We have such an insanely talented core of players receiving major minutes. We need a point guard and a big man so bad, it's not funny. Lavin got a point guard, the #51 player in the 2011 class. Lav's working on a big man, a shooter, and some depth now. What has ever done a recruiter that would suggest that he can't deliver top talent for us now? He signed a top 100 PF in his first month on the job in 2010. He signed a top 3 class for 2011--yeah, two kids weren't eligible. He signed 4-5 top 10 classes at UCLA.
Marillac, I don't think anybody is doubting Lavin's recruiting ability. I think what is concerning most fans, including myself, is how there is virtually nobody left out there. When you really dive into the recruiting rankings, there are only a handful of impact recruits left. And if our team misses out on Sampson and Obekpa, then we are in some serious trouble.
Contrary to most fans on this board, I don't think St. John's just needs one or two more pieces. Yes, landing Branch will address our point guard problem. Having a nice three man guard rotation of Branch, Harrison, and Greene will be very solid for them next year. But as of right now, we do not have a front court presence at all. Harkless is a special talent, but he is not meant to be banging elbows down low. And God's Gift is not meant to play more than 10 minutes at the Big East level. So this staff is legitimately going to have to bring in two or three frontcourt players to help get this team over the hump next season. And I just don't see those players out there at the current moment. Granted, I'm not familiar with the JC players out there (outside of Sanchez) but there just doesn't seem to be a lot left.