Obekpa #12 Frosh in Country - ESPN Insider

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8851705/ben-mclemore-tops-ranking-25-best-freshmen-college-basketball

"12. Chris Obekpa, C, St. John's Red Storm
 Obekpa is an outstanding shot-blocker, and there's a chance he may beat out Jeff Withey for the distinction of posting the highest block percentage in the country. But whether Obekpa finishes No. 1 or not, he is providing a huge boost for St. John's defense by recording all those blocks without fouling. In Big East play, the freshman is averaging just 2.1 fouls per 40 minutes for Steve Lavin's Red Storm.
 Previous ranking: NR"

Nice props for CO.

Can't believe Sampson isn't even an honorable mention....

CO a program changer;

“@tsnmike: Some Friday reading -- Five freshmen who’ve changed their programs — and five who need to change http://t.co/YTBE6ZcX”

3. Chris Obekpa, center, St. John’s

The interesting thing about Obekpa’s excellence is that he ranks among the least-hyped prospects among the coach Steve Lavin’s many recruiting successes. Obekpa was the consensus No. 69 player in his recruiting class, compared to teammates such as Sir’Dominic Pointer (35), Jakarr Sampson (40) and D’Angelo Harrison (47).

Perhaps it’s not hard to understand Obekpa’s ranking given that he’s 6-9 and averaging 4 points while shooting 40.8 percent from the field. That gives you an idea what the concerns were. But he already downs the school single-season record for blocks. He averages 4.9 per game. He was essential in the Red Storm’s upset win at Cincinnati, which had to hurt the Bearcats since they were the team SJU beat to land him.

For those who did not see Red Storm Report, this is a great piece on CO.

“@STJ_Basketball: #GAMECHANGER! Here is a #STJTV #STJBB #RedStormReport feature on @obekpa12 from last week: http://t.co/DYD6pkVR”

Another CO mention;

“@jeffborzello: Hot new Freshman of the Year rankings are up -- Shabazz Muhammad falls out, but who takes his spot? Close race: http://t.co/zvK5rjCc”

CO is shooting 43% from the field.

Double G shot 53% from the field last season to lead the team.

We couldn't have used that in a reserve role?  Especially when behind in a game late?
 

CO is shooting 43% from the field.

Double G shot 53% from the field last season to lead the team.

We couldn't have used that in a reserve role?  Especially when behind in a game late?

I  would like to have Gift late in a game if we are winning. The thought of an opposing team intentionally fouling CO sends shivers up my spine.

Quote from: carmineabbatiello on January 22, 2013, 01:43:12 PM

CO is shooting 43% from the field.

Double G shot 53% from the field last season to lead the team.

We couldn't have used that in a reserve role?  Especially when behind in a game late?

I  would like to have Gift late in a game if we are winning. The thaught of an opposing team intentanially fouling CO sends shivers up my spine.

That too.

CO is shooting 43% from the field.

Double G shot 53% from the field last season to lead the team.

We couldn't have used that in a reserve role?  Especially when behind in a game late?

Certainly could.  And we will...next year

Quote from: carmineabbatiello on January 22, 2013, 01:43:12 PM

CO is shooting 43% from the field.

Double G shot 53% from the field last season to lead the team.

We couldn't have used that in a reserve role?  Especially when behind in a game late?

I  would like to have Gift late in a game if we are winning. The thought of an opposing team intentionally fouling CO sends shivers up my spine.

That's the best argument I've heard for why we could use GG.   Definitely true. 

Quote from: ras on January 22, 2013, 02:15:52 PM

Quote from: carmineabbatiello on January 22, 2013, 01:43:12 PM

CO is shooting 43% from the field.

Double G shot 53% from the field last season to lead the team.

We couldn't have used that in a reserve role?  Especially when behind in a game late?

I  would like to have Gift late in a game if we are winning. The thought of an opposing team intentionally fouling CO sends shivers up my spine.

That's the best argument I've heard for why we could use GG.   Definitely true.

I just don't understand how someone can shoot 24% from the line. I really don't.

If CO continues to play the way he has, does anyone think he will win BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year?

If CO continues to play the way he has, does anyone think he will win BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year?

Honestly, no.  Because he hasn't shown he can guard anyone yet. 
I hate to be blunt, but that's the truth.   

Quote from: stjohnnie75 on January 22, 2013, 09:59:29 PM

If CO continues to play the way he has, does anyone think he will win BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year?

Honestly, no.  Because he hasn't shown he can guard anyone yet. 
I hate to be blunt, but that's the truth.

While the ability to guard should be a big factor, the blocked shots will position him well...not sure who votes (coaches/writers) but most folks are stats crazy and he does alter game plans

Quote from: desco80 on January 22, 2013, 10:03:00 PM

Quote from: stjohnnie75 on January 22, 2013, 09:59:29 PM

If CO continues to play the way he has, does anyone think he will win BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year?

