tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65082000331455142082024-03-19T07:07:54.259-04:00LFBall On HoopsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger413125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-1880105077192390012016-12-19T06:16:00.000-05:002016-12-19T06:21:10.837-05:00<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span></span><span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2016-2017 Basketball Blog!</b></span> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good Morning amateur basketball lovers on the East Coast. Its that time again when I provide some coverage on high school and college basketball including whispers, things others refuse to discuss, underrated players, over rated programs and other news worthy of printing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">My sports background is simple. I played the game, coached the game, raised a HS Student Athlete who earned a D1 scholarship, and helped develop at least 100 D 1 players and a few Professionals in the NBA as well as international leagues,</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am far from an expert but certainly have strong opinions on the game we all love and adore. I cannot promise you will love all that I write, but I sure hope you will spread the word if you find it interesting. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today, Monday December 19th, is my starting time for this years blog. So in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 we are starting!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well the college basketball season is off and running with quite a few pleasant surprises. Of course I am referring to colleges in NY, NJ, and sometimes Pa., and New England. Lets start with Rutgers University. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">I really hated reading where the Linden NJ Boys HS Coach mentioned Eddie Jordan, the fired Rutgers Coach as "Eddie Who" in comparison to the new RU Coach Steve Pikiell who is doing a great job thus far. How uncharacteristic that was for a usually classy and great coach to say. Bob Hurley or Kevin Boyle would never say such things even if they were true. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, Rutgers is off to a great start and someone mentioned to me that they have not beat anyone. My response was programs with excellent coaches win all the games they are supposed to win and never lose to little sisters of the poor or schools like FDU! Sorry, but I had to get at least one dig in because FDU just might be the best in the NEC this year and I will not be able to clown them as much as I did in recent years. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">My take on RU is they are right where they want to be at this stage of the season. In past years they might have lost 3 of the games they actually won thus far. The remaining schedule is difficult but I can see them winning 7 more games at least and being invited to a post season tournament. I think when Steve Pikiell was named Head Coach a few people were disappointed hoping for a higher profile coach. After 11 games I think everyone will agree the correct choice was made and he has a great staff including Karl Hobbs (ex GW HC), Brandin Knight (ex Pitt Asst), Jay Young (from Stony brook) and even keeping super recruiter Greg Vetrone who understands the ends and out of tri state basketball recruiting and has numerous contacts. Looking good in Piscataway! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seton Hall has established itself as a top level if not top tier program nationally after winning the BE Title last season. With what might be the most loyal, smart, and insightful fan base in the Big East Conference if not the entire East Coast, this team is right where the school wants them to be at this point. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kevin Willard, and his outstanding staff has done a magnificent job of making Seton Hall a top notch program worthy of interest from many of the top HS players on the East Coast. With very talented guards and inside players who all seem destined to make money in the NBA or Internationally, this team is headed for the NCAA tournament and anything else could be a true let down. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am so excited about this weeks game against Rutgers. Now this will be a game with meaning based on each teams record thus far. I sure hope the Governor even attends and they have to take the curtain down in the Prudential center based on fan interest in the game. This is Rhode Island vs Providence! This is NC vs Duke! This is Army vs Navy in football! At last the rivalry, though often great games over the years, mean something special! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">St. Johns is a program that needs healing fast. I am and will always be a Chris Mullin Fan. In fact I could be President of his fan club. But whats going on with loses to Delaware State and LIU? What happened to the days when SJU chose who they wanted and did not have to recruit. SJU fired Norm Roberts who often had his hands tied getting kids into school unlike other coaches there. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">They fired Steve Lavin who was doing a credible job after rough start. Enter my guy Chris Mullin who get super recruiter and childhood friend Barry Rohrssen to leave where he was to join him at SJU only to listen exclusively to the ex SJU Manager who was an Asst. at Iowa State before coming home to SJU. Exit Coach Rohrssen and now you have the ex manager doing most of the Xs and Os in the time out huddles. My question is will Chris Mullin walk away after this season? Again, I am a fan and I am also a fan of SJU, SHU, and RU. I want them all to be strong programs! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">FDU..........poor FDU who just might become a future power in NCAA D2 based on what we are currently seeing. I again say its not the Coaching Staff! Its the schools commitment to the program. Put money into facilities, equipment, marketing and advertising and they will come based on close proximity to NYC. