How deep...?

Quote from: Johnny4Life on September 10, 2012, 01:25:56 AM

We are going 10 deep.

Harrison, Sanchez, Sampson will be our top 3 scoring options.

I think Garrett has a great chance to crack that trio...

I think so too. Sanchez can influence the game so many other ways, and at the juco level he seemed to be happy to pass the ball and clear the glass.

How deep?

C 1)Obekpa
   2) Achiuwa

Obekpa a big time shotblocker and top 60 playerand athlete.  We return a strong and very solid God's Gift.   With these 2 we're not getting bullied all too much.  Adds Big shotblocking presence.

PF) 1) Orlando Sanchez
      2) Jakarr Sampson
      3) Christan Jones

At PF we have three absolutely phenomenal athletes.  Very strong group here with variety of skills.  One top 50 recruit, one JC All American and one possible sleeper. 

SF. 1) Amir Garrett
      2) Sir'Dom Pointer
      3) Marco Bourgault.

We return 2 top 70 SF's who were good last year but should be a year better.  Add a JC SF who is a lights of shooter.

SG. 1) D'Angelo Harrison
       2) Felix Balamou

One is arguably best scorer in Big East.  Balamou Osna's leading scorer and athletic freak.  We also have Phil Greene here as a combo but he'll get listed as a PG

PG.  1) Jamal Branch
       2). Phil Greene

At PG we return last seaon's starting PG and welcome top 60 transfer in Branch.  Is PG really our least "deep" position?  Not bad considering we return our starter and he may not even be starting come Big East play.


Looking position by position, I think we have 2 teams.  We have talent on our bench that matches or even betters some Big East rosters.  Again, youth is our biggest weakness.  If we can jell, we'll be dancing.  Finally have a legit Big East roster and depth.

     

A lot of these guys are really interchangeable in terms of position, so its really hard to nail it down in this way.  I really think Phil Greene is better off at the 2 and he'll see a lot of time there as well as at the 1.  While Sir Dom is naturally a 3, you can see him sliding over to the 4 at times if the coaches want to put a small and quick lineup out there, or a lineup with shooters.  Could see a Phil-D'Angelo-Marco lineup out there if we're struggling to shoot the ball at times. I also think you could see JaKarr out on the 3 spot quite a bit if we want to go with a longer lineup with JaKarr-Sanchez-Obekpa.  I think you could also see JaKarr at the 5 if they really want a fast lineup out there.  Sanchez can also play the 5.  Hard to see where God's Gift fits into this team.  Could be a good guy to come in to be really physical for a few minutes, but he's got a lot to prove against some of the guys on his own team this year.  Felix could find a few minutes here or there if we're struggling against a zone, because Felix has great midrange game and is really good at finding the attack spots against zone defenses.  Overall it's hard to see Felix getting major minutes THIS year, but he'll definitely be used down the line IMO.

Quote from: MCNPA on September 06, 2012, 10:39:30 PM

How deep?

C 1)Obekpa
   2) Achiuwa

Obekpa a big time shotblocker and top 60 playerand athlete.  We return a strong and very solid God's Gift.   With these 2 we're not getting bullied all too much.  Adds Big shotblocking presence.

PF) 1) Orlando Sanchez
      2) Jakarr Sampson
      3) Christan Jones

At PF we have three absolutely phenomenal athletes.  Very strong group here with variety of skills.  One top 50 recruit, one JC All American and one possible sleeper. 

SF. 1) Amir Garrett
      2) Sir'Dom Pointer
      3) Marco Bourgault.

We return 2 top 70 SF's who were good last year but should be a year better.  Add a JC SF who is a lights of shooter.

SG. 1) D'Angelo Harrison
       2) Felix Balamou

One is arguably best scorer in Big East.  Balamou Osna's leading scorer and athletic freak.  We also have Phil Greene here as a combo but he'll get listed as a PG

PG.  1) Jamal Branch
       2). Phil Greene

At PG we return last seaon's starting PG and welcome top 60 transfer in Branch.  Is PG really our least "deep" position?  Not bad considering we return our starter and he may not even be starting come Big East play.


Looking position by position, I think we have 2 teams.  We have talent on our bench that matches or even betters some Big East rosters.  Again, youth is our biggest weakness.  If we can jell, we'll be dancing.  Finally have a legit Big East roster and depth.

     

A lot of these guys are really interchangeable in terms of position, so its really hard to nail it down in this way.  I really think Phil Greene is better off at the 2 and he'll see a lot of time there as well as at the 1.  While Sir Dom is naturally a 3, you can see him sliding over to the 4 at times if the coaches want to put a small and quick lineup out there, or a lineup with shooters.  Could see a Phil-D'Angelo-Marco lineup out there if we're struggling to shoot the ball at times. I also think you could see JaKarr out on the 3 spot quite a bit if we want to go with a longer lineup with JaKarr-Sanchez-Obekpa.  I think you could also see JaKarr at the 5 if they really want a fast lineup out there.  Sanchez can also play the 5.  Hard to see where God's Gift fits into this team.  Could be a good guy to come in to be really physical for a few minutes, but he's got a lot to prove against some of the guys on his own team this year.  Felix could find a few minutes here or there if we're struggling against a zone, because Felix has great midrange game and is really good at finding the attack spots against zone defenses.  Overall it's hard to see Felix getting major minutes THIS year, but he'll definitely be used down the line IMO.

