Rutgers Game thread

Sima really impressed me in a way that probably doesn't seem like a big deal.  There were a bunch of times where we were in a drought and he got the ball down low (we must have fed the post more times tonight than all of last season combined), and he was too far out for my comfort.  Going back to the black holes that were Glover and Zendon through last year, that typically meant a forced shot even if it was 1 v. 4.  But Sima passed out of it nearly every time.  Very heady for a freshman.  He's constantly looking for cutters from the low block.  That is a great place to run the offense through IMO.  This kid is already better than Obekpa.  It's easy to see why he never came off the court for Spain. 

The kid also runs like a gazelle.  Too bad we don't have the personnel to get it to him in transition, but he had everyone beat down the floor several times 

And a final note for the night.  There were several points during the game tonight where we had FIVE international players on the court at the same time.  That has to be a first for St. John's.  Maybe even the Big East? Crazy.

Mussini
M'Vouika
Balamou
Alibegovic
Sima

Quote from: Marillac on November 19, 2015, 10:03:26 PM

Quote from: WillieG on November 19, 2015, 09:51:35 PM

I heard Raftery was pulling for Rutgers on the air. The ACC has Jay Bilas pumping them up and saying the Big East is dead.  What do we have?  The clueless ineptitude of FS1.  They have no idea of what is going on in college athletics.  They paid good dollars for our games, now promote the product.  ESPN does it. And they talk about the watered down Big East, when the truth is that the conference has always been in flux.  They have Jay Bilas and we get Raftery and FS1.

Raftery has always pulled for St. John's.  He ran to Chris after the game to chat (off the air).  You can tell they are pals and probably going for dinner after.  I don't know what he said that made you feel he was pulling for Rutgers.  He loves the Big East.

Exactly right. Raftery ain't rooting for no Rutgers.

And Lavin was professional

Sima really impressed me in a way that probably doesn't seem like a big deal.  There were a bunch of times where we were in a drought and he got the ball down low (we must have fed the post more times tonight than all of last season combined), and he was too far out for my comfort.  Going back to the black holes that were Glover and Zendon through last year, that typically meant a forced shot even if it was 1 v. 4.  But Sima passed out of it nearly every time.  Very heady for a freshman.  He's constantly looking for cutters from the low block.  That is a great place to run the offense through IMO.  This kid is already better than Obekpa.  It's easy to see why he never came off the court for Spain. 

The kid also runs like a gazelle.  Too bad we don't have the personnel to get it to him in transition, but he had everyone beat down the floor several times 

Could not agree more

I don't know how anybody can take a win over a Big 10 team of any sort at this point and criticize.  No we aren't playing clean basketball but we are half of a team.  The half that we do have is inexperienced and/or was a bench player last year or a 5th year senior.  We have injuries and ineligibility galore and still managed to win over a team that has a healthy roster with much more depth and experience.  Kudos to the kids.  The wins will stop along the way, but nice for them to start building the program this way.

Amen

3-0 is way more than I expected after the exhibition debacle...still will get destroyed in the Big East but that's to be expected.  At least so far they're not losing to small time programs and mediocre at best ones

Sima is a god send. Say your prayers we get him for 3 years. Could you ask for any more poise? How bout in the second where he caught an outlet out in front and instead of trying some ridiculous move from half court he held it and waited for the guard. So refreshing.

Now Felix for a good part of the game was phenomenal. But god damn, he looked like he tried to give the game away with those two no calls. Never the less, it was great to see him back and im happy for him.

Sima really impressed me in a way that probably doesn't seem like a big deal.  There were a bunch of times where we were in a drought and he got the ball down low (we must have fed the post more times tonight than all of last season combined), and he was too far out for my comfort.  Going back to the black holes that were Glover and Zendon through last year, that typically meant a forced shot even if it was 1 v. 4.  But Sima passed out of it nearly every time.  Very heady for a freshman.  He's constantly looking for cutters from the low block.  That is a great place to run the offense through IMO.  This kid is already better than Obekpa.  It's easy to see why he never came off the court for Spain. 

The kid also runs like a gazelle.  Too bad we don't have the personnel to get it to him in transition, but he had everyone beat down the floor several times 

Just finished watching the game on DVR and came here to post about Sima and what you said is exactly what I was going to say.  His passing out of the post has been amazing. Especially for a freshman.

Also very impressed with Mvouika.  Clearly the team leader!!