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">I do wonder whu they do not start out playing an easy D1 schedule. Oops I forgot. They are doing what the MEAC and SEAC conferences (southern Black colleges) do to earn guaranteed money for the program to exist. I look so forward to attending a game at FDU and someone pointing out the President in attendance being supportive! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">However with all this said I did read somewhere that FDU is picked to win the NEC title and be in the NCAA. Well, Dayton get ready. They will need at least 30 hotel rooms total for the team and supporting 30 fans. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Manhattan College was such a tough team years ago and a true stepping stone job. The Coach, Steve Masiello, attempted to leave for South Florida but had to return based on him not having his college defree as he stated he had. Thus he returns and recruits with every single kid he talks to feeling at the first chance he gets he is out of there. This makes his job so hard and one most schools would not enjoy being a part of. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">However Steve is a great motivator and good enough coach to keep the team competitive. Time will tell if they are moving in the right direction. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fordham is Fordham. Tough admission requirements and an old gym they continuously try to upgrade. Problem is you cannot put lipstick on a pig and think it will make the pig attractive. Fordham remains a great academic institution which really is important. I happen to know the coach well and he is a very good coach and good person. Just a hard job recruiting kids to a campus on Fordham Road in the Bronx, which is not listed as a desirable NYC neighborhoods! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">I start this section by saying to anyone who is reading this blog that NJ is now the top area for HS basketball in the NYC Tri State area. Reason why is so many kids now travel to NJ for HS. I am not only talking private schools, I am also talking public schools because there are quite a few attending public schools as well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">NYC is also hurting based on the large number of good NYC players enrolled at prep schools in New England, Va., etc. Very few NJ players take the prep route,</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">In NJ The Patrick School is the team to beat loaded with players from NY, NJ. and who knows where else. In fact I doubt anyone can beat them even on a bad shooting night. Nick Richards is so big and so good! Plus they have so many others. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">St. Anthony's might feel different because they always find a way</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course Roselle Catholic is loaded with talent but to me a bit undisciplined. In fact I honestly feel Nazreon Reid is not as athletic or in basketball shape as he was a freshmen when he ran the floor and was bouncy and active. Now he is just big with skills. Maybe its all the hair on his head. Maybe its just me expecting his coaches to have him in better basketball shape. Honestly? Can someone say Oak Hill or Montverde next season to prepare for college and the NBA? </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course the NYC Schools all have good talent. The usual suspects will be in the PSAL race as will the CHSAA schools with Bishop Scanlan moving up and being part of the talented Bronx schools with St. Rays, and Hayes. In Queens, Malloy has good players and even has Greg Antony's Son who is a heck of a player and only a sophomore. Malloy and Christ The King are traditionally very good year in and year out! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">As we get deep into the HS season I will provide much more information on schools and players especially those who might be under the radar. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sleeper Team is my favorite HS team: Teaneck! Teaneck lost in the Hoop Group Showcase ($13 to get in! what!) to Newark Eastside who really is a nice public school program coached by two guys with equal responsibility. I love the concept and have seen the two coaches go from screamers to excellent coaches along with the assistants who are also very good. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Teaneck was coming off a live scrimmage vs St. Anthony they won but against Newark Eastside they had to play without two of their best 3 players who had to sit out the game. Watch out for this team at full strength including a developing 6 ft 10 senior who will get better as the season goes on. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to me at lfball@aol.com. I would love to hear from you! </span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-89240288205298982512015-02-08T12:14:00.000-05:002015-02-08T12:39:15.672-05:00<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Special High School Basketball Edition</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Primetime Shootout</span></div>
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The 2015 edition of the Primetime Shootout had a wonderful lineup of games on paper. Unlike many other tournaments, especially those start of the season showcase games, the games on the Primetime Schedule each year present to the average fans wonderful match-ups often bringing the best of the best to the Garden State to exhibit basketball skills that in many cases will take players to the NBA as well as make the HS teams they play for national household names. </div>
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Interesting enough the first Primetime Shootout I attended was held in South Jersey at Ewing HS many years ago when my beloved Teaneck HS played and won its game against Bishop Loghlin HS of NYC and its legendary Coach Bob Leckie who would go on to eventually become a coach at St. Peters College. Little did we know that Teaneck was introducing its own future legendary coach in Curtis March as well as the start of no less than 10 division 1 scholarship recruits over a 5 year period. I guess you could say much of what happened for Teaneck started with the Primetime Shootout! </div>
