Who comes to St Johns?

Pelle, Gathers, and Obekpa will be here.

LJSA = mush. Love you as a poster, but the next prediction you get right will be your first (last mush I recall is you saying we get either MoMo or Harrow).

I think we get Gathers.  Wood talks to him twice a week and he's getting love from Moe and Garrett.  I wouldn't underestimate Lavin's charm.  He got these kids once, I'm sure he could get them again.

Lucky for us, the juco ranks always have quality bigs (the beneficiaries of being the top options at their jucos rather than at the bottom of the todem pole for two years at a big school) and stud shooters/scorers ala Hardy, Hatten, Johnson-Odom, and Pierre Jackson.
I honestly wouldn't mind picking up 1/3 and then just hitting the juco and transfer market to fill the remaining three schollies.

I'd think we'd have a leg-up for Obepka with a fellow Nigerian on the roster (and Dele around the program) and the familiar New York location.  I don't know how likely it would be, but I would be awesome to see a front court of Moe, Sampson, and Obepka dominate the paint together.

Do wee need Gathers more than the others?

Do wee need Gathers more than the others?

Need someone to clear space down low and not get pushed around.  For as strong as GG looks, he doesn't have that powerful base like Gathers. It's hard to say who is needed more.  Sampson was perfect for this team and this system.

Quote from: Marco Baldi on December 05, 2011, 10:17:12 AM

Do wee need Gathers more than the others?

Need someone to clear space down low and not get pushed around.  For as strong as GG looks, he doesn't have that powerful base like Gathers. It's hard to say who is needed more.  Sampson was perfect for this team and this system.

I don't know.  Gift's strength and ability in the post looked great vs UK.  I think he double-doubled or close against a fearsome frontline.  The problem is that we need two more guys like him, or other big bodies to help out up front.  All are different types of players.  Pelle is similar in build and game to UNC's Henson.  He's a real shot blocker.  Obekpa also a shot blocker but raw on offense.  Gathers is not so much a shot blocker as a guy who can carve space offensively as well as run the court like a wing and rebound tremendously.  Sampson does a bit of everything but is a phenom athlete and hybrid forward.  I like them all and hope we can land at least 2.  I'd prefer at least 2 of the Gathers, Sampson Pelle group.  Obekpa is my 4th choice of them because he's the most limited offensively right now and has the longest way to go.

Quote from: Marco Baldi on December 05, 2011, 10:17:12 AM

Do wee need Gathers more than the others?

Need someone to clear space down low and not get pushed around.  For as strong as GG looks, he doesn't have that powerful base like Gathers. It's hard to say who is needed more.  Sampson was perfect for this team and this system.

That is exactly right. A big man's strength is in his legs. GG doesn't box out nearly enough. It's seems like he's all upper body.

If I had to guess, I'd guess Gathers and Sampson. Lavvy is showing Sampson the love he's been looking for.

Quote from: Marillac on December 05, 2011, 02:17:13 PM

Quote from: Marco Baldi on December 05, 2011, 10:17:12 AM

Do wee need Gathers more than the others?

Need someone to clear space down low and not get pushed around.  For as strong as GG looks, he doesn't have that powerful base like Gathers. It's hard to say who is needed more.  Sampson was perfect for this team and this system.

I don't know.  Gift's strength and ability in the post looked great vs UK.  I think he double-doubled or close against a fearsome frontline.  The problem is that we need two more guys like him, or other big bodies to help out up front.  All are different types of players.  Pelle is similar in build and game to UNC's Henson.  He's a real shot blocker.  Obekpa also a shot blocker but raw on offense.  Gathers is not so much a shot blocker as a guy who can carve space offensively as well as run the court like a wing and rebound tremendously.  Sampson does a bit of everything but is a phenom athlete and hybrid forward.  I like them all and hope we can land at least 2.  I'd prefer at least 2 of the Gathers, Sampson Pelle group.  Obekpa is my 4th choice of them because he's the most limited offensively right now and has the longest way to go.

I felt they were just letting GG go to block him several times.  He put up good #s but I wasn't impressed by his performance.
Ance

If I had to guess, I'd guess Gathers and Sampson. Lavvy is showing Sampson the love he's been looking for.

Those are the two I'd like to see here most.  Both athletic freaks.  I also hope we go after a true center if we land one two.  Even a kid like Sidiki would be fine to pencil in at center.

height is good to have, but not necessary.  I saw blair dominate thabeet a few years ago.  charles barkley and artest mainly went up against bigger guys at power forward and dominated as well.  just a few of many examples.  most important thing for a center is gaining and denying position down low.  i think gathers could do that well despite his height.  in fact, i would rather see him at center than at power forward.  nova a few years back, and providence and marquette for the last couple of years, have had small players at the four and five which excelled at that position.  again, just a couple of many examples.  lavin putting on the floor four wing players at a time can work if there is talent, speed, and experience (which will come).  remember, when slower big men have to cover quicker players who can shoot from outside as well as drive to the basket, then that creates matchup problems as well.

Have to say that the poll results looks like someone is giving us the finger.

found it kinda funny too realfan

Dont mean to spoil this party but jahii Carson, Reeves Nelson, Josiah Turner are all suspended or did not Qualify
We should make a push make players feel like first come first served forget this  "hoping and wishin"
WE ARE .......  

LJSA = mush. Love you as a poster, but the next prediction you get right will be your first (last mush I recall is you saying we get either MoMo or Harrow).

Ouch. OK, I'll stick to predictions that don't directly affect us. Xavier will be in the Final Four.

Have to say that the poll results looks like someone is giving us the finger.

Hmm. Someone is giving us the finger

  Obstacles are stepping stones.....



  my sage words of wisdom for the day.....

  Bottom Line is that its December. Long time until the spring signing period.  No need to scurry off the boat yet like a bunch of panicky rats.  Plenty of time for Lavs and crew to right the ship.  This is what he does, and he's proven to do it very well throughout his career.

 Keep the Faith.

  Bottom Line is that its December. Long time until the spring signing period.  No need to scurry off the boat yet like a bunch of panicky rats.  Plenty of time for Lavs and crew to right the ship.  This is what he does, and he's proven to do it very well throughout his career.

 Keep the Faith.

+1 Boo     This is what Lav does.  Like Choz said a few weeks ago, he's a master of the living room. 

FUll court press on Sampson? Now that Gathers seems out of the picture