How to revive New York area’s struggling college hoops scene

Imo, Jordan and obepka will get opportunities in nba. Both physically gifted to take a flier on.  Don't know how they will fare, but sometimes kids become better outside of college with everyday coaching and more time dedicated to game.

Imo at this point I think Jordan at best is NBDL material. not sure where Obekpa lands

Agree with Baldi.  Neither are NBA ready right now - I didn't think Sampson was either, to be fair, but I thought he was more ready than those two at the same time last year because of his athleticism, length and ability to make plays on offense.  Obekpa will be back next year and have a chance to improve on his rebounding and offensive game.  Jordan - well, as we've all said, who knows.

I'm glad more heat is being put on the prgram, somethimes desperation inspires creativity and motivates to go move your game up to another level. If Lavin wasn't firing on all cylinders  before he is now. He deserve credit for the team not falling over the cliff after the 2nd Butler game. I really thought that team would turn into a Hall like meltdown and they haven't...so far.

Getting blown out in GT isn't good but it wasn't crushing either. CO was hobbling, Harriosn looked sore, and the team had a big win at Xavier on Saturday. That being said it is sad that this team is on the bubble after being ranked as high as 15 and they still have a battle to get into the tournament.

Mike Voccaro is a hack who does not attend our games. The Yahoo article is a joke. Some people say Lavin has a low motor? Who? No source. And the notion that Buffalo and Rhode Island have been stellar or that those coaches can cut it in the Big East is a huge stretch.  A writer stirring the pot because he has nothing insightful to say.

Mike Voccaro is a hack who does not attend our games. The Yahoo article is a joke. Some people say Lavin has a low motor? Who? No source. And the notion that Buffalo and Rhode Island have been stellar or that those coaches can cut it in the Big East is a huge stretch.  A writer stirring the pot because he has nothing insightful to say.

The idea that Lavin can consistently cut it in the Big East is also a stretch

Mike Voccaro is a hack who does not attend our games. The Yahoo article is a joke. Some people say Lavin has a low motor? Who? No source. And the notion that Buffalo and Rhode Island have been stellar or that those coaches can cut it in the Big East is a huge stretch.  A writer stirring the pot because he has nothing insightful to say.

Actually think Vacarro likes the program and is at most MSG games

Quote from: boo3 on February 19, 2015, 10:58:32 PM

Quote from: Marco Baldi on February 19, 2015, 10:55:18 PM

Quote from: rdstr25 on February 19, 2015, 10:50:53 PM

I root for Lavin to do well. This program needs stability and if he can get to tourney he should stay.   I really believe his 15 class will be good. Can be Great if he can recruit obepka and Jordan to stay. 2 nba level players as upperclassmen. Something he didn't have a chance to do when he got his first big class.  However should he not get to tourney this year, all bets should be off and we bring someone else in.

If memory serves me correct, ford wrote an article a few years ago ripping calipari for his one and done Moto after he failed to get to tournament.  Cal always brings in top talent but his two best teams had upperclassmen who helped win.   I know ford is a huge Louisville guy, but still a good assessment of local teams.

I disagree with Obekpa and Jordan being NBa level players

 Agree with Baldi, but if we get those two back along with Sampson, Doughty, hopefully Lovett, that's a decent start...   Diallo would be the game changer in the equation.  Suddenly 2015-16 doesn't seem as bleak as many had been painting.

Agreed. But we need alternatives to Diallo and Lovett. Too many question marks, everywhere

This really concerns me.  Personally, I don't think Diallo ends up at St. John's.  No inside info at all, I just know we are usually at the losing end when going up against the likes of Kentucky, Kansas, Duke, etc. And outside of him, I haven't heard of many PF/C that Lavin is currently recruiting.

Basically means next year the frontcourt consists of Obekpa, ADR, Jones, and Alibegovic. Not exactly what I would call formidable.

I don't think that's such a bad front court, though a lot depends on what ADR can give us.

Jordan's bball IQ has to improve greatly if he wants a shot at the NBA. He definitely needs to come back to the Johnnies next year or he'll languish in the D League. The dumb turnovers and mistakes from him are what's really hurting his stock.

Quickest way to revive the local college scene, and more specifically SJU? Stop letting all the best players from the 5 boros, Northern NJ, LI, and Westchester leave and go to the best bball schools around the country. Obviously it's easier said than done, but if the Johnnies just were able to keep home 2-3 of the 10 best from this geographic area every year then we'd have no problem being top 25 almost every year. Just ask 'Nova, UConn, 'Cuse and Pitt how they've stayed so good for so long.

Mike Voccaro is a hack who does not attend our games. The Yahoo article is a joke. Some people say Lavin has a low motor? Who? No source. And the notion that Buffalo and Rhode Island have been stellar or that those coaches can cut it in the Big East is a huge stretch.  A writer stirring the pot because he has nothing insightful to say.

Our announcer disagrees. I agree with him.

@BrandonTierney: For my money, @MikeVacc is the best columnist in America. Effortlessly combines intellect/history...captures fan's passion. @nypostsports

Lavin's gamelan of recruiting outside the boroughs has worked pretty well and this team has a nice melting pot feel that makes NYC so unique and different from the rest of the world. Lavin's two biggest issues is not recruiting enough players and recruiting players with a lot of baggage.

If he can grab some Tristate area kids that would be great, overall he needs to go after kids with less baggage...The biggest bags of them all is their elgibilty issues.

Quote from: loughlinguy on February 22, 2015, 01:06:14 AM

Mike Voccaro is a hack who does not attend our games. The Yahoo article is a joke. Some people say Lavin has a low motor? Who? No source. And the notion that Buffalo and Rhode Island have been stellar or that those coaches can cut it in the Big East is a huge stretch.  A writer stirring the pot because he has nothing insightful to say.

Our announcer disagrees. I agree with him.

@BrandonTierney: For my money, @MikeVacc is the best columnist in America. Effortlessly combines intellect/history...captures fan's passion. @nypostsports

Agree. Think laughingguy is off base.