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Years later the Primetime Shootout became so big the games had to be switched from HS and College type gyms to the Trenton Arena where we saw the real power house HS teams start coming in and competing against the best. It was at the Trenton Arena where we saw Lebron James and his HS basketball team hold off and beat Oak Hill which featured at the time none other than Camilla Anthony. </div>
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So interesting how Lebron and his team were similar to the Jackson five. Lebron was Michael and the rest of his team was The Jackson five. The arena was packed and all the games were special. The only event on the East Coast that was similar was the Slam Dunk at The Beach, which was held annually in Lewes Delaware and coordinated by the very colorful and super marketer Bobby Jacobs. Yes, the Primetime was special. </div>
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Than it seemed something happened all over the country. Funding and sponsorships dried up and events of this magnitude were very hard to produce and present. What was once a super duper weekend event at an actual arena that brought in more money to the local economy in Trenton than most realize, had to go back to D 2, D3, and HS gyms and based on limited seating and new demands from many HS coaches to bring their high profile teams to NJ, the event has relied on local teams who are still nationally ranked in many cases and full of outstanding talent. Yes, believe it or not many HS teams have all expenses paid and in some cases I have heard the coaches must get a kickback to participate and that often is done via them getting consultant money from tournament organizers. </div>
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Please keep in mind all that I write is based on my personal observations and from what has been shared with me by many of my friends involved in coaching on various levels from AAU to HS to College. What I write however is my thoughts and opinions. What I will say is the $12.00 I spent to attend the games yesterday was well worth every cent. In fact I would pay $30 to see such an event especially since some of the money goes to charity. Well, thats what I was told! </div>
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The games were outstanding for the most part. Yes, 2 were blowouts, and 1 was a true preliminary game thrown in for local people to feel their team was playing. But 3 of the games were nothing short of terrific and well played! </div>
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<b>The Prelim Game</b></div>
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Plainfield beat Neptune 58 to 43 with Jaleal and Jachai Simmons staring and showing great promise as players. Plainfield has history and tradition and I am sure in the future they will again become a force in NJ HS basketball. But for now they will be watching the action from way above as we get closer and closer to the NJ Finals. </div>
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<b>The Blowout Games</b></div>
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St. Anthony's vs Chester</div>
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I have no idea why HS Coaches do not learn from watching St. Anthony's that it all starts with discipline, respect, commitment, competing every play, and defense. College coaches also need to look at the St. Anthony's model! It's not hard to figure out why this school that struggles yearly to stay open continues to be not only a national basketball treasure, but a testimony to what happens when you buy into a system. </div>
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Chester, a team with great tradition is experiencing a down year which explains why there was not bus loads of fans from Chester at the game. This is a HS team that has a legendary fan base including senior citizen clubs, moms, church groups and more. But they are young and the coaching staff was very impressive as they kept their cool knowing that next years team will be older, wiser, and more ready for games such as the one they played Saturday.</div>
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Marcus Mcduffie of St. Anthony's will have people smiling all over the state of Kansas when he arrives to suit up for Wichita State. He is some kind of special talent who Rutgers should have blocked the airports to get. Jagan Mosely, yes he with the uncombed hair style that all the kids seem to be wearing, is the type of player who will not only be successful on the basketball court, he will be successful in life! He is good enough as a junior to have many high D1 offers and wherever he attends he will make an impact. However, I sure wish a kid like this, who I know has good grades just by observing him, would consider places like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Northwestern. Or if he does attend a place such as Seton Hall or Rutgers he would enroll in the honors college at The Hall or Rutgers College at RU. Special player and future leader in the same way Jerry Walker and Terry Dehare(sp) are in Jersey City! </div>
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Oh yes St. Anthony's won the game but the score is not even important at this point! </div>
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St. Benedict's vs Riverdale Baptist of Maryland</div>
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Riverdale Baptist is one of those HS household names. LIke Chester, this is a down year for them as they put a number of younger players on the floor to compete. But watch out because they will be ready in a year or so especially since we all know they always find a way to enroll talented players. </div>
