6th Man of St. John's Basketball
St. John's Red Storm => In The Jungle... => Topic started by: JohnnyJungle on October 08, 2015, 03:02:47 PM
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Looking at current St. John's roster really reminds of Villanova's team of guards.
Do you think a 3/4 guard lineup can work? Do you want to see St. John's run it? Do you think Mullin will play small & fast?
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They have 2 big men in Yankuba and Amir, so we'll be seeing small ball, unless they are much better than we've anticipated.
Hard to say what our line up will be, or could be, without any knowledge of how they look playing together.
Feels like we've been playing small ball for 18 years. It worked for Nova because they had NBA guards.
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I prefer a more traditional lineup. Two guards, two forwards and a center. Three guards is ok we have some length in the backcourt. And, although the traditional post up center is rare these days, at least a face up 5 with some length. I really like our current roster make up. It just remains to be seen how cohesive they can be---especially in their first year playing together.
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I don't think we will see a 2-4 guard like up because we have a few wings. We aren't going to play real big, but we do have two centers with Sima and Alibegovic. We also have a big forward in Willaims. Add a few wings like Durand and mvouika and even Ellison who is built more like a SF than a wing, and we aren't going all that small. I think it's a relatively traditional lineup. Maybe lacking one big guy or so.m. We are actually bigger overall than we have been for a while. Mussini and Lovett are probably the only guys under 6'4".
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I think we could play the 3 guards together next year, providing they are complimented w some size. Next year we will have Sima , Williams, Amar, and Yawke, which provide good size Also Ellison can get some time at the 3 plus we will get additional recruits. This year we only have 2 small guards. Durand has size.
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Do I wantto see small ball? No, seen enough of that this millennium.
I'd really like to see a front line like Michigan State, a wall of height and muscle, and hopefully we'll see that someday. If you can give me...
Frosh PG, either one.
Mouvlka/Ellison
Johnson
Williams
Sima
That would be nice, with Amar, Yakwe and a couple of guys getting 10+ minutes, that would be a luxury. Could also see Amar starting w Sima coming off the bench.
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I think if Yawke is eligible he'll be getting alot more than 10 minutes.
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I think Mullin wants to play fast much like his most successful years in the NBA. However I don't think that necessarily means he wants to go small. This team seems to have a lot of wings, small forward types on it, even moreso than Nova. The Nova comparison is fair because that's how Wright has built them into the premiere BE program over the last 5 years. However when it comes to NCAA tourney time they get exposed by more physical frontcourts. Also Amar better have gotten much tougher over the last 12 months if the Johnnies are expecting to get low post minutes from him. He was much more of a perimeter big last year. He seems to have added more muscle from the pics I saw yet his foot speed was a big liability as was his lack of rebounding.
Yakwe, Sima and Willaims will be the big guys that this team counts on this year, assuming Yakwe is eligible too. Amar will be gravy if he's gotten more physical.
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They have 2 big men in Yankuba and Amir, so we'll be seeing small ball, unless they are much better than we've anticipated.
Hard to say what our line up will be, or could be, without any knowledge of how they look playing together.
Feels like we've been playing small ball for 18 years. It worked for Nova because they had NBA guards.
You don't consider Christian Jones or Darien Williams a part of the front court?
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I don't think we will see a 2-4 guard like up because we have a few wings. We aren't going to play real big, but we do have two centers with Sima and Alibegovic. We also have a big forward in Willaims. Add a few wings like Durand and mvouika and even Ellison who is built more like a SF than a wing, and we aren't going all that small. I think it's a relatively traditional lineup. Maybe lacking one big guy or so.m. We are actually bigger overall than we have been for a while. Mussini and Lovett are probably the only guys under 6'4".
Would you play Johnson at the 4?
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Do I wantto see small ball? No, seen enough of that this millennium.
I'd really like to see a front line like Michigan State, a wall of height and muscle, and hopefully we'll see that someday. If you can give me...
Frosh PG, either one.
Mouvlka/Ellison
Johnson
Williams
Sima
That would be nice, with Amar, Yakwe and a couple of guys getting 10+ minutes, that would be a luxury. Could also see Amar starting w Sima coming off the bench.
Where have you seen too much of it?
I think there is a big difference in playing styles in Big East vs Big 10.
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I think this year and next year we will have some very good guards and be a little thin up front so I think the natural inclination is too play small but I think it depends a lot on matchups. If you go against a big team you may need to add some more height and weight to the lineup so you aren't over matched. Playing a lineup like Mussini, Lovett, Johnson, Williams and Sima would be a nice mix of size and speed. Then come with Ellison, Amar, Mvouika and possibly Yakwe off the bench you a have a very athletic team that is on the small side yes but still has athletes a couple effective big men. We will probably play small by necessity this year with a starting lineup similar to a lineup I just laid out with only one "big man'.
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If Amar plays a lot he will most likely be in foul trouble. Never saw Sima play, on here I have read that he is a project but also and NBA player. Williams from my understanding is a tall shooter but not a post player. I dont ever want to see Christian Jones play again. I think Felix gets some minutes at foward. I think we plays small because our best 5 are small. I think we see plenty of Mussoni and Lovett together and Johnson plays 30 minutes plus.
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Depends on the matchups. I do think we will see, at the end of close games, Lovett/mussini/johnson/williams/Sima.
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I don't think we will see a 2-4 guard like up because we have a few wings. We aren't going to play real big, but we do have two centers with Sima and Alibegovic. We also have a big forward in Willaims. Add a few wings like Durand and mvouika and even Ellison who is built more like a SF than a wing, and we aren't going all that small. I think it's a relatively traditional lineup. Maybe lacking one big guy or so.m. We are actually bigger overall than we have been for a while. Mussini and Lovett are probably the only guys under 6'4".
