Agree with some of what you said. We were limited offensively by personnel with Lovett's departure. Go back to last night, I thought the offense looked very good. Everyone contributing, sharing the ball, set plays, etc.
Also, to compare the talent on this squad to the NIT team that endured the Robert Morris debacle is an insult to that squad (which, btw, was year 4 of Lavin, and while a rebuild, a much easier one coming off a top 25/NCAA squad). The team that lost to Robert Morris went 8/9 deep with talent everywhere - Jordan, Harrison, Greene, Sampson, Pointer, Obekpa, Gift, Sanchez, Branch and Hooper who was playing a level above where he should. That team not only had depth; it had good depth. Even taking out the most talented guys (Dlo, Karr, Dom, Jordan), you add Branch, Sanchez and Phil or Gift to this team and we are probably dancing. That 14-15 wasn't a lock tourney team was one of the worst coaching jobs we've seen at SJU.
4 years ago We had a coach, who had faults. But we were way better then this. 4 years ago we beat Xavier. 4 years ago we were the bullies. Now we compete with depaul for last place.
Today I watched the game with non St. John’s fans. They asked questions “why doesn’t anyone move on offense? Why does St. John’s crash the boards?” One guy said “st. John’s is awful, this game sucks, they just chuck up shots from the outside. Hopefully the next game is good.”
What would you call the offense? Certainly not motion.
Defense - man defense has been much improved. It has been good and at times excellent. Can’t tough man with everyone In foul trouble. Yakwe? Trimble looked like he has never played defense 1 time in his life today.
Zone defense- absolutely awful.
Players deserve a huge amount of credit. They hung with Xavier for a half with Trimble, cole , and a much improved (still not good) Amar. How many easy shots did Xavier get? Did we get even 1? Alley oops are fun. Not only way to get a basket.
4-14 is an F for any coach. Unless you are a god or a hero. I bet his final grade is a C.
Last coach in year 3 of complete rebuild won 20 games. Number 1 seed in NIT. We got blown out. That team had similar talent to the current team.