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St. Benedict's is a very interesting team. Their loses are confusing based on the talent they have. They have a sophomore point guard from Delaware who is nothing short of exceptional. Yes, Travon Duval is that good. He passes, he defends, he scores, he jumps out the gym, and he is in control! To me this is far from one of St. Benedict's better teams. But this young man attending school two hours plus away from his home sure has a lot of people excited. He just might be the best lead guard in the state of NJ. Heck he might be the best lead guard on the East Coast! Yes, that good and that impressive! Nate Pierre Louis is also a pretty good player and a sophomore as well. Problem is he would be considered much better if people would shut up and allow him to just play. Often when friends and family continue to build up a player the expectations are so high it would take a 25 point, 10 rebound, 10 assist day to meet them. Young man is good with very good upside so the next 2 years will be quite interesting. Great to see my neighbor in Pa. Angelo, a nice sophomore, get into the game and actually score a basket on the last play of the game. </div>
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St. Benedict's won the game and the score certainly is not even worthy of reporting!</div>
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<b>The Exciting Games</b></div>
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Linden vs Gill St. Bernard</div>
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Years ago I attended a St. Patricks game and saw a small kid on the layup line and immediately thought he was the mascot. He was around 5 ft 5 inches and 85 pounds with a face that made him seem to be around 12 years old. Fast forward and now that young man has grown up to be Otis Livingston Jr. the son of Otis Livingston Sr. the ex pro football player and current TV Sportscaster. Young Otis to me is the best senior point guard in the state of NJ. As I often said about Kyle Anderson, with this kid even me at my older age could score 10 points in a game. He is calm, cool and a joy to watch. In fact after Travon Duval, he might be the best lead guard in the entire state. What a player this guy is for Coach Phil Colicchio and the Linden Tigers. </div>
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Side bar: Heard some folks in Linden did not want kids playing for this outstanding Coach. How crazy is that? Linden should be thanking the Lord High Above for bringing this guy to Linden! With his brothers including the famous Chef Brother of TV fame and owner of restaurants all over NYC, Vegas, and other parts on the country, Coach Colicchio showed why he is an elite coach. He has the Bob Hurley trait which says if you do not commit to D and team you do not play! And play they did beating an outstanding well coached and talented Gill. St. Bernard tean featuring Tyrus Battle who could be the number 1 HS player in NY, NJ, and all of the East Coast even though he is just a junior! </div>
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Otis Livingston who did everything except sell pizza from the concession stand and his teammates including Joshua Carter and Quentin Dixon, son of the legendary Walleye Dixon of "And 1" and Rucker Park fame who despite his huge body is light on his feet with an outstanding outside shot, were a pleasure to watch perform. Loved the Linden fans and coaching staff including the trainer who had his motor cycle leather jacket on with Linden Tigers on the back as if that was an actual motor cycle club. </div>
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Every now and than a special player emerges with such ability that it does not matter what he scores or even does because you can tell that player is exceptional. Tyrus Battle is such a player. Looking at him you can see Duke, Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas on his chest in the future though I sure hope he will consider Rutgers and Seton Hall as well. But as one knowledgable fan said to me as I was leaving the gym "Some Schools Need Not Even Apply!" This kid is long, athletic, can shoot, is strong and seems like a great citizen! He also, like his entire team, plays great team basketball which says to me Duke has to be in his top 5. I love the Gill program and if you have never seen the school you need to visit. Beautiful campus with great facilities including a wonderful state of the art gym. With a coach who was a highly recruited player out of NYC and a D1 college player, kids attending there are in good hands. </div>
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What a game this was with the teams going back and forth. But in the end a combination of Battle still not in top game condition and Livingston being the super player he is was too much for Gill to overcome. By the way schools need to recruit this Livingston kid because he really is that good and makes everyone around him better, Where is Delaware, Hofstra, Monmouth, Lasalle, Penn, Harvard, Bucknell, LeHigh, Lafayette, Iona, Manhattan and others? Honestly if April rolls around and a place like Wake Forest or Providence has a scholarship still available they need to jump on him as well! </div>
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Trenton Catholic vs Hudson Catholic</div>
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Well, needless to say the Catholic school won the game. Two well coached teams playing and competing with Trenton Catholic coming out on top. Coach Nick Mariniello really has become an outstanding coach and motivator as he takes Hudson Catholic closer and closer to where they were during the Mike O'Koren and Jim Sparnakle years. Unfortunately yesterday they ran into a wonderful team with a roster full of talented players including McDonald's All American Malachi Richardson. </div>
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Malachi has grown to around 6 ft 6 and strong enough to really compete on the high D1 level. He is every bit as good as we thought he would be when we saw him as a freshmen at Trenton Catholic prior to him leaving to attend Roselle Catholic for one year prior to returning home. Now a senior and headed to Syracuse of The Atlantic Coast Conference ( so strange to say) he is ready for prime time. Joined by dynamic junior Myles Powell, dynamic PG Marcus Floyd, and 6 ft 9 freshmen Richmond Arirguzoh who one day just might be a top 15 recruit nationally, this team makes Parochial B in South Jersey very interesting and enough for me to drive down to see some games in the state playoffs. </div>