Would you play Johnson at the 4?
I was thinking Darien Williams at the 4. Amar can play there too, maybe even Yakwe if eligible but I doubt it. Still think Williams is a shoe-in with Durand at the 3 and sima at the 5. We will definitely have times when we play with two guards and two wings on the floor though.
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Can Wiilliams play the 4? Is he strong or tough?
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If you have two 6'6 wings, and a 6'8 forward than I dont think your playing all that small. My opinion is to play your best players, of course sometimes you have to match up with size.
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If you have two 6'6 wings, and a 6'8 forward than I dont think your playing all that small. My opinion is to play your best players, of course sometimes you have to match up with size.
How about a Lovett, Mussini, Mvouika, Johnson, Williams lineup?
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If you have two 6'6 wings, and a 6'8 forward than I dont think your playing all that small. My opinion is to play your best players, of course sometimes you have to match up with size.
How about a Lovett, Mussini, Mvouika, Johnson, Williams lineup?
Yes, we'll see it and I would like it. Thinking Ellison in there somewhere too.
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If you have two 6'6 wings, and a 6'8 forward than I dont think your playing all that small. My opinion is to play your best players, of course sometimes you have to match up with size.
How about a Lovett, Mussini, Mvouika, Johnson, Williams lineup?
I like the line up of LoVett, Mussini, Johnson Williams and Sima. But could see that lineup in the beginning of the year for exp. Also depends on the level of improvement of Amar and Jones. If Sima or Williams get in foul trouble or need a breather and Amar and Jones don't show much improvement , I can see that lineup. I also see Ellison getting descent minutes.Although improbable, If Yakwe is eligible, that will really help w depth for the bigs. Even if he gets eligible for 2nd semester, I can see us surprising people.
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They have 2 big men in Yankuba and Amir, so we'll be seeing small ball, unless they are much better than we've anticipated.
Hard to say what our line up will be, or could be, without any knowledge of how they look playing together.
Feels like we've been playing small ball for 18 years. It worked for Nova because they had NBA guards.
You don't consider Christian Jones or Darien Williams a part of the front court?
I can see that at times, against smaller teams when we want to run and gun. I will however, always see "small ball" as being when we played 6'4" Anthony Glover as our center. With the lineup as above, we'd still have a couple of 6'6" guys and a 6'8" guy. We have a pretty versatile lineup though, with lots of kids that can shoot and score. I like to see that.
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Forget small ball just another way of saying we don't have a center!
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Forget small ball just another way of saying we don't have a center!
Sima?
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As long as we score one more point than the opponent I don't care what type of ball we play.
As long as the wings are able to rebound we should be okay.
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They have 2 big men in Yankuba and Amir, so we'll be seeing small ball, unless they are much better than we've anticipated.
Hard to say what our line up will be, or could be, without any knowledge of how they look playing together.
Feels like we've been playing small ball for 18 years. It worked for Nova because they had NBA guards.
You don't consider Christian Jones or Darien Williams a part of the front court?
I haven't seen Williams play. I have no idea what he can do. I figured Sima and Alibegovic are the front court, but IDK yet, because IDK anything about these guys yet without having seen them.
And as for Christian Jones, I feel like he just gets an incomplete at this point. What can he do? We've seen what, 2 decent games as a college player out of him in 3 years? It says a lot that the last staff went with Joey Delarosa over him last year.
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I don't think we are going to be physically small (outside of when LoVett and Mussini play together) but are going to play fast and chuck up a ton of 3's. A lot of our guys have reps of being shooters and I expect it to be bombs away. I actually think our offense will be better than in past few years and make us a threat to upset anyone if we have a hot game from deep.
My fear is that we are going to stink at rebounding and outside of Sima I don't see a shot blocker. (All under the assumption Yakwe isn't elgible). I'm hoping the team can gel quick enough to play effective defense but wouldn't be surprised if we are miserable on that end of the floor.
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Just want to see StJ relevant and win. Small ball, pound inside right now don't care. Love that CM is back love the staff very confident we are headed back to national relevance. Psyched for the season to start and right now the future is looking bright.......
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Just want to see StJ relevant and win.
I just can't see it happening. Hate to be the anti-Marillac; but I can't envision any scenario this season in which we dont s*ck big-time.
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Just want to see StJ relevant and win.
I just can't see it happening. Hate to be the anti-Marillac; but I can't envision any scenario this season in which we dont s*ck big-time.
I could see us going .500 and getting into the NIT. I think our ceiling is being a bubble team outside looking in, we have players with really good potential, and some with international/Big East experience. NIT wouldn't be a bad thing for such a young team (are we allowed to say we're a young team now that Lavin is not the coach?).
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To answer the small ball question, I don't see us running a ton of it, especially if Yakwe is eligible. I think Sima will get a lot of minutes, same with Alibegovic. Durand Johnson could easily be our best player and I'd like to keep him at the 3 as much as possible. Let Williams be the banger down low for rebounds and 2nd chance points.
My ideal lineup: Lovett, Ellison, Johnson, Williams, Sima (Yakwe if eligible). Mussini first off the bench
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We'll have two small PG's, three good sized wings, plus Felix. And Sima and Williams our bigs, plus hopefully an improved Amar. We could also get Yakwe eligible for the second semester. The key I think will be if Williams can play post defense, because if he can, he will cause matchup problems. His offensive game looks good and he is a good deep shooter. But if he can give us good post D, and Amar comes back with an improved all around game, we should be fine as far as height is concerned.
