Best turnout for midnight madness at SJU I've ever seen. While I didn't really know any of French Montana the students sure did and atmosphere was incredible.
I thought the basketball portion of the even was sub-par. The school really needs a better plan than just rolling out the ball and need to establish some annual traditions whether it be a dance, a chant, something freshman have to do, etc. At the very least they should have kept the music going while the guys ran full court.
I was impressed with physical condition of D'Angelo and Rysheed. D'Angelo was throwing down some dunks when I haven't seen him make an above the rim play in 3 years. I was surprised.
-Dom & Phil look like Dom and Phil. They're gonna miss some shots and make you scratch your head.
-Branch and Obekpa are two guys I want to see more involved in offensive flow this year. I'm hopeful that Branch will be able to be on the ball and get Jordan and Harrison in full go mode on the wings. Obekpa should get some more touches too. He will play with more energy on both ends with some early touches.
-Keith Thomas looks like he'll be good to rebound and run the floor. Doesn't look like he's contributing too much else.
-Neither Delarosa is seeing the floor this year.
-Walk-On Myles Stewart is better than I expected. Should definitely help push guards in practice.
It was the loudest I've ever heard at St John's...the crowd was really enthusiastic. That had to impress some of the recruits. I had a chance to walk around the campus. It's big league impressive.
I agree, the school should do more than roll out the balls. The dunk contest was cringe worthy. What do other (big) schools do?
I'll be the first to admit, i'm no evaluator of talent. Some things do jump out, however. Dom Pointer looked much better than last season. He's a big time talent. The bad news is he has developed a three point shot that went in at will at the beginning. He started missing later on. I don't know whether adding this to his repetoir will help or hurt the team. He pretty much quit at the dunk contest...the way the team quit last year. I don't see that as a good sign.
Obekpa looked like a dominator. He's also way ahead of last year. I won't buy the Lavin BS that he's never seen a player improve so much over over the summer as Obekpa. He said the same about Branch last year. Stop, already! I will say I was impressed.
Walk on Myles Stewart also impressed me. I'd say, based on last night's defenseless exhibition, he was at least as good as anyone out there. ..at least last night. Of course, he wanted to make an impression, which he did. Adonis also tried to impress...making more shots than anyone in the "game" where no one played any "d". Harrison didn't need to make an impression, so he didn't. He's obviously a leader. Green is the same as last year. Don't look for much from the Serbian kid...the other Delerosa...or any of the walkons. Rasheed can play. I saw Thomas play in real games, albiet against a different level of talent, he'll be fine.