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Hudson Catholic unfortunately will have to play against the St. Anthony mystique which gives the Friars a 10 point lead before the game even starts. But hopefully Nassir Barrino and company will be more ready to play when that day arrives. </div>
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On Saturday they made a great comeback with Coach Mariniello leading the charge but Trenton Catholic had a bit too much going for them on this day! </div>
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The Patrick School vs Ewing HS</div>
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What an interesting season thus far for Ewing HS and its Female Coach Shelley Dearden who does an outstanding job! Ewing came into the game 16 and 0 but ran into what just might be the most talented team man for man in the entire tri-state area. </div>
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I loved Ewing entering the gym to warm up with full warm-ups including warm up pants, something you rarely see these day which is baffling to me. Unfortunately Ewing and its star player Trey Lowe, who is headed to Temple University, got off to a slower than usual start because St. Patrick's came to play, something they do not always do as evidenced by some of the losses they have. Amazing the talent on this team including the best big player potential wise in New Jersey, Nicholas Richardson, the 6 ft 11 man child who is only a sophomore after transferring to The Patrick School from St. Mary's HS of Long Island. </div>
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Nicholas Richardson is what I Imagine Darryl Dawkins was as a HS player in Florida. This guy is mobile, skilled, athletic, understands the game, has a nice shooting touch, rebounds, blocks shots and best of all is very mean and intimidating!!! Big time prospect is an understatement! This guy is the real deal even though the Patrick School rarely runs plays through him on the box, a place where he is almost unstoppable. </div>
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All I can say is the game was terrific and exciting as Ewing actually tied the game late only to have Mr. Richardson take over scoring 6 points in a row with pure strength and determination. </div>
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What a entire day and evening I had watching some great basketball and talking to people who truly enjoy the game. I really have to again say how wonderful this event is despite them not giving out awards of any type nor t shirts to participants as they did years ago. </div>
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Come back and check this blog out again when there is a huge game or event. Looking forward to the games at Kean University this week! </div>
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Contact info LFBall@aol.com</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-54481185003873792522015-01-03T09:49:00.001-05:002015-01-03T09:49:13.745-05:00What A Friday Evening in Roselle, New Jersey<br />
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They came from far and near to see what was supposed to be an exceptional basketball game. From Bergen and Passaic Counties up north to Essex County and even Morris, Sumerset and yes Hudson County as well. They all came to Roselle Catholic HS to see two of the best HS teams in America play for Garden State bragging rights, though I still feel The Patrick School or St. Patricks will make a statement on that very soon. <br />
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Driving in from NEPA I did not know what to expect except a good hard fought game. Having heard from friends that Roselle Catholic had a gym with old school charm and character made me eager to enter the building and see for myself if it was a HS version of Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke or something similar. Well, it was not Duke but it sure was unique and old school gorgeous not to mention packed to the rafters. Even Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins and Charles Smith the ex Knick were in attendance. There were even some serious VIPs from entertainment, business, and industry in the building that people failed to recognize.<br />
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Its always amazing when I see guys walk into HS events free by flashing credentials for a blog or website they rarely post on. I saw this yesterday as I patiently went inside and purchased a ticket 3 minutes before they stopped selling tickets, This was at 4 PM and the game started at 6! Little did I know there were games all day long and entering the gym which was packed with over 2000 people I had an opportunity to see a nice Plainfield Team get beat by Rutgers Prep. The joke in the stands was that it's a shame to get beat on the basketball court by people you will also work for one day! Ok-Ok horrible joke sorry. <br />
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The first game had a super talented Life Center with numerous D1 players beat up on Bloomfield Tech. Nuff said! Now it was time for the final game and the game everyone came to see. St. Anthony's, who has the absolute best family and friends support group I have seen in years, entered the court first along with 6 Assistant coaches with 3 more sitting behind the bench. Somtimes I wonder if certain people would pay to be an assistant there? Next came Roselle Catholic with fatigue T shirts on representing the purpose of the games, which was supporting our troops. What a great cause! <br />
