Keith Thomas - F - Westchester CC - ST JOHN'S

I will buy in. If his numbers translate to 7 or 8 boards, to go along with any improvement from Obepka, I think we might actually be improved down low. The problem is we have no one that can get us an easy basket down there. A lot of pressure on Harrison and Jordan to score. Still I think we sneak in to tourney. Thought that last season as well though.

Quote from: MCNPA on May 05, 2014, 03:51:14 PM

Quote from: Chilleb on May 05, 2014, 03:41:32 PM

Is Keith a better juco player then gift was

I've never seen him, but from what I heard quite a bit.  As some have said here,  he played in a much more competitive juco league than gift.  Has over 30 rebounds in two games this year which is tough no matter how you cut it.  Arizona had genuine interest unlike the uk interest referenced with Gift's recruitment.  We need a good rebounder up front, regardless.  We have been killed on the boards in recent years.

When Gift was being recruited to come here, we read on these boards that he was an absolute beast who would be better than Burrell and Evans.

Except when Gift got here he was 6'6 instead of a beastly 6'8". I notice this kid lost an inch already. He's down to 6'7". He dam well better not shrink anymore !

Quote from: MCNPA on May 06, 2014, 08:49:05 AM

Quote from: Dave on May 06, 2014, 08:27:58 AM

Really don't know anything about Thomas other than he's supposed to be aggressive on the boards. If he's a one trick pony it will be a struggle to have him and Obekpa on the floor at the same time.

Add pointer to that no offense mix up front.  Imo we are still in big trouble offensively up front.  Even Sanchez was light years better than any offensive option we have in our front court entering next season unless Thomas really surprises.  I'm very concerned about it. 

If we don't get Martin, I think the combo of Obekpa and Thomas makes a strong case for using the 3 guard lineup of Harrison, Jordan and Branch for the majority of time to offset the loss of front court offense.  I'm assuming Jones is not the answer and Dom's stunted growth remains stunted.

We need to get Martin just to present more versatility from the frontcourt in terms of scoring. Would like it if either Martin or Jones can fill that role rather then playing a 3 guard offense.

For those saying next year is 'our year" what exactly does that mean? With the lowered expectations around here I'm guessing you mean an NCAA bid and should mean a win or 2 in the tournament. Don't see it with the currently constituted roster. Those comparing us to UCONN last year as being successful with a guard oriented lineup are forgetting the one key ingredient that UCONN had when they took off later in the season and that is the 20 and 10 they got from Daniels up front. We lack that kind of player or even a poor imitation of that kind of player .I see a repeat of last year and probably NIT at best. If someone CO and Sheed were to return along with other holdovers and we have a monster 15 class. perhaps than we will be able to put on the glass slipper.

Quote from: MCNPA on May 06, 2014, 08:49:05 AM

Quote from: Dave on May 06, 2014, 08:27:58 AM

Really don't know anything about Thomas other than he's supposed to be aggressive on the boards. If he's a one trick pony it will be a struggle to have him and Obekpa on the floor at the same time.

Add pointer to that no offense mix up front.  Imo we are still in big trouble offensively up front.  Even Sanchez was light years better than any offensive option we have in our front court entering next season unless Thomas really surprises.  I'm very concerned about it. 

If we don't get Martin, I think the combo of Obekpa and Thomas makes a strong case for using the 3 guard lineup of Harrison, Jordan and Branch for the majority of time to offset the loss of front court offense.  I'm assuming Jones is not the answer and Dom's stunted growth remains stunted.

I think Dom can be great in an uptempo style small lineup. I wouldn't say his growth has been stunted. His minutes have decreased every year yet his production for the most part has stayed the same. Some would call that being more efficient. I think if Dom was more aggressive at times he'd be better but for whatever reason he doesn't look to score.

On one hand he does a good job of playing to his strengths but I wish he'd strengthen his weaknesses (perimeter shooting).

Quote from: Poison on May 05, 2014, 04:34:46 PM

Quote from: MCNPA on May 05, 2014, 03:51:14 PM

Quote from: Chilleb on May 05, 2014, 03:41:32 PM

Is Keith a better juco player then gift was

I've never seen him, but from what I heard quite a bit.  As some have said here,  he played in a much more competitive juco league than gift.  Has over 30 rebounds in two games this year which is tough no matter how you cut it.  Arizona had genuine interest unlike the uk interest referenced with Gift's recruitment.  We need a good rebounder up front, regardless.  We have been killed on the boards in recent years.

When Gift was being recruited to come here, we read on these boards that he was an absolute beast who would be better than Burrell and Evans.

Except when Gift got here he was 6'6 instead of a beastly 6'8". I notice this kid lost an inch already. He's down to 6'7". He dam well better not shrink anymore !

He needs to be a college version of Jerome "Junk Yard Dog" Williams.

How many yeArs of eligibility does Thomas have?

Two or three it's not clear yet and btw yes, Baldi!