I know all our guys don't have one position per se.  Just wanted to paint the picture of depth that we really do have this season.  Not only that, but our depth is talented.  Not just bodies.

This is an extremely versatile roster, we now have the extra shooter, will have the true PG, size up front, shot blockers, scorers on the break, and a roster full of defensive guys. If this core stays together we really can have a great NCAA run next year. It all depends on how these guys mesh going into big east play. If the learning curve is quick, this roster can be a sweet 16 team THIS year.

If the learning curve is quick, this roster can be a sweet 16 team THIS year.

You're delusional.

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 09:39:02 AM

If the learning curve is quick, this roster can be a sweet 16 team THIS year.

You're delusional.

I do think we get beyond a first round game this year, we are deep and despite the age of some of our kids, they logged lots of minutes last year and have experience. The Big East is going to have a lot of parity this year. It all depends on the maturity development of our newcomers.

Quote from: Foad on September 11, 2012, 09:57:12 AM

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 09:39:02 AM

If the learning curve is quick, this roster can be a sweet 16 team THIS year.

You're delusional.

I do think we get beyond a first round game this year, we are deep and despite the age of some of our kids, they logged lots of minutes last year and have experience. The Big East is going to have a lot of parity this year. It all depends on the maturity development of our newcomers.

I hope you're right Ted.  But what I highlighted is what causes me to have a different opinion.
I think our newcomers will be alright - they'll meet expectations, but I'm not convinced what we have returning is sweet 16 ready.

Dom, Amir and Phil all have very limited offensive games.   We've seen flashes from Amir and Greene, but just that, moments, not long stretches of good play.   
If they take a big step forward this year, then I think what you're predicting could happen.   But aside from that I have to think we're a year away otherwise.   And in my mind it won't come down to the new guys.   I think Sanchez, Sampson, Branch etc will be solid if not spectacular. 

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 10:15:57 AM

Quote from: Foad on September 11, 2012, 09:57:12 AM

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 09:39:02 AM

If the learning curve is quick, this roster can be a sweet 16 team THIS year.

You're delusional.

I do think we get beyond a first round game this year, we are deep and despite the age of some of our kids, they logged lots of minutes last year and have experience. The Big East is going to have a lot of parity this year. It all depends on the maturity development of our newcomers.

I hope you're right Ted.  But what I highlighted is what causes me to have a different opinion.
I think our newcomers will be alright - they'll meet expectations, but I'm not convinced what we have returning is sweet 16 ready.

Dom, Amir and Phil all have very limited offensive games.   We've seen flashes from Amir and Greene, but just that, moments, not long stretches of good play.   
If they take a big step forward this year, then I think what you're predicting could happen.   But aside from that I have to think we're a year away otherwise.   And in my mind it won't come down to the new guys.   I think Sanchez, Sampson, Branch etc will be solid if not spectacular. 

Personally feel we will generate more offense off defensive end. Depth should increase defensive pressure as well IMO. How that translates to NCAA chances remains to be seen.

Quote from: desco80 on September 11, 2012, 11:41:30 AM

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 10:15:57 AM

Quote from: Foad on September 11, 2012, 09:57:12 AM

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 09:39:02 AM

If the learning curve is quick, this roster can be a sweet 16 team THIS year.

You're delusional.

I do think we get beyond a first round game this year, we are deep and despite the age of some of our kids, they logged lots of minutes last year and have experience. The Big East is going to have a lot of parity this year. It all depends on the maturity development of our newcomers.

I hope you're right Ted.  But what I highlighted is what causes me to have a different opinion.
I think our newcomers will be alright - they'll meet expectations, but I'm not convinced what we have returning is sweet 16 ready.

Dom, Amir and Phil all have very limited offensive games.   We've seen flashes from Amir and Greene, but just that, moments, not long stretches of good play.   
If they take a big step forward this year, then I think what you're predicting could happen.   But aside from that I have to think we're a year away otherwise.   And in my mind it won't come down to the new guys.   I think Sanchez, Sampson, Branch etc will be solid if not spectacular. 

Personally feel we will generate more offense off defensive end. Depth should increase defensive pressure as well IMO. How that translates to NCAA chances remains to be seen.

That's a good point, and maybe I'm not giving enough credit to our defense and athleticism.   We should be able to play up tempo and get some easier buckets, that's true.   
I just think that every chance they get teams are going to throw a 2-3 at us and dare us to shoot over them, because that was our worst nightmare last season.   I can't think of a good game we had against a zone d. 
If we can create turnovers though, and get out running, that'll definitely work to our favor.

Quote from: paultzman on September 11, 2012, 12:34:02 PM

Quote from: desco80 on September 11, 2012, 11:41:30 AM

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 10:15:57 AM

Quote from: Foad on September 11, 2012, 09:57:12 AM

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 09:39:02 AM

If the learning curve is quick, this roster can be a sweet 16 team THIS year.