Lovett and Mussini can cause matchup problems also against certain teams, at certain times, but against most Big East teams playing them together could be problematic, defensively, because they are both so small. But of course teams would have to defend them too, so it works both ways. And the trend seems to be smaller and smaller teams doing better and better in the spread out college game with the short three pointer. So I don't really see that as a problem. If there is a problem with this team, it will be a lack of experience, I think.
But the thing I am most encouraged by is our quality wings which are the key to having multiple lineups. Good quality, midsize wings are the most versatile players, and can give you all kinds of different looks. For example, they can play in the paint if you want to go small or in the backcourt when you want to go big. Having talented wings is the key to versatile, and varied lineup options. You could play Lovett with all three wings with Williams at the five and just run people off the court.
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If you have two 6'6 wings, and a 6'8 forward than I dont think your playing all that small. My opinion is to play your best players, of course sometimes you have to match up with size.
How about a Lovett, Mussini, Mvouika, Johnson, Williams lineup?
Dave, what is your take on Mvouika? Most posters really don't know much about him.
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Just want to see StJ relevant and win.
I just can't see it happening. Hate to be the anti-Marillac; but I can't envision any scenario this season in which we dont s*ck big-time.
I don't think we sucked 4 years ago. We have much more depth this year. Plus a few upperclassman . And our schedule is much easier. Not expectiing a great season but I remember sucking . This team should be better then that.
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Just want to see StJ relevant and win.
I just can't see it happening. Hate to be the anti-Marillac; but I can't envision any scenario this season in which we dont s*ck big-time.
I don't think we sucked 4 years ago. We have much more depth this year. Plus a few upperclassman . And our schedule is much easier. Not expectiing a great season but I remember sucking . This team should be better then that.
We only had 6 players 4 years ago and except for Gift all Fr. Plus we played in the old BE.
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Just want to see StJ relevant and win.
I just can't see it happening. Hate to be the anti-Marillac; but I can't envision any scenario this season in which we dont s*ck big-time.
I don't think we sucked 4 years ago. We have much more depth this year. Plus a few upperclassman . And our schedule is much easier. Not expectiing a great season but I remember sucking . This team should be better then that.
We only had 6 players 4 years ago and except for Gift all Fr. Plus we played in the old BE.
Those guys were top 100 recruits. Some were top 50. This current group? Who knows?
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I want to see wins, if small ball works than go for it.
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As Al Davis said--"Just win, baby, win."
Don't care how its done--ugly, pretty, small or tall-all that matters is winning.
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Just want to see StJ relevant and win.
I just can't see it happening. Hate to be the anti-Marillac; but I can't envision any scenario this season in which we dont s*ck big-time.
I don't think we sucked 4 years ago. We have much more depth this year. Plus a few upperclassman . And our schedule is much easier. Not expectiing a great season but I remember sucking . This team should be better then that.
We only had 6 players 4 years ago and except for Gift all Fr. Plus we played in the old BE.
Those guys were top 100 recruits. Some were top 50. This current group? Who knows?
They may have been top 50. Dom as freshman could even dribble.We also played with a PG. Phil was not good as freshman. New big east big drop in class. If we are not at-least ok this year. We are not going to be good next year.
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If you have two 6'6 wings, and a 6'8 forward than I dont think your playing all that small. My opinion is to play your best players, of course sometimes you have to match up with size.
How about a Lovett, Mussini, Mvouika, Johnson, Williams lineup?
Dave, what is your take on Mvouika? Most posters really don't know much about him.
I can't say I know too much about him either but I'd imagine his seniority will help him be a contributor.
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Timely;
@JonRothstein: Hearing St. John's is working on using Felix Balamou as undersized PF. Red Storm will be light up front. Need to do MORE with less. #sjubb
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Timely;
@JonRothstein: Hearing St. John's is working on using Felix Balamou as undersized PF. Red Storm will be light up front. Need to do MORE with less. #sjubb
That is terrifying news.
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Timely;
@JonRothstein: Hearing St. John's is working on using Felix Balamou as undersized PF. Red Storm will be light up front. Need to do MORE with less. #sjubb
That is terrifying news.
Only 1 inch shorter than Sir'Dom. Not suggesting he will replicate, but teams have found success with undersized PFs, especially if Felix is serving in a backup role.
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Timely;
@JonRothstein: Hearing St. John's is working on using Felix Balamou as undersized PF. Red Storm will be light up front. Need to do MORE with less. #sjubb
That is terrifying news.
Terrifying if Felix hasn't improved a lick since last season, or if Coach has recognized he must go to a really quick lineup as the best chance of winning games this season. Or they're simply trying it out right now. However - has anybody watched Felix in summer workouts?
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Timely;
@JonRothstein: Hearing St. John's is working on using Felix Balamou as undersized PF. Red Storm will be light up front. Need to do MORE with less. #sjubb
That is terrifying news.
Only 1 inch shorter than Sir'Dom. Not suggesting he will replicate, but teams have found success with undersized PFs, especially if Felix is serving in a backup role.
I know but this guy got a chance to play last year, and he wasn't on any occasion able to compete at the BE level. Dom wasn't anything close to the top 50 recruit we expected, but he had moments during his first three years. This is the first news we hear about of practice. It's not promising IMO.
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If Samson stayed I don't think Dom would have gone off like he did. I think this will be Felix 's best position . I am hoping he can give us some minutes at the 4. He is athletic and tough.
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Best five...don't try to force a traditional lineup. I'd expect the best five to be Lovett-M'vouika-Ellison-Johnson-Williams. Try to defend that with a man-to-man and Johnson and Williams will abuse the bigs and Ellison or M'vouika will have a mismatch down low against a smaller guard. I hope Ellison learned something from his dad about posting up, but if not, Mitch Richmond was the best guard I've ever seen abusing smaller defenders in the post. If they go to a zone, insert Felix at the four and take out Ellison.