Sima is a pro. Hopefully it will be later then sooner but with his size and skill set he's going to be a pro down the road. Next year I think he will be scary good with a full season and off season under his belt.

Nice comeback win. Hopefully we can steal one next week.

Back from game and can say I thought we would lose but I give the team credit for not quitting tonight which is one of the things I was looking for this year as it will bode well for the future.  This will be a long year so I appreciate any wins we have.  The Arena was the loudest I have heard in a while--everyone  was on their feet for the last minute of the game.  Who was that number 10 in white?  It looked like Felix was just released from restraints he was in the last 3 years.  He is probably the best athlete on the team but still can't hit the jump shot.  However, he provided a good lift with his energy.  Even Ali showed positive energy tonight-not his usual foul a minute.

Lavin's presence was predicted-moi.  He was at the Nova game and participated in the post game interview there.  He had to be at one of our games for Fox Sports 1--they did it early so in the future it will be their normal production. 

Quote from: Marillac on November 19, 2015, 10:03:26 PM

Quote from: WillieG on November 19, 2015, 09:51:35 PM

I heard Raftery was pulling for Rutgers on the air. The ACC has Jay Bilas pumping them up and saying the Big East is dead.  What do we have?  The clueless ineptitude of FS1.  They have no idea of what is going on in college athletics.  They paid good dollars for our games, now promote the product.  ESPN does it. And they talk about the watered down Big East, when the truth is that the conference has always been in flux.  They have Jay Bilas and we get Raftery and FS1.

Raftery has always pulled for St. John's.  He ran to Chris after the game to chat (off the air).  You can tell they are pals and probably going for dinner after.  I don't know what he said that made you feel he was pulling for Rutgers.  He loves the Big East.

Exactly right. Raftery ain't rooting for no Rutgers.

Raft and Eddie are close friends from their many years together with the Nets, when
Raft did their games.  But I think he is conflicted when it comes to STJ.  More tomorrow on this.  I'm already in trouble.

Traffic was so brutal. Got to the game at half after a 3 hr trip and took about just as long to get home but boy what a game. Real gutsy win. Will post more tomorrow.

Just a quick note on Durand Johnson. I think he's getting a bit unfairly criticized because of unfair expectations as him being some sort of all-league talent. He was always a pretty streaky player at Pitt and he'll be the same here too. I think he's going to be a guy who can help St. John's get buckets when they need it (he's a capable scorer) and also have some rough games like tonight. He did have a huge three in the corner tonight at a very crucial time.

Also crowd was into the game. I thought they were louder than the students. Great job by all.

Any update on status of Darien Williams

I am all-in on Sima. He has impressed me in numerous ways each game so far.

He is going to make a lot of money playing the sport.

Any update on status of Darien Williams

Willams and Ellison going to Maui. TBD if they play.

Balamou stole the show last night. What a great return. His strengths since frosh year were always driving to the hoop and rebounding, he showed both last night.

Like I said after UMBC game, Sima has a ton of upside and I can see all Big East for him in his future if he keeps improving at this clip.

Rutgers thoughts: http://www.bigeastboards.com/

For the love of God can Lovett get eligible.

Traffic was so brutal. Got to the game at half after a 3 hr trip and took about just as long to get home but boy what a game. Real gutsy win. Will post more tomorrow.

Just a quick note on Durand Johnson. I think he's getting a bit unfairly criticized because of unfair expectations as him being some sort of all-league talent. He was always a pretty streaky player at Pitt and he'll be the same here too. I think he's going to be a guy who can help St. John's get buckets when they need it (he's a capable scorer) and also have some rough games like tonight. He did have a huge three in the corner tonight at a very crucial time.

Also crowd was into the game. I thought they were louder than the students. Great job by all.

I think Johnson is an all-league talent.  He just needs to find his role on this team.  M'Vouika took his day one.  Mussini and Sima have their roles by necessity.  Johnson is the guy opposing teams will look to shut down with their best defender.  He'll be up and down all year.

I believe all but one assist last night was inside-out and a few were set plays (Balamou to Mussini for three). That Alibegovic trey was PURE (Sima assist from low post).  He looks really good when he can get his shot in rhythm from and inside-out look. He has a tendency to rush his shots early and then pass up good looks after a miss or two.  He's also a nice passer himself from inside and could be a good offensive weapon if/when he starts reacting and stops overthinking.  He needs to stay closer to his man on D and not stray so far to help.   He's not fast enough to recover.