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St. Anthony's took control and their fans were going berserk making the gym seem like it was in Jersey City. If you came in blindfolded you would think you were at a game in Jersey City right near the Holland Tunnel (smile). It seemed St. Anthony's who will always be well coached, play great defense, play hard, and play with class, was there to win it. Roselle Catholic and its star player Isaiah Briscoe had a rough 1st Quarter keeping up with the St. Anthony intensity and desire to win. But in the 2nd quarter it was the the Briscoe show as he closed it out like the player he is, despite some flashes of immaturity similar to what another player who John Calapari sent packing years ago exhibited, Briscoe has all the moves and you can tell hours and hours have been spent in gyms working on his game. But he sure has a nose for getting into it on the court, something he needs to learn to channel before he meets up with the wrong people. <br />
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Interesting that the highly rated freshmen, 6 ft 9 Nazren Reid, did not enter till late in the first half but in my opinion the complexion of the game changed after he entered despite him not scoring one point. It was his presence and energy and many noticed. Of course the second half became more Briscoe and Chris Silva who really will be a terrific College Player if his coach Frank Martin does not yell at him every time he does something wrong. Great place, but there over Seton Hall, Rutgers, St. Johns? Well, it is a great campus with a big time arena with all the bells and whistles associated with a SEC program. <br />
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Many felt the game was over with 2 minutes left but as Bob Hurley, who could be the best HS basketball coach in the history of the game, yelled "THIS GAME IS NOT OVER" And truth be told it was not till the final whistle sounded with St. Anthony's coming back again to within 3 points with a chance for a tie. But despite Briscoe missing multiple free throws, something no star guard should ever do, Roselle Catholic held on for the win with Chis Silva being huge down the stretch.<br />
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Tid Bits<br />
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Markis McDuffie really is better than advertised.<br />
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Jagan Mosley is a star in the making<br />
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Taurean Thompson really is a very good player<br />
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Briscoe is better than advertised but with attitude that could be good or bad depending<br />
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Chris Silva is special<br />
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Roselle Catholic equals Great Players, very little offensive sets, good defense, unselfish play, and despite it all well coached!<br />
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St. Anthony's equals tradition, very good players, consistent defense, hard work, great sets, patience on both offense and defense, and very well coached!<br />
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AAU and Travel Team guys seem to have a lot of say these days. Saw Roselle Catholic players communicating with summer coaches during the game.<br />
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Lastly, to the young man I knew when he played for Teaneck HS and was a good little Player but better yet a wonderful young gentlemen. Just because you now are an Assistant Coach at Teaneck and with The Playaz, an organization I think the world of who are doing wonderful things, do not change who you were because you never know who knows who. Follow the lead of those you work with who always exhibit class while being humble.<br />
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Finally, saw a guy who has done so much for the Newark NJ community being unnecessarily hassled by a Roselle NY Police Officer inside the game. Was it really that important for them to attempt to embarrass him? . Maybe the game should have been at Kean University! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-82106110783831112822015-01-02T11:46:00.001-05:002015-01-02T11:46:35.927-05:00<br />
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Exciting Basketball</div>
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I have to start with the huge game between nationally ranked St. Johns and soon to be ranked Seton Hall if they can hold off Villanova on Saturday at the Prudential Center. A great win by Seton Hall in an atmosphere that seemed to be electric as I watched from the emergency room of my local hospital. </div>
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We all know the final score and who did what. What I thought was great is the outstanding game atmosphere. On TV it seemed like at least 15,000 people similar to what Seton Hall often drew back in the days of Ramos, Bryant, Morton, Salley, Green, Advent, and others (please excuse the spelling of some names) . I think it might have been right after the Mountain Arena bomb that did not work with SHU even losing to Columbia in a home game at the Hockey Arena. </div>
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Well, I always wanted to see SHU, SJU, and RU excel and have true natural rivalries that meant something other than just a win. SJU and SHU seem headed in the right direction but there still remains a question of how SJU will bounce back and what will SHU do if VU beats them badly at home? If they can win more than they lose both SHU and SJU are headed for a possible NCAA Birth or at least a NIT birth. Heading out to buy snacks for the huge game tomorrow. </div>
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Rutgers is still finding its way but is 8 and 6 despite losing to Big 10 foe Northwestern. Northwestern is the team they should always circle on the schedule as a must win along with a few others because we already know its about 4 or 5 teams they have almost zero chance of beating till the program improves in most areas. No need to again say all that I think they need. I will say the coaches they have are fine and with the correct support facility and program wise the improvement will come sooner than later. Hard to even compete with what those other schools are showing to potential players. </div>