This team has to be committed to being tenacious on d and [especially] the glass. Johnson and Williams have to be flat-out bullies. Lovett really needs to eligible or there won't be much hope.
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Timely;
@JonRothstein: Hearing St. John's is working on using Felix Balamou as undersized PF. Red Storm will be light up front. Need to do MORE with less. #sjubb
That is terrifying news.
At least it will get him within his shooting range
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Best five...don't try to force a traditional lineup. I'd expect the best five to be Lovett-M'vouika-Ellison-Johnson-Williams. Try to defend that with a man-to-man and Johnson and Williams will abuse the bigs and Ellison or M'vouika will have a mismatch down low against a smaller guard. I hope Ellison learned something from his dad about posting up, but if not, Mitch Richmond was the best guard I've ever seen abusing smaller defenders in the post. If they go to a zone, insert Felix at the four and take out Ellison.
This team has to be committed to being tenacious on d and [especially] the glass. Johnson and Williams have to be flat-out bullies. Lovett really needs to eligible or there won't be much hope.
Agree with most especially re lovett eligibility. Why have Felix come in when playing against a zone though?
Good to see you back
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No one thinks Alibegovic could start in the middle? (Not saying I do) He showed some signs of standing his ground in the paint, and rebounding the ball. I'm hoping that he's worked hard over the summer, and he can give us 6 and 6.
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No one thinks Alibegovic could start in the middle? (Not saying I do) He showed some signs of standing his ground in the paint, and rebounding the ball. I'm hoping that he's worked hard over the summer, and he can give us 6 and 6.
I thought you only got 5 fouls in college.
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No one thinks Alibegovic could start in the middle? (Not saying I do) He showed some signs of standing his ground in the paint, and rebounding the ball. I'm hoping that he's worked hard over the summer, and he can give us 6 and 6.
I thought you only got 5 fouls in college.
Lol. Yes, he fouls more than Dele Coker, but every single player on this team is a major question mark.
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Best five...don't try to force a traditional lineup. I'd expect the best five to be Lovett-M'vouika-Ellison-Johnson-Williams. Try to defend that with a man-to-man and Johnson and Williams will abuse the bigs and Ellison or M'vouika will have a mismatch down low against a smaller guard. I hope Ellison learned something from his dad about posting up, but if not, Mitch Richmond was the best guard I've ever seen abusing smaller defenders in the post. If they go to a zone, insert Felix at the four and take out Ellison.
This team has to be committed to being tenacious on d and [especially] the glass. Johnson and Williams have to be flat-out bullies. Lovett really needs to eligible or there won't be much hope.
Agree with most especially re lovett eligibility. Why have Felix come in when playing against a zone though?
Good to see you back
I think it's imperative to make teams defend the whole court. With Lavin, defenses never had to worry about what was behind them...only what was in front of them. Use Felix to establish the baseline by being in constant motion. Back screen city for Johnson and M'vouika on the wings. Williams seems like the prototype FT line zone buster. One dribble to draw the center, and I'll take a loft to Balamou if he has a step on the rotating wing all day. Good luck getting two feet above the rim moving laterally. If the center doesn't close...I'm fine giving Williams 20 shots a game form the FT line. It would be a good time to replace Lovette with Mussini to further stress the guards if they want to overplay the entry pass to Williams. Pick your poison.
Also, athletic ability goes much further rebounding against a spread out zone that it does against man-to-man. Nobody is more athletic than Balamou. If you neglect him, you run the risk of being posterized in a split second. He's not a complete player but he does have some incredible tools.
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Timely;
@JonRothstein: Hearing St. John's is working on using Felix Balamou as undersized PF. Red Storm will be light up front. Need to do MORE with less. #sjubb
That is terrifying news.
Terrifying if Felix hasn't improved a lick since last season, or if Coach has recognized he must go to a really quick lineup as the best chance of winning games this season. Or they're simply trying it out right now. However - has anybody watched Felix in summer workouts?
He hasn't improved a lick since earning a few starts his freshman year. He seemed promising at that point. IDK what happened to him. Also, I see everyone is saying he's 6'4. I'm 6'2, and last year he definitely wasn't taller than me when I was standing next to him. He'll get thrown around like a rag doll in the paint if they put him at the 4.
But, if he does it for a couple of minutes per game, ok then. It probably won't be what kills the season.
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At this time last year. Dom didn't improve a lick . Felix is certainly going to be smaller . But he also will be quicker. Not a huge Felix fan either but I think he will do ok In This role. What has Amar done so far where anyone could be even the least bit confident in. For us to competive both of those guys have to play almost average.
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At this time last year. Dom didn't improve a lick . Felix is certainly going to be smaller . But he also will be quicker. Not a huge Felix fan either but I think he will do ok In This role. What has Amar done so far where anyone could be even the least bit confident in. For us to competive both of those guys have to play almost average.
I thought Amar used his size well to rebound in some key BE games last year. Felix played well against NJIT 4 years ago. He hasn't played well since.
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At this time last year. Dom didn't improve a lick . Felix is certainly going to be smaller . But he also will be quicker. Not a huge Felix fan either but I think he will do ok In This role. What has Amar done so far where anyone could be even the least bit confident in. For us to competive both of those guys have to play almost average.
I thought Amar used his size well to rebound in some key BE games last year. Felix played well against NJIT 4 years ago. He hasn't played well since.
