I started this Amar argument. I never said he was good. I said he was a useful In march. He played the role of a back up foward well. He set screens, played ok defense, and rebounded. If he focused on that he could certainly contribute next year at St. John's. I do not think RF could do any those things next year for us. Last years team needed a player who could contribute right away. Not a 2 year project. As marallic suggested maybe my thoughts are short sided but RF did t show that he could do anything well (including shooting). Contribute does not mean scoring 20 points per game. Contribute means keeping Amar on the bench, where he belonged.
I agree with you to the extent that I hope AA comes back: he's a senior and will likely give us more than any underclass replacement. That said, since the new year he had 24 rebounds (12 of those came in two games) and 32 personal fouls in 19 games. So he neither rebounded nor played defense, to the extent that playing defense does not comprise clubbing the other player and sending the other team to the line. Still, having suffered through three years of his incompetence I would welcome the opportunity to see if he took a step forward as a senior, as many other players have. But since you do not believe players get better through practice and repetition and maturity I don't understand why you would think the same thing.
In gross terms the correct question is not whether Alibeogwitz is better than Freudenberg next year. Because neither will make a difference and if we need them to we're intercoursed. The correct question is whether given the choice between the two of them one or the other would make more of a difference in the long term, in terms of moving the program forward. The obvious answer to that question is Fruedbergh. Because he's leagues better as a freshman than Alibegowitz.
Players get better practing properley. Amar for 3 plus seasons has considered himself a stretch 4 with 3 point range. I imagine he has shot countless jump shots With that in mind. We need a back up foward. If he prepares yhis off season by himself and with a coach I believe he could be productive. If he continues to do what he has done the past 3 years he will not only be worthless he will be a detriment to the team.
I also assume our team practices defense and tries to prepare our players to rebound and occasionally stop the other team. Whatever they are doing isn't working. I believe if they continue to do the same things even if they increase the intensity we will still have the worst defense in the country . Something needs to change.
Foady- just reread your post. Amar's stats weren't good. He is still terrible. However he played physical the last few games. No matter what his numbers I thought he contributed in both Georgetown wins. Next year he won't have good numbers either. But if used properly he could contribute even if his final numbers are 3 points, 2 rebounds and 3 fouls.
Even in the games where he played well enough, he allowed wide open baskets. His problems are only from the neck up. If he bothered to box out, he could at least be serviceable. He doesn't. Can he still have a productive senior year for both himself and even the team? Maybe, but I've never seen any St.John's 4 year player contribute less so I'm skeptical to say the least. He has been in the program for 3 years, and he still doesn't know where he should be on the court. I think if he can be replaced by a quality grad transfer or a prospect with a motor that might be best now all things considered. Two coaches have taught him very little to date, so I don't think it's unfair to say that he's just not dialed in. He should be playing at a low level D1 school, or maybe even a D3 school.
However, if he does return, we should support him. He's still an amateur, and in a year or two will be a part of the working force like everyone else. However, what he should do is find the best college he can with the shittiest team, transfer, sit out a year, graduate and get a grad degree.