Article on MAson

http://web.sny.tv/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091104&content_id=7617682&oid=2&vkey=21

ON Brownlee

He's real versatile," Mason said. "He's in the post for us but he's real versatile. He can push the ball up the court. His athleticism is amazing. He can jump to the sky."

"He's got as much talent as anybody on the team," Roberts added. "He can play the one through the four."

on Hardy

"When he shoots from the 3, I call it a layup," Mason said. "That's what I say. That's what I always yell out. When he's on, it's on. He's not missing. He might miss one, but it's probably because he just didn't look at the basket right."

http://w3.nbebasketball.com/2009/11/04/time-is-now-for-norm-roberts-st-johns-in-2009-10/


TIME IS NOW FOR NORM ROBERTS, ST. JOHN’S IN 2009-10

November 4, 2009 by NBE Blogger · Leave a Comment

by JEFF BORZELLO

As one of the best programs in college basketball history, it is strange to see St. John’s consistently finishing near the bottom of the Big East over the past several seasons.

Since head coach Norm Roberts took over five years ago, the Red Storm have averaged fewer than 13 wins per season, and have not been to the NCAA Tournament.

It’s certainly been a long rebuilding process for New York City’s marquee college team. However, with no key personnel losses and a solid recruiting class coming in, St. John’s might be poised to take the next step.

“I think we have a strong chance to move up,” Roberts said. “We have a more veteran team, and a lot of guys that can step up. We’re going to have more depth.”

That depth will undoubtedly help the Red Storm during the rigors of the 18-game Big East season.

Last year, Anthony Mason Jr. tore a tendon in his foot in the third game of the season and was gone for the rest of the campaign. Forward Justin Burrell struggled all year after breaking his nose, while Malik Boothe missed nine games with a thumb injury.

“The most important thing is our depth,” Boothe said. “If we have injuries, if guys go down, we now have guys who can step up.”

Naturally, the injury bug has already infected the Red Storm, as Mason injured his hamstring and is not expected to return until mid-December. Moreover, D.J. Kennedy suffered a strained MCL last week, and Rob Thomas has had problems with a groin injury.

Burrell has not avoided the training room, either, as he tore ligaments in his hand in October, but is back playing.

Leading the influx of depth is a four-man recruiting class that will contribute across the board.

“They all have to help,” Roberts said. “[Malik] Stith has speed at the point. Dwight Hardy can shoot. Justin Brownlee will help inside; he’s versatile. And Omari is a slasher.”

“They’re all doing a great job,” Boothe added. “They add depth, and bring toughness, versatility, speed, more scoring.”

The depth and quickness that the newcomers bring, combined with the returning starters, will make an immediate impact at the defensive end of the floor.

“We have more speed,” Roberts said. “We can extend our defense, we have more bodies so we can do that.”

Offense shouldn’t be a problem for the Red Storm, which return four double-figure scorers and another who averaged 9.0 points per game, in Burrell.

Kennedy and Paris Horne form an athletic and versatile wing tandem, and Sean Evans had a breakout season in the post last season. If Mason returns from injury and Boothe and Burrell stay healthy, the Red Storm have a solid veteran core.

Throw in the newcomers, and St. John’s could finally get back to respectability – especially in what will likely be a down year for the Big East. Still, Roberts knows what he is up against within the conference.

“You’re going against Hall of Fame coaches,” he said. “Every night, what you have to do is prepare your team to play.”

Nonetheless, Boothe is excited about the upcoming season.

“I think we can [move up in the conference],” he said. “I really do think that, we can make a push to the Tournament.”

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/12467234/big-east-preview-nova-looks-to-survive-leagues-war-of-attrition


 11. St. John's

Norm Roberts begins the season just like he began last season, with his job security very much in doubt. This is his sixth year at the school, and he's never finished better than 11th in the league; news that Anthony Mason Jr. will start things sidelined with an injury won't make things easier. But this St. John's team should be better with or without a healthy Mason, although it's all relative in the Big East. The Red Storm could be good and not crack the top eight. If so, will that be enough to give Roberts another season?


 Team      Postseason Prediction
1. Villanova    NCAA
2. Connecticut    NCAA
3. West Virginia    NCAA
4. Louisville    NCAA
5. Georgetown    NCAA
6. Syracuse    NCAA
7. Notre Dame    NCAA
8. Cincinnati    NCAA
9. Pittsburgh    NIT/CBI
10. Seton Hall    NIT/CBI
11. St. John's    NIT/CBI
12. Marquette    none
13. South Florida    none
14. Providence    none
15. Rutgers    none
16. DePaul    none

There is also video on zagsblog

http://www.zagsblog.com/2009/11/04/mason-itching-to-return-for-st-johns/