8-10 mins for both
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At this time last year. Dom didn't improve a lick . Felix is certainly going to be smaller . But he also will be quicker. Not a huge Felix fan either but I think he will do ok In This role. What has Amar done so far where anyone could be even the least bit confident in. For us to competive both of those guys have to play almost average.
I thought Amar used his size well to rebound in some key BE games last year. Felix played well against NJIT 4 years ago. He hasn't played well since.
8-10 mins for both
If Amar is playing 8-10 minutes a game, are we playing a 2 guard at center? I count 3 big men on this roster, (Alibegovic, Williams and Sima) and one with BE experience. I have not seen much of M'Vouika or Johnson to know if they are tough enough to play the four, but it seems to me that if the staff is seriously considering playing Balamou at the 4, it's because they just don't have other options.
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I like how this has become a trending topic for St. John's hoops now. It's why you come here first
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Has there been any indication from Mullin on defensive scheme? Ability to defend post and rebound against bigger guys is where the answer lies.
That this team does not have a single certain strength heading into this season is both depressing and exciting.
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I've seen Felix, fundamentally, be a good rebounder. He boxes out, and he has great hops. He also brings a lot of hustle. Any opposing big man who brings the ball below his head could be subject to a steal by Felix' quick hands.
That being said, no major minutes.
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I've seen Felix, fundamentally, be a good rebounder. He boxes out, and he has great hops. He also brings a lot of hustle. Any opposing big man who brings the ball below his head could be subject to a steal by Felix' quick hands.
That being said, no major minutes.
I agree regarding the rebounding. But I think we're talking about a handful of rebounds. People keep saying he's quick. What is he quick to? He doesn't dribble well, pass well or have a quick jumper. I don't recall him coming up w a loose ball last year. All I remember is Felix bricking wide open layups. I'd love nothing more than to see him shock us all the way Dom did, but Dom's athletic ability was in a different class. That's not Felix. Not even close. A much better comparison might be Cedric Jackson freshman year.
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Has there been any indication from Mullin on defensive scheme?
Yes, I heard he wants to play it like Golden State and Run tmc. No defense.
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I've seen Felix, fundamentally, be a good rebounder. He boxes out, and he has great hops. He also brings a lot of hustle. Any opposing big man who brings the ball below his head could be subject to a steal by Felix' quick hands.
That being said, no major minutes.
but Dom's athletic ability was in a different class. That's not Felix. Not even close.
Disagree. Hasnt had the chances or perhaps the willingness to show it but Felix is a super athlete.
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Everyone keeps saying that we only have 3 bigs on the roster... what about Christian Jones??? I am far from his biggest fan, but I believe he can be serviceable. He spent all of last year in Lavin's doghouse and never looked comfortable. I'm hoping Mullin can figure out a way to utilize him because I think he has a little potential.
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Everyone keeps saying that we only have 3 bigs on the roster... what about Christian Jones??? I am far from his biggest fan, but I believe he can be serviceable. He spent all of last year in Lavin's doghouse and never looked comfortable. I'm hoping Mullin can figure out a way to utilize him because I think he has a little potential.
Maybe he can be serviceable, but it looks like he doesn't try.
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Everyone keeps saying that we only have 3 bigs on the roster... what about Christian Jones??? I am far from his biggest fan, but I believe he can be serviceable. He spent all of last year in Lavin's doghouse and never looked comfortable. I'm hoping Mullin can figure out a way to utilize him because I think he has a little potential.
Maybe he can be serviceable, but it looks like he doesn't try.
His lack of assertiveness has bothered me more then anything. It seems like he does has some skill but for a guy with such a large frame he gets pushed around a lot and doesn't seem to go after rebounds and lose balls like a big man should. Some of it might be due to lack of confidence because of how his career here has gone. I think if Mullin can light a fire under him and get his confidence up he has the skill to be good option off the bench. We have yet to see him develop the killer instinct but lets see what a new staff can do with him.
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Re Jones: Some guys have the fire & some don't. Lighting it for the latter fails more often than not. Unfortunately Christian also seems to lack the basketball instincts & smarts that successful guys his size, like Billy Singleton, Tyrone Grant, etc. had. Hope I am wrong & staff gets him on track.
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Everyone keeps saying that we only have 3 bigs on the roster... what about Christian Jones??? I am far from his biggest fan, but I believe he can be serviceable. He spent all of last year in Lavin's doghouse and never looked comfortable. I'm hoping Mullin can figure out a way to utilize him because I think he has a little potential.
Maybe he can be serviceable, but it looks like he doesn't try.
His lack of assertiveness has bothered me more then anything. It seems like he does has some skill but for a guy with such a large frame he gets pushed around a lot and doesn't seem to go after rebounds and lose balls like a big man should. Some of it might be due to lack of confidence because of how his career here has gone. I think if Mullin can light a fire under him and get his confidence up he has the skill to be good option off the bench. We have yet to see him develop the killer instinct but lets see what a new staff can do with him.
He's dainty.
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Everyone keeps saying that we only have 3 bigs on the roster... what about Christian Jones??? I am far from his biggest fan, but I believe he can be serviceable. He spent all of last year in Lavin's doghouse and never looked comfortable. I'm hoping Mullin can figure out a way to utilize him because I think he has a little potential.
Felix is everything Jones isn't. As I said years ago when I first saw him, Jones has heavy feet and lacks a nose for the ball. I just don't think you can teach that stuff. It's a shame because, unlike Felix, he does have above average skill. It doesn't matter if Jones was 6'10, the bottom line is that Balamou is coming down with a 50/50 ball ten out of ten times over or under Christian Jones.