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HS basketball was great on Monday evening in Paterson NJ. Hats off to the NJ Playaz Organization for putting on the Jingle Bells Jubilee and making all of the games competitive ones as opposed to matching schools who recruit from 10 states against local HSs who compete with players from the town. I think the Hoop Group, which is still a great organization, needs to change it up next season and get the great match ups with power teams going against power teams and good players matched with good players. $13 is a lot of money to see Roselle Catholic with 25 D1 players at the school (smile) matched up with Blair Academy who has a few good D3 players and two big future role players on the high D1 level. The Playaz tournament had some great talent and wonderful match ups. They even had decent concessions and gave out real meaningful trophy's</div>
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Loved watching Teaneck HS who I will see again Sunday in the New Years Jump-off at the same location, Paterson Charter School (the old Paterson Catholic) against East Orange who seems to have a pretty good team this year. I cannot wait till the well coached Teaneck Squad matures next season, though they could still win the Bergen Jamboree. Next year they could be a special bunch led by top 5 sophomore guard Deondre Washington and Top 5 freshmen guard Ja'Quaye James, who just happens to have a very famous hip hop Uncle. Life Center might just be the 2nd most talented team in NJ man for man. Well, maybe 3rd because The Paterson School is loaded also. Life Center is coached by Never Nervous Pervis, the ex Louisville Star and he has at least 4 high major players on the roster but the record despite beating a very young Teaneck in the consolation game, is nowhere near what it should be. Being an ex great player is not all thats needed to be a great coach. But in time this team could be rolling. How much time? I wonder! </div>
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Paterson Eastside gave all it could against a very talented and well coached Hudson Catholic who seems to be jelling early in the season. Paterson Eastside could still possibly win the North group 4 championship based on some very good talent. Unfortunately it seems people in the stands realize how talented the players are but the players and coaches seem to not know. Shakur Juiston is a beast who does not realize it. Every high major program between Connecticut and Virginia should watch him. If this kid goes to JUCO he could end up at Kentucky, UNLV, NC State, etc. Yes, that much natural ability but so unselfish it makes the average fan scream. This young man needs to stop being afraid to be a star! If it does not come out in HS it certainly will come out in college. You cannot go by his stats you have to watch him perform. Hudson Catholic has a few D1 players as well and seems to have quietly snuck up on everyone and if people blink this could be a future program on the same level nationally as St. Anthony's, Roselle Catholic, St. Benedict's, and the team that I feel just might be the best in NJ, The Paterson School. </div>
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Speaking of St. Antony's they play a huge game Friday evening against Roselle Catholic at Roselle Catholic. Game time is 6 PM and I hope to be there by 4ish to secure a ticket. Two things for sure are St. Anthony's will not back down and they will play defense! Roselle Catholic? They have the best player in the state and at least 6 or 7 others we will be watching on TV one day. </div>
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If you have any comments feel free to contact me on this page or at LFBall@aol.com</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-91407590141616051032014-12-29T10:48:00.000-05:002014-12-29T10:48:11.463-05:00
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A very interesting weekend in local HS and College Hoops
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HS Basketball</div>
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We had an opportunity to attend the Playaz Basketball Club Jingle Bells Jubilee at Paterson Charter HS on Saturday Evening.<span> </span>Paterson Charter is the old Paterson Catholic HS and the games on Saturday were just as exciting as they were when Tim Thomas and Donald Hand led the Cougars into battle many years ago. In fact some of the same fans were in attendance for the games which really were so great we are going back today for the championship. Well, we really need to see a certain player play again because I want to make sure he is what I think he is, The Best Big Player in NY, NJ, or Pennsylvania and he does not attend a private or Catholic HS. More on him later! <span> </span></div>
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First game I saw was Life Center which is not a NJHSAA sanctioned program against Hudson Catholic HS . Interesting to see Pervis Ellison coaching Life Center.<span> </span>You folks remember him. The ex NCAA National Championship MVP at Louisville! Or was he the National College Player of the Year? Well, he was very good and had a decent NBA run as well.<span> </span>Hudson Catholic was coached by Nick Mariniello who has turned into an exceptional coach after many years learning on the job at various schools.<span> </span>Guy gets his players to compete, runs great offenses, and defenses, wins, and gets kids into college all while looking like a movie star on the sidelines.</div>