@NYPost_Brazille: Spent my afternoon with Keith Thomas. Profile coming Sunday. Interesting young man. #sjubb

Really don't know anything about Thomas other than he's supposed to be aggressive on the boards. If he's a one trick pony it will be a struggle to have him and Obekpa on the floor at the same time.

This still says it all.  We'll get 40 ppg from the guards but the 30 or so from the front court just isn't there.  Teams will take liberties with us and not pay a price.  Injuries or foul trouble will kill us more than anyone else.  At least Karr was a threat to score.  That's gone with the roster we've got.

yes, Sampson could score but he was weak as an all around player.  Our Offensive rebounding can become better if Thomas is as good as advertised and could give us those second chance opps we so desperately have needed over the past few years with Lavin's players.  So many times, we were one shot and done, hopefully that all changes this year a little bit. 

Quote from: Dave on May 06, 2014, 08:27:58 AM

Really don't know anything about Thomas other than he's supposed to be aggressive on the boards. If he's a one trick pony it will be a struggle to have him and Obekpa on the floor at the same time.

This still says it all.  We'll get 40 ppg from the guards but the 30 or so from the front court just isn't there.  Teams will take liberties with us and not pay a price.  Injuries or foul trouble will kill us more than anyone else.  At least Karr was a threat to score.  That's gone with the roster we've got.

Where is Sean Evans when you need him?  No really, where is Sean these days?

Quote from: bobre45 on May 17, 2014, 01:39:25 PM

Quote from: Dave on May 06, 2014, 08:27:58 AM

Really don't know anything about Thomas other than he's supposed to be aggressive on the boards. If he's a one trick pony it will be a struggle to have him and Obekpa on the floor at the same time.

This still says it all.  We'll get 40 ppg from the guards but the 30 or so from the front court just isn't there.  Teams will take liberties with us and not pay a price.  Injuries or foul trouble will kill us more than anyone else.  At least Karr was a threat to score.  That's gone with the roster we've got.

Where is Sean Evans when you need him?  No really, where is Sean these days?

Last seen in the Dominican Republic but no longer on that roster:
http://basketball.usbasket.com/team/NCAA/St.John's_University/510?Page=4

Quote from: bobre45 on May 17, 2014, 01:39:25 PM

Quote from: Dave on May 06, 2014, 08:27:58 AM

Really don't know anything about Thomas other than he's supposed to be aggressive on the boards. If he's a one trick pony it will be a struggle to have him and Obekpa on the floor at the same time.

This still says it all.  We'll get 40 ppg from the guards but the 30 or so from the front court just isn't there.  Teams will take liberties with us and not pay a price.  Injuries or foul trouble will kill us more than anyone else.  At least Karr was a threat to score.  That's gone with the roster we've got.

Where is Sean Evans when you need him?  No really, where is Sean these days?

Bobre's basement

Quote from: Celtics11 on May 17, 2014, 04:34:08 PM

Quote from: bobre45 on May 17, 2014, 01:39:25 PM

Quote from: Dave on May 06, 2014, 08:27:58 AM

Really don't know anything about Thomas other than he's supposed to be aggressive on the boards. If he's a one trick pony it will be a struggle to have him and Obekpa on the floor at the same time.

This still says it all.  We'll get 40 ppg from the guards but the 30 or so from the front court just isn't there.  Teams will take liberties with us and not pay a price.  Injuries or foul trouble will kill us more than anyone else.  At least Karr was a threat to score.  That's gone with the roster we've got.

Where is Sean Evans when you need him?  No really, where is Sean these days?

Bobre's basement

Classic!!

 Sean puts the lotion in the basket.....

Impressive resolve and work ethic. Paid his way through school last year while working at a hospital.

Looks like he's tackling life with a positive outlook, should be a welcomed addition. Great story from Zach:

http://nypost.com/2014/05/17/st-johns-recruit-keith-thomas-leaves-stormy-past-behind/

Sean puts the lotion in the basket.....

best.post.ever.

Quote from: Celtics11 on May 17, 2014, 04:34:08 PM

Quote from: bobre45 on May 17, 2014, 01:39:25 PM

Quote from: Dave on May 06, 2014, 08:27:58 AM

Really don't know anything about Thomas other than he's supposed to be aggressive on the boards. If he's a one trick pony it will be a struggle to have him and Obekpa on the floor at the same time.

This still says it all.  We'll get 40 ppg from the guards but the 30 or so from the front court just isn't there.  Teams will take liberties with us and not pay a price.  Injuries or foul trouble will kill us more than anyone else.  At least Karr was a threat to score.  That's gone with the roster we've got.

Where is Sean Evans when you need him?  No really, where is Sean these days?

Bobre's basement

Of his own free will?

@JonRothstein: Talked to a college coach this weekend who compared St. John's PF Keith Thomas to former Wichita State big man Carl Hall. Rugged! #SJUBB