Felix is a freak athlete that had the misfortune of playing a year behind Dom, a bigger/better version of himself, and Harrison, the second leading scorer in our program's history, and for a coach that did not respect hustle, rebounding, or playing within one's ability. I'm not going to write him off until I see how he responds to decent minutes without having to look over his should for fear of being yanked every time he makes a mistake while Lavin lets Dom dribble the ball at his chin 90 mph for three years.
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Speaking of small ball, look at the roster. It's immediately apparent these guys are much bigger than last year's squad. Williams is a beast at 6'8 230. Johnson looks sturdy at 6'6 205. M'Vouika looks much stronger than his listed 6'6 205. Amar looks stronger than last year at 6'9 235. Even Balamou has his weight up to 205 (up 13 pounds!) .
We had two guys over 202 pounds last year that played (Alibegovic and Obekpa) and SEVEN guys that played under 195. This year we only have two guys that will play that are under 205 (Lovett and Mussini).
I don't see any way Johnson is not All-Big East, and I think Williams will be my favorite player. Lovett will be the best PG we've had in years from day one if he's eligible...and I write that knowing we'll want to ring his neck have the season for mistakes and being too flashy.
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I've seen Felix, fundamentally, be a good rebounder. He boxes out, and he has great hops. He also brings a lot of hustle. Any opposing big man who brings the ball below his head could be subject to a steal by Felix' quick hands.
That being said, no major minutes.
but Dom's athletic ability was in a different class. That's not Felix. Not even close.
Disagree. Hasnt had the chances or perhaps the willingness to show it but Felix is a super athlete.
He is a good athlete but severely offensively challenged. He is very much like Cedric.
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Speaking of small ball, look at the roster. It's immediately apparent these guys are much bigger than last year's squad. Williams is a beast at 6'8 230. Johnson looks sturdy at 6'6 205. M'Vouika looks much stronger than his listed 6'6 205. Amar looks stronger than last year at 6'9 235. Even Balamou has his weight up to 205 (up 13 pounds!) .
We had two guys over 202 pounds last year that played (Alibegovic and Obekpa) and SEVEN guys that played under 195. This year we only have two guys that will play that are under 205 (Lovett and Mussini).
I don't see any way Johnson is not All-Big East, and I think Williams will be my favorite player. Lovett will be the best PG we've had in years from day one if he's eligible...and I write that knowing we'll want to ring his neck have the season for mistakes and being too flashy.
Williams is a beast. Johnson is All Big East. Not trying to be a dick, but what are you basing this on? Has anyone even seen Williams play?
Don't get me wrong, that would be music to my ears.
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I've seen Felix, fundamentally, be a good rebounder. He boxes out, and he has great hops. He also brings a lot of hustle. Any opposing big man who brings the ball below his head could be subject to a steal by Felix' quick hands.
That being said, no major minutes.
but Dom's athletic ability was in a different class. That's not Felix. Not even close.
Disagree. Hasnt had the chances or perhaps the willingness to show it but Felix is a super athlete.
Felix got his chance last year. When the team was struggling early on in BE play, Lavin gave Felix a chance. I'm not a believer in all things Lavin. He made plenty of mistakes along the way, but overall, he played the guys who he should have played. Phil Greene wasn't the best point guard. Ok, he wasn't a good point guard at all, but there wasn't anyone else.
I don't see any scenario where Felix sat because a lesser player was out there. Felix sat because Felix wasn't helping the team win. He played defense. He hustled. He didn't shoot, pass, dribble, drive or finish well at any point during his 200+ minutes last year that I recall.
Cedric Jackson pre-Cleveland State is an appropriate comparison. Clearly, Cedric worked his butt off. Let's see what Felix brings to the table this year. I would love nothing more than to see him shock us all with a strong senior season.
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Speaking of small ball, look at the roster. It's immediately apparent these guys are much bigger than last year's squad. Williams is a beast at 6'8 230. Johnson looks sturdy at 6'6 205. M'Vouika looks much stronger than his listed 6'6 205. Amar looks stronger than last year at 6'9 235. Even Balamou has his weight up to 205 (up 13 pounds!) .
We had two guys over 202 pounds last year that played (Alibegovic and Obekpa) and SEVEN guys that played under 195. This year we only have two guys that will play that are under 205 (Lovett and Mussini).
I don't see any way Johnson is not All-Big East, and I think Williams will be my favorite player. Lovett will be the best PG we've had in years from day one if he's eligible...and I write that knowing we'll want to ring his neck have the season for mistakes and being too flashy.
Williams is a beast. Johnson is All Big East. Not trying to be a dick, but what are you basing this on? Has anyone even seen Williams play?
Don't get me wrong, that would be music to my ears.
He's 6'8 230 and jacked...hence beast. What would you label someone that big?
As for Johnson, I love his game and I am 100% confident he will be worthy of all-league honors if he stays healthy. Nothing else I can do...I've made and won bets in the past based on predictions which nobody ever pays and brought up old posts, but you'll just have to take this for what it is...one poster's opinion. If I'm wrong, I'll refund your money.
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I used to drink the Christian Jones Kool-Aid, but I don't know what his deal is. If you could take his physique and combine with Felix' attitude and athleticism, that would be something. Imagine if Jones would box out, jump through the ceiling, hustle and dive for loose balls...Oh well.
Felix will not be playing mad minutes in the front court. But if he does, it's because he earned the minutes.
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Speaking of small ball, look at the roster. It's immediately apparent these guys are much bigger than last year's squad. Williams is a beast at 6'8 230. Johnson looks sturdy at 6'6 205. M'Vouika looks much stronger than his listed 6'6 205. Amar looks stronger than last year at 6'9 235. Even Balamou has his weight up to 205 (up 13 pounds!) .
