beat a few times of the bounce rotating over to cover guards, but it was due to poor technique too far from the basket.  At first look, he kind of reminds me of Kevin Freeman the old Uconn PF.

Overall in this game he looks like he doesn't hustle as much as I hoped for, but has some really explosive sequences on the glass and has a powerful lower body.  I'm a  little disappointed after watching this video because I wanted a brawler, but he might be the kind of kid that could turn into that player in college now that he isn't being called on to score and will have to adopt a different mentality.  That's his only path to possibly starting or playing a key role in a few years and then playing overseas.  Get him to buy into that role and we might have something.

Craig Smith averaged 20.7 and 11.3 for Fairfax and was very under-recruited.  He's clearly no Craig Smith on offense, though.


Henderson is leagues better than Lipscomb. He might be better than Greene and Branch too.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Moose on October 22, 2014, 11:19:32 PM
Hey Marillac

Your new man crush didn't play a minute in the scrimmage. :)
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: mjmaherjr on October 22, 2014, 11:27:56 PM
Hey Marillac

Your new man crush didn't play a minute in the scrimmage. :)
by reading marillac's review you'd think the guy also played tight end for the giants
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: JohnnyJungle on October 23, 2014, 02:06:57 AM
Hey Marillac

Your new man crush didn't play a minute in the scrimmage. :)

That means no YouTube video
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: JohnnyJungle on October 23, 2014, 02:08:34 AM
All these walk-ons are great for practice. Raises the level of competition and allows for all our guys to be challenged. Especially the bigs. Joey Delarosa will never play a minute but him being a load in the paint for Obekpa in practice will pay dividends against a guy like Stainbrook.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Amaseinyourface2 on October 23, 2014, 06:55:22 AM
All these walk-ons are great for practice. Raises the level of competition and allows for all our guys to be challenged. Especially the bigs. Joey Delarosa will never play a minute but him being a load in the paint for Obekpa in practice will pay dividends against a guy like Stainbrook.

Any idea what the deciding factor is in determining who makes the final official roster? I know Stewert and henderson are listed on redstormsports but Nwachie isnt.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: paultzman on October 23, 2014, 07:27:11 AM
The Lipscomb /Wheeler HS connection has yielded zilch. Let's get grounded about that Marillac please. All the top players there over past several years went elsewhere & did not give us a sniff. That may change, but doubt it.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Marillac on October 23, 2014, 07:43:34 AM
Hey Marillac

Your new man crush didn't play a minute in the scrimmage. :)

He's not at Balamou level yet...but that could change if I see him rip away a few rebounds from someone.  He's got competition with CO, Harrison, and Keith Thomas. 

Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Marillac on October 23, 2014, 07:45:40 AM
The Lipscomb /Wheeler HS connection has yielded zilch. Let's get grounded about that Marillac please. All the top players there over past several years went elsewhere & did not give us a sniff. That may change, but doubt it.

Planting seeds, Paultz.  We'll see what comes of it.  At the very least we have a very good walkon. 
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: bigmaxnosauce on October 23, 2014, 10:52:24 AM
Anybody else notice how Lavin slipped in the whole stipend thing in his talk? 

Funny I said that at the Garden back in the 90's and the security guard (I forget the guys name but he used to sit by the bench.  We had a tense relationship) almost kicked me out.  To be fair there was only around 104 people at the game so I was a pretty big % of the crowd
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Moose on October 23, 2014, 07:10:45 PM
Anybody else notice how Lavin slipped in the whole stipend thing in his talk? 

Funny I said that at the Garden back in the 90's and the security guard (I forget the guys name but he used to sit by the bench.  We had a tense relationship) almost kicked me out.  To be fair there was only around 104 people at the game so I was a pretty big % of the crowd

How did he slip exactly?
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: jumpinjohnny on October 23, 2014, 07:50:03 PM
What did he say about the stipend?
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Moose on October 23, 2014, 08:00:46 PM
What did he say about the stipend?

Someone asked if the players live on campus.  He said all but 3 do and they get a stipend.  I don't see that as slipping up?
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: mjmaherjr on October 23, 2014, 10:09:28 PM
What did he say about the stipend?

Someone asked if the players live on campus .  He said all but 3 do and they get a stipend.  I don't see that as slipping up?
I didn't even know kids were living off campus anymore. I like it. Any advantage we can get legally we should take
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Marillac on October 24, 2014, 01:22:29 AM
What did he say about the stipend?

Someone asked if the players live on campus .  He said all but 3 do and they get a stipend.  I don't see that as slipping up?
I didn't even know kids were living off campus anymore. I like it. Any advantage we can get legally we should take

This what I've heard, but it's good to have it verified.  It's a big advantage for us and one that should be exploited.  Jarvis used to make the freshmen stay on campus, but others were allowed to live off after the soph year.  Some exceptions were made along the way.  All the guys living off campus drove nice SUVs.
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: bigmaxnosauce on October 24, 2014, 11:23:12 AM
By slipping it in I was not implying it was an accident.  He said it as a recruiting advantage to those in attendance 
Title: Re: Anyone have any info on this thing on Tuesday at the garden?
Post by: Moose on October 24, 2014, 06:52:20 PM
By slipping it in I was not implying it was an accident.  He said it as a recruiting advantage to those in attendance 

Thanks for clarifying.