Honestly, no.  Because he hasn't shown he can guard anyone yet. 
I hate to be blunt, but that's the truth.

While the ability to guard should be a big factor, the blocked shots will position him well...not sure who votes (coaches/writers) but most folks are stats crazy and he does alter game plans

I believe that Coaches vote for Defensive Player of the Year.

Rick Jackson won a few years ago putting up these numbers:
9.9 rebounds in league games, 10.7 rebounds in all games
2.8 blocks in league games, 2.5 blocks in all games

CO numbers:
7.3 rebounds in league games, 5.9 rebounds in all games
4.8 blocks in all games, 3.8 blocks in all games

http://insider.espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8851705/ben-mclemore-tops-ranking-25-best-freshmen-college-basketball

"12. Chris Obekpa, C, St. John's Red Storm
 Obekpa is an outstanding shot-blocker, and there's a chance he may beat out Jeff Withey for the distinction of posting the highest block percentage in the country. But whether Obekpa finishes No. 1 or not, he is providing a huge boost for St. John's defense by recording all those blocks without fouling. In Big East play, the freshman is averaging just 2.1 fouls per 40 minutes for Steve Lavin's Red Storm.
 Previous ranking: NR"

Nice props for CO.

Glad to have you back on the boards!

Quote from: desco80 on January 22, 2013, 10:03:00 PM

Quote from: stjohnnie75 on January 22, 2013, 09:59:29 PM

If CO continues to play the way he has, does anyone think he will win BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year?

Honestly, no.  Because he hasn't shown he can guard anyone yet. 
I hate to be blunt, but that's the truth.

While the ability to guard should be a big factor, the blocked shots will position him well...not sure who votes (coaches/writers) but most folks are stats crazy and he does alter game plans

Oh, no doubt he belongs to be right up there.  And the blocks should mean a lot, that's 5 extra possessions for our team every game.   As stats go, it's pretty meaningful.  Plus there's all the shots he alters without getting a piece of it.   CO deserves a lot of recognition. 

I just have a hard time giving him defensive POY, when our best option to guard Cooley last week was to have Garrett front him. 
If you have the league's defensive player of the year, he should be able to guard the opposing team's post player.   And between that game, and watching Lubick go to work on him, I just think he needs to Improve in that area before we can call him the best defensive player. 

Quote from: section3 on January 22, 2013, 10:18:39 PM

Quote from: desco80 on January 22, 2013, 10:03:00 PM

Quote from: stjohnnie75 on January 22, 2013, 09:59:29 PM

If CO continues to play the way he has, does anyone think he will win BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year?

Honestly, no.  Because he hasn't shown he can guard anyone yet. 
I hate to be blunt, but that's the truth.

While the ability to guard should be a big factor, the blocked shots will position him well...not sure who votes (coaches/writers) but most folks are stats crazy and he does alter game plans

Oh, no doubt he belongs to be right up there.  And the blocks should mean a lot, that's 5 extra possessions for our team every game.   As stats go, it's pretty meaningful.  Plus there's all the shots he alters without getting a piece of it.   CO deserves a lot of recognition. 

I just have a hard time giving him defensive POY, when our best option to guard Cooley last week was to have Garrett front him. 
If you have the league's defensive player of the year, he should be able to guard the opposing team's post player.   And between that game, and watching Lubick go to work on him, I just think he needs to Improve in that area before we can call him the best defensive player. 

I agree 100%.  Chris is an average rebounder, way above average shot blocker,
but  below average defender, at this point.
Nice thing is he can be taught defense. He's a true freshman.

Quote from: section3 on January 22, 2013, 10:18:39 PM

Quote from: desco80 on January 22, 2013, 10:03:00 PM

Quote from: stjohnnie75 on January 22, 2013, 09:59:29 PM

If CO continues to play the way he has, does anyone think he will win BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year?

Honestly, no.  Because he hasn't shown he can guard anyone yet. 
I hate to be blunt, but that's the truth.

While the ability to guard should be a big factor, the blocked shots will position him well...not sure who votes (coaches/writers) but most folks are stats crazy and he does alter game plans

Oh, no doubt he belongs to be right up there.  And the blocks should mean a lot, that's 5 extra possessions for our team every game.   As stats go, it's pretty meaningful.  Plus there's all the shots he alters without getting a piece of it.   CO deserves a lot of recognition. 

I just have a hard time giving him defensive POY, when our best option to guard Cooley last week was to have Garrett front him. 
If you have the league's defensive player of the year, he should be able to guard the opposing team's post player.   And between that game, and watching Lubick go to work on him, I just think he needs to Improve in that area before we can call him the best defensive player. 

Desco bringin the wisdom.

After watching him all year I'd vote for Sir Dom before CO but stats are very influential.  He's got a shot.  After watching JB pick up 6th man of the year anything is possible.  I doubt if the NBA would agree on CO however.  He's still got a lot to prove.