We had two guys over 202 pounds last year that played (Alibegovic and Obekpa) and SEVEN guys that played under 195. This year we only have two guys that will play that are under 205 (Lovett and Mussini).
I don't see any way Johnson is not All-Big East, and I think Williams will be my favorite player. Lovett will be the best PG we've had in years from day one if he's eligible...and I write that knowing we'll want to ring his neck have the season for mistakes and being too flashy.
Williams is a beast. Johnson is All Big East. Not trying to be a dick, but what are you basing this on? Has anyone even seen Williams play?
Don't get me wrong, that would be music to my ears.
He's 6'8 230 and jacked...hence beast. What would you label someone that big?
As for Johnson, I love his game and I am 100% confident he will be worthy of all-league honors if he stays healthy. Nothing else I can do...I've made and won bets in the past based on predictions which nobody ever pays and brought up old posts, but you'll just have to take this for what it is...one poster's opinion. If I'm wrong, I'll refund your money.
I've loved Durand's game since AAU days. He's gonna be good. Intense competitor with a good all around skill set. As for CJ, he was not a bad guy for Lavin to take a chance on with a schollie , but once he got him in practice he claimed he was the best player in the class, which included Jak, Obekpa, and Sanchez. Then we got a chance to see him play. That's when I knew Lavin wasn't a basketball guy.
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Not sure how any one can say that CJ has above average skills. Coach Lavin's boast of CJ's skills are probably one of his most mysterious quotes while he was here. CJ clearly has not demonstrated those skills. He is who he is.
We can only hope that both CJ and Felix give it all when called on this season. They both seem like good kids. We could use their contributions whatever that might be. I think we should not expect too much from either player, but hope that we are all surprised.
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Speaking of small ball, look at the roster. It's immediately apparent these guys are much bigger than last year's squad. Williams is a beast at 6'8 230. Johnson looks sturdy at 6'6 205. M'Vouika looks much stronger than his listed 6'6 205. Amar looks stronger than last year at 6'9 235. Even Balamou has his weight up to 205 (up 13 pounds!) .
We had two guys over 202 pounds last year that played (Alibegovic and Obekpa) and SEVEN guys that played under 195. This year we only have two guys that will play that are under 205 (Lovett and Mussini).
I don't see any way Johnson is not All-Big East, and I think Williams will be my favorite player. Lovett will be the best PG we've had in years from day one if he's eligible...and I write that knowing we'll want to ring his neck have the season for mistakes and being too flashy.
Williams is a beast. Johnson is All Big East. Not trying to be a dick, but what are you basing this on? Has anyone even seen Williams play?
Don't get me wrong, that would be music to my ears.
He's 6'8 230 and jacked...hence beast. What would you label someone that big?
As for Johnson, I love his game and I am 100% confident he will be worthy of all-league honors if he stays healthy. Nothing else I can do...I've made and won bets in the past based on predictions which nobody ever pays and brought up old posts, but you'll just have to take this for what it is...one poster's opinion. If I'm wrong, I'll refund your money.
I hope you're right. All I was asking is if it was a blind guess, or if you had actually seen what he can do? Sure, you could be right, but don't you think it's just a bit presumptuous to call Williams (Or anyone) a beast just based on height and weight?
But hey, if you're right, I'll be sure to give you your props even if I have no idea how you predicted this one.
And Johnson All BE?? Marillac, he averaged 8.8 ppg with a .405 shooting percentage as a sophomore at Pitt. If he's All BE that would be stunning. If he's 3rd team, that would be stunning.
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Speaking of small ball, look at the roster. It's immediately apparent these guys are much bigger than last year's squad. Williams is a beast at 6'8 230. Johnson looks sturdy at 6'6 205. M'Vouika looks much stronger than his listed 6'6 205. Amar looks stronger than last year at 6'9 235. Even Balamou has his weight up to 205 (up 13 pounds!) .
We had two guys over 202 pounds last year that played (Alibegovic and Obekpa) and SEVEN guys that played under 195. This year we only have two guys that will play that are under 205 (Lovett and Mussini).
I don't see any way Johnson is not All-Big East, and I think Williams will be my favorite player. Lovett will be the best PG we've had in years from day one if he's eligible...and I write that knowing we'll want to ring his neck have the season for mistakes and being too flashy.
Williams is a beast. Johnson is All Big East. Not trying to be a dick, but what are you basing this on? Has anyone even seen Williams play?
Don't get me wrong, that would be music to my ears.
He's 6'8 230 and jacked...hence beast. What would you label someone that big?
As for Johnson, I love his game and I am 100% confident he will be worthy of all-league honors if he stays healthy. Nothing else I can do...I've made and won bets in the past based on predictions which nobody ever pays and brought up old posts, but you'll just have to take this for what it is...one poster's opinion. If I'm wrong, I'll refund your money.
I hope you're right. All I was asking is if it was a blind guess, or if you had actually seen what he can do? Sure, you could be right, but don't you think it's just a bit presumptuous to call Williams (Or anyone) a beast just based on height and weight?
But hey, if you're right, I'll be sure to give you your props even if I have no idea how you predicted this one.
And Johnson All BE?? Marillac, he averaged 8.8 ppg with a .405 shooting percentage as a sophomore at Pitt. If he's All BE that would be stunning. If he's 3rd team, that would be stunning.
http://johnnyjungle.com/forum/index.php?topic=9689.0
From your own thread Poison ;)
"Johnson - 15.5 ppg, 4.5 boards and 2 assists"
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Speaking of small ball, look at the roster. It's immediately apparent these guys are much bigger than last year's squad. Williams is a beast at 6'8 230. Johnson looks sturdy at 6'6 205. M'Vouika looks much stronger than his listed 6'6 205. Amar looks stronger than last year at 6'9 235. Even Balamou has his weight up to 205 (up 13 pounds!) .
