Christopher Obekpa - PF - Our Savior New American - Centereach, NY - ST. JOHN'S

Amir looked like he had the highest ceiling of all players, sans Mo (and maybe Harris) last season. He came in mid-year, and rose to the challenge, progressed daily. I do not think it is a gimme that he is beat out for the 3 spot by Sampson next season, not because of baseball. He is one heck of an athlete, maybe the best on the team (tough to gauge and no small order).

I could see a starting five of -for the beginning of the season at least:

Green
DLO
Garret
Sanchez
GG/CO

Quote from: Tiznow on June 12, 2012, 10:08:04 PM

Fordham,

1) By all accounts Cincy was his first choice

No SJU was his first choice, that is why he is a Johnny.  Cincy at one point could have been his first choice as long rumored but since he NEVER verbaled there and ultimately the only schoo he publically verbaled to and signed papers with was and is SJU then it is safe to say that SJU was and is his first choice.

There's no question that SJU and Lavin was his first choice.  SJU was probably his first choice when by all accounts Cincy was in the lead.
 

Quote from: MCNPA on June 13, 2012, 09:24:09 AM

Quote from: fordham96 on June 13, 2012, 09:12:55 AM

Quote from: Tiznow on June 12, 2012, 10:08:04 PM

Fordham,

1) By all accounts Cincy was his first choice

No SJU was his first choice, that is why he is a Johnny.  Cincy at one point could have been his first choice as long rumored but since he NEVER verbaled there and ultimately the only schoo he publically verbaled to and signed papers with was and is SJU then it is safe to say that SJU was and is his first choice.

Well said.  There were also tons of rumors of him bent ineligible and other things.  Doesn't really matter at this point.  His first and only choice is SJU.  Seems he just wanted to take as much time as he needed to decide.  Lavin was smart to wait it out and not pressure him.  That is a hallmark of our staff's recruiting strategy.  Looks like Mick Cronin didn't have the patience to wait Obekpa out forever if needed.  The final result is that we landed the prize.  A young gazelle of a center who we desperately needed as a piece of our puzzle and he's fully qualified.  Kudos to our staff for having the wherewithal to stick it out until the very satisfying end.

But is it really the end ? Anyone else even mildly concerned that he signed a letter ( not an LOI, which he couldn't sign ) that apparently gives him the right to back out of the ship without permission of the school and with no penalty ? Just asking !

The kid is very excited about attending St John's. 

Getting the first look At obekpa since signing here at the D&D pro am tournament chip here at the highschool of construction playing on a team with another  former johnnie Malik boothe

Obekpa hasn't got off the bench Yet but ant glover in the game !!

STJ_Basketball ‏@STJ_Basketball
BIG OFFICIAL #STJBB WELCOME TO CHRISTOPHER OBEKPA! @christopherewao's financial aid agreement was received, he's officially a Johnny!!!

STJ_Basketball ‏@STJ_Basketball
BIG OFFICIAL #STJBB WELCOME TO CHRISTOPHER OBEKPA! @christopherewao's financial aid agreement was received, he's officially a Johnny!!!

And that explains why STJ never publicly mentioned him prior.

Quote from: kingofk1ngs on July 03, 2012, 06:00:22 PM

STJ_Basketball ‏@STJ_Basketball
BIG OFFICIAL #STJBB WELCOME TO CHRISTOPHER OBEKPA! @christopherewao's financial aid agreement was received, he's officially a Johnny!!!

And that explains why STJ never publicly mentioned him prior.

And why we haven't heard the staff yet publicly dicuss Jones.

Quote from: Moose on July 03, 2012, 08:20:37 PM

Quote from: kingofk1ngs on July 03, 2012, 06:00:22 PM

STJ_Basketball ‏@STJ_Basketball
BIG OFFICIAL #STJBB WELCOME TO CHRISTOPHER OBEKPA! @christopherewao's financial aid agreement was received, he's officially a Johnny!!!

And that explains why STJ never publicly mentioned him prior.

And why we haven't heard the staff yet publicly dicuss Jones.

For the same reason you indicated earlier, until his scholarship papers are formerly processed they cannot.  And think about it, it has been 3 weeks between Obekpa verballing and the official announcement that he is a Johnny.  It can take awhile.

Quote from: crgreen on July 03, 2012, 09:38:05 PM

Quote from: Moose on July 03, 2012, 08:20:37 PM

Quote from: kingofk1ngs on July 03, 2012, 06:00:22 PM

STJ_Basketball ‏@STJ_Basketball
BIG OFFICIAL #STJBB WELCOME TO CHRISTOPHER OBEKPA! @christopherewao's financial aid agreement was received, he's officially a Johnny!!!