You're delusional.

I do think we get beyond a first round game this year, we are deep and despite the age of some of our kids, they logged lots of minutes last year and have experience. The Big East is going to have a lot of parity this year. It all depends on the maturity development of our newcomers.

I hope you're right Ted.  But what I highlighted is what causes me to have a different opinion.
I think our newcomers will be alright - they'll meet expectations, but I'm not convinced what we have returning is sweet 16 ready.

Dom, Amir and Phil all have very limited offensive games.   We've seen flashes from Amir and Greene, but just that, moments, not long stretches of good play.   
If they take a big step forward this year, then I think what you're predicting could happen.   But aside from that I have to think we're a year away otherwise.   And in my mind it won't come down to the new guys.   I think Sanchez, Sampson, Branch etc will be solid if not spectacular. 

Personally feel we will generate more offense off defensive end. Depth should increase defensive pressure as well IMO. How that translates to NCAA chances remains to be seen.

That's a good point, and maybe I'm not giving enough credit to our defense and athleticism.   We should be able to play up tempo and get some easier buckets, that's true.   
I just think that every chance they get teams are going to throw a 2-3 at us and dare us to shoot over them, because that was our worst nightmare last season.   I can't think of a good game we had against a zone d. 
If we can create turnovers though, and get out running, that'll definitely work to our favor.

Once again, hard to score against a 2-3 with no bigs and no PG.  it's not all about "shooting over" the defense.  Not at all.  Rarely do teams beat 2-3 schools like Cuse shooting over the zone.  Ball down to solid forwards who get in the gaps and a good PG who knows where to put the ball.  Shooters help when the ball is rotated for sure.  We have many more guys who can do those things this year though. 

Quote from: desco80 on September 11, 2012, 01:22:45 PM

Quote from: paultzman on September 11, 2012, 12:34:02 PM

Quote from: desco80 on September 11, 2012, 11:41:30 AM

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 10:15:57 AM

Quote from: Foad on September 11, 2012, 09:57:12 AM

Quote from: sju89tr on September 11, 2012, 09:39:02 AM

If the learning curve is quick, this roster can be a sweet 16 team THIS year.

You're delusional.

I do think we get beyond a first round game this year, we are deep and despite the age of some of our kids, they logged lots of minutes last year and have experience. The Big East is going to have a lot of parity this year. It all depends on the maturity development of our newcomers.

I hope you're right Ted.  But what I highlighted is what causes me to have a different opinion.
I think our newcomers will be alright - they'll meet expectations, but I'm not convinced what we have returning is sweet 16 ready.

Dom, Amir and Phil all have very limited offensive games.   We've seen flashes from Amir and Greene, but just that, moments, not long stretches of good play.   
If they take a big step forward this year, then I think what you're predicting could happen.   But aside from that I have to think we're a year away otherwise.   And in my mind it won't come down to the new guys.   I think Sanchez, Sampson, Branch etc will be solid if not spectacular. 

Personally feel we will generate more offense off defensive end. Depth should increase defensive pressure as well IMO. How that translates to NCAA chances remains to be seen.

That's a good point, and maybe I'm not giving enough credit to our defense and athleticism.   We should be able to play up tempo and get some easier buckets, that's true.   
I just think that every chance they get teams are going to throw a 2-3 at us and dare us to shoot over them, because that was our worst nightmare last season.   I can't think of a good game we had against a zone d. 
If we can create turnovers though, and get out running, that'll definitely work to our favor.

Once again, hard to score against a 2-3 with no bigs and no PG.  it's not all about "shooting over" the defense.  Not at all.  Rarely do teams beat 2-3 schools like Cuse shooting over the zone.  Ball down to solid forwards who get in the gaps and a good PG who knows where to put the ball.  Shooters help when the ball is rotated for sure.  We have many more guys who can do those things this year though.

No doubt, a true point guard will help get some entry passes in to the baseline or foul line.  And we said all last season that moving without the ball is the hardest thing for freshmen to pick up on.
I just think when it comes down to it... the half court is our weakness and I don't think that part of the team's game will be significantly improved this season.   Hope I'm wrong. 
We should find out soon enough though, I'm excited for them to roll the balls out already.   How many days till midnight madness??

This is an extremely versatile roster, we now have the extra shooter, will have the true PG, size up front, shot blockers, scorers on the break, and a roster full of defensive guys. If this core stays together we really can have a great NCAA run next year. It all depends on how these guys mesh going into big east play. If the learning curve is quick, this roster can be a sweet 16 team THIS year.

If this group just makes the tournament the season would be a huge success.

Listen guys, I'm all for the ra-ra and I love SJ basketball, but we have to be realistic. We are not winning the Big East. I would be thoroughly happy to even be nationally ranked at #25. That is a start. We have to start getting consistently ranked first before we can even talk about finishing top 5 let alone #1 in the Big East. With that said, I hope I'm wrong and SJ miraculously wins the Big East ending in a national championship.