We had two guys over 202 pounds last year that played (Alibegovic and Obekpa) and SEVEN guys that played under 195. This year we only have two guys that will play that are under 205 (Lovett and Mussini).
I don't see any way Johnson is not All-Big East, and I think Williams will be my favorite player. Lovett will be the best PG we've had in years from day one if he's eligible...and I write that knowing we'll want to ring his neck have the season for mistakes and being too flashy.
Williams is a beast. Johnson is All Big East. Not trying to be a dick, but what are you basing this on? Has anyone even seen Williams play?
Don't get me wrong, that would be music to my ears.
He's 6'8 230 and jacked...hence beast. What would you label someone that big?
As for Johnson, I love his game and I am 100% confident he will be worthy of all-league honors if he stays healthy. Nothing else I can do...I've made and won bets in the past based on predictions which nobody ever pays and brought up old posts, but you'll just have to take this for what it is...one poster's opinion. If I'm wrong, I'll refund your money.
I hope you're right. All I was asking is if it was a blind guess, or if you had actually seen what he can do? Sure, you could be right, but don't you think it's just a bit presumptuous to call Williams (Or anyone) a beast just based on height and weight?
But hey, if you're right, I'll be sure to give you your props even if I have no idea how you predicted this one.
And Johnson All BE?? Marillac, he averaged 8.8 ppg with a .405 shooting percentage as a sophomore at Pitt. If he's All BE that would be stunning. If he's 3rd team, that would be stunning.
http://johnnyjungle.com/forum/index.php?topic=9689.0
From your own thread Poison ;)
"Johnson - 15.5 ppg, 4.5 boards and 2 assists"
That ain't All Big East. That's a good player, and a lot of wishful thinkingSpeaking of small ball, look at the roster. It's immediately apparent these guys are much bigger than last year's squad. Williams is a beast at 6'8 230. Johnson looks sturdy at 6'6 205. M'Vouika looks much stronger than his listed 6'6 205. Amar looks stronger than last year at 6'9 235. Even Balamou has his weight up to 205 (up 13 pounds!) .
We had two guys over 202 pounds last year that played (Alibegovic and Obekpa) and SEVEN guys that played under 195. This year we only have two guys that will play that are under 205 (Lovett and Mussini).
I don't see any way Johnson is not All-Big East, and I think Williams will be my favorite player. Lovett will be the best PG we've had in years from day one if he's eligible...and I write that knowing we'll want to ring his neck have the season for mistakes and being too flashy.
Williams is a beast. Johnson is All Big East. Not trying to be a dick, but what are you basing this on? Has anyone even seen Williams play?
Don't get me wrong, that would be music to my ears.
He's 6'8 230 and jacked...hence beast. What would you label someone that big?
As for Johnson, I love his game and I am 100% confident he will be worthy of all-league honors if he stays healthy. Nothing else I can do...I've made and won bets in the past based on predictions which nobody ever pays and brought up old posts, but you'll just have to take this for what it is...one poster's opinion. If I'm wrong, I'll refund your money.
I hope you're right. All I was asking is if it was a blind guess, or if you had actually seen what he can do? Sure, you could be right, but don't you think it's just a bit presumptuous to call Williams (Or anyone) a beast just based on height and weight?
But hey, if you're right, I'll be sure to give you your props even if I have no idea how you predicted this one.
And Johnson All BE?? Marillac, he averaged 8.8 ppg with a .405 shooting percentage as a sophomore at Pitt. If he's All BE that would be stunning. If he's 3rd team, that would be stunning.
http://johnnyjungle.com/forum/index.php?topic=9689.0
From your own thread Poison ;)
"Johnson - 15.5 ppg, 4.5 boards and 2 assists"
Yes, I'm hopeful he'll have a surprisingly good year, but All BE? No, that's too much to ask of any player. It would be a thrill if it happens, but it's asking a helluva lot. I'm expecting him to score, but I don't know his shooting percentage would go up from the .405 he shot as a sophomore, now that he'll have less talent and experience around him.
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Yes, I'm hopeful he'll have a surprisingly good year, but All BE? No, that's too much to ask of any player. It would be a thrill if it happens, but it's asking a helluva lot. I'm expecting him to score, but I don't know his shooting percentage would go up from the .405 he shot as a sophomore, now that he'll have less talent and experience around him.
Pts rebs ast
17 5.5 2
14 3 2
15.5 5.5 7.5
20 6.5 1
10 2 3.5
16.5 4 3
16.5 2.5 1
Those are last years 1st team all BE so the numbers you had arent that far off.
I dont think he will be first team, but I could see him scoring 14 and grabbing 5. If we finish out of the bottom three he could get a nod on one of the teams for sure.
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Williams will be a fan favorite. He'll hit big threes, block some shots, and come up with some nice passes. That much I'm sure of. I hope he can be a monster overall defender and rebounder as well.
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@rumbleSBN: Balamou says the coaching staff has not talked to him about playing PF but he has seen the reports.
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Williams will be a fan favorite. He'll hit big threes, block some shots, and come up with some nice passes. That much I'm sure of. I hope he can be a monster overall defender and rebounder as well.
If he can hit threes, block shots, AND pass, then he may end up being one of my all timers.
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If be thrilled to eat my words. I think most of us did with Dom. Not saying this is anything much more than a photo, but Christian Jones seems to have gotten himself into shape. Let's hope he's not sucking it in like the rest of us.