And that explains why STJ never publicly mentioned him prior.

And why we haven't heard the staff yet publicly dicuss Jones.

For the same reason you indicated earlier, until his scholarship papers are formerly processed they cannot.  And think about it, it has been 3 weeks between Obekpa verballing and the official announcement that he is a Johnny.  It can take awhile.

Especially with St. J's staffers handling the process (and I don't mean anyone in the sports department).

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Could be lots of things.  Might be unfair to speculate.  Maybe he needs Jones' paperwork to check out?  Could still mean Wood in the picture and Hooper walking on Marillac style.

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Don't know, but who cares?  Always great to see that the paperwork is in and everything is official.  Obekpa is a tenacious post defender with a great motor.  He's a guy that will really change our makeup.  Everything I've ever read indicates he's a by hard worker, and for a post player, there's nothing more important.  Battling Gift in practice will do him a lot of good as well.

Quote from: paultzman on July 05, 2012, 04:10:08 PM

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Don't know, but who cares?  Always great to see that the paperwork is in and everything is official.  Obekpa is a tenacious post defender with a great motor.  He's a guy that will really change our makeup.  Everything I've ever read indicates he's a by hard worker, and for a post player, there's nothing more important.  Battling Gift in practice will do him a lot of good as well.

You are staing the obvious Marcus. I was not sowing seeds of a conspiracy, but simply stating my curiosity about the last ship.

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Also who ranked us 8?

Quote from: paultzman on July 05, 2012, 04:10:08 PM

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Also who ranked us 8?

Lavinmetrics, new recruiting service

Quote from: paultzman on July 05, 2012, 04:10:08 PM

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Could be lots of things.  Might be unfair to speculate.  Maybe he needs Jones' paperwork to check out?  Could still mean Wood in the picture and Hooper walking on Marillac style.

FWIW told today Wood is going Juco in Florida. Not verified, but a person's opinion I value. We will see. Juco is obviously no surprise to any of us.

Quote from: Moose on July 05, 2012, 05:16:38 PM

Quote from: paultzman on July 05, 2012, 04:10:08 PM

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Could be lots of things.  Might be unfair to speculate.  Maybe he needs Jones' paperwork to check out?  Could still mean Wood in the picture and Hooper walking on Marillac style.

FWIW told today Wood is going Juco in Florida. Not verified, but a person's opinion I value. We will see. Juco is obviously no surprise to any of us.

You didn't hear that from me did you?  LOL!

Quote from: paultzman on July 05, 2012, 05:34:35 PM

Quote from: Moose on July 05, 2012, 05:16:38 PM

Quote from: paultzman on July 05, 2012, 04:10:08 PM

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Could be lots of things.  Might be unfair to speculate.  Maybe he needs Jones' paperwork to check out?  Could still mean Wood in the picture and Hooper walking on Marillac style.

FWIW told today Wood is going Juco in Florida. Not verified, but a person's opinion I value. We will see. Juco is obviously no surprise to any of us.

You didn't hear that from me did you?  LOL!

No, but I do value your opinion !

Quote from: MCNPA on July 05, 2012, 05:17:22 PM

Quote from: paultzman on July 05, 2012, 04:10:08 PM

Nice summary

“@STJ_Basketball: IT'S OFFICIAL: @STJCoachLavin Adds Top 20 Center Chris Obekpa (@christopherewao) To Seven-Man #STJBB Recruiting Class: http://t.co/xhnXRrHq”


Lavin's squad graduated an unprecedented 10 seniors in 2011. Equal to the task, Lavin has now signed 18 student-athletes since arriving at St. John's in March of 2010. St. John's could sign one additional student-athlete for 2012-13 should Lavin elect to do so. The Red Storm's 2011 recruiting class was rated No. 3 in the nation when completed last spring, and the 2012 group has been cited as high as No. 8 according to recruiting services.

Hmm, "should Lavin elect to do so" Why mention that at all?

Don't know, but who cares?  Always great to see that the paperwork is in and everything is official.  Obekpa is a tenacious post defender with a great motor.  He's a guy that will really change our makeup.  Everything I've ever read indicates he's a by hard worker, and for a post player, there's nothing more important.  Battling Gift in practice will do him a lot of good as well.

You are staing the obvious Marcus. I was not sowing seeds of a conspiracy, but simply stating my curiosity about the last ship.

Fratto has to be very careful how he discusses unsigned players for obvious reasons.

But all indications are Jones will be officially set to go next week.