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Well the game went back and forth with at least 7 or more D1 caliber players on the court. Hudson Catholic won the game despite Life Center having a roster full of D 1 players including Never Nervous Pervis, as they called him years ago, Son Malik Ellison, a 6 ft 6 Sr. guard who could give Isaiah Briscoe a run on the court based on size and ability. This young man has all the tools which is why many super high majors are recruiting him as they did his sister who also plays the game.<span> </span>SHU, RU, and others need to be all over this young man. Life center has at least 4 other potential big-time recruits as well including a point guard, Traci Carter,<span> </span>being wooed by the local high major teams after de-committing from The University of Delaware, where he is actually from.<span> </span>Back to Malik Ellison!<span> </span>I am really not convinced he is not the best point guard in the state of NJ, <span> </span>though he currently plays out of position.<span> </span>Cannot wait till tonight when he plays the consolation game against Teaneck and their great sophomore guard Leandre Washington who also is projected as a high major recruit.</div>
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Hudson Catholic also has some terrific players including 6 ft 8 Sammy Friday who could be a mid major or a high major depending on how hard he competes. When he gets after it he looks terrific and when he watches he looks like a good MAAC player at best.<span> </span>Which Sammy will show tonight against a player with great potential but lacking consistency. <span> </span>Yes, <span> </span>I an talking about Shakur Juiston a 6 ft 7 Guard Forward with nice skills and ability. This kid was nothing short of terrific and if he has grades and could be more consistent he could go anywhere in America based on what he did on Saturday evening. He was so good I HAVE TO GO BACK TONIGHT to see if he really is as good as he looked or was his performance a one time thing. <span> </span>I walked out of the gym super impressed at this Paterson Eastside Senior who dunked off the rebound, dunked in traffic, hit the open J, passed very well, understood the game, blocked shots, and sold food at the concession stand at halftime. Tonight will definitely tell the entire story!<span> was his performance something that can be repeated? </span></div>
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Shout out to Teaneck HS who did a great job despite being so young. I am telling anyone who listens that Teaneck HS will be a state and regional power next season and that does not mean they will not be very good the remainder of this season.<span> </span>But with super talented guards like sophomore sensation Leondre Washington and Freshmen sensation Ja'Quaye James, <span> </span>Teaneck has a very bright future and seem very well coached by veteran coach Jerome Smart. <span> </span>One note is the freshmen needs to stop whining and complaining to the Refs during games!<span> </span>Calls will not be changed!</div>
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Lastly on the organizer Jim Solmon, <span> </span>and the entire hosting organization. It’s a pleasure supporting a program that does so much for so many people without a lot of corporate sponsors.<span> </span>This program has sent hundreds of kids to college as well as acted as a conduit for higher education via tournaments and events for many years. A huge thank you also for keeping the price of admission so reasonable at a time others are charging $13 or more for games that are far from competitive. I saw great games on Saturday and was able to stop and eat on the way home.<span> </span>And thanks for having actual FREE PROGRAMS though we need magnifying glasses to read them (smile). <span> </span></div>
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College Basketball</div>
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Seton Hall won easily over Maine in the type of game that
would have been much more of a struggle for past Seton Hall Teams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now those with amnesia need to refer
back to losses to FDU and similar schools, schools they should never ever lose
to never mind winning by a few points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The win over Maine is supposed to be what happens when a Big East team
goes against a team from a lower conference on the East Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact it should happen against most
lower level conference teams that do not have Wichita State or Gonzaga on the
front of the uniforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SHU is
showing better consistency than they have shown in many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real tests will be St. Johns and
Villanova, and not just based on the final outcome, but by the teams approach
to the game and level of competitiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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St. Johns destroyed Tulane University just as they should
based on all the great talent they did flips and tricks to get on campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The days of the local products dominating
the roster is officially over with so many kids signing on from places a plane
ride away. They really have become a national team by the way they recruit. I
know they have worn sneakers for a great cause in the past, but now it seems
they also need to wear sneakers for all the running across the country they do
to convince players as only they can do to attend SJU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now looking at their schedule it
seems they are undefeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the
same source, Rivals, had Seton Hall undefeated last week and they had a few
losses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again the SHU game will be
a wonderful test for both teams! </div>
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Rutgers wins by a single point at Monmouth! I am telling
anyone willing to listen that Monmouth is a true sleeping giant in college
basketball on the East Coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
way should a Big 10 school win by 1 at Monmouth. Those are the easy games
before they play Wisconsin, Michigan State, Michigan, Iowa, and others who are
a hard out every singe night. Those programs put so much money in the
basketball programs with private jets, private charters, wonderful facilities,
and in many case unlimited recruitment budgets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eddie Jordan will only be super successful if he gets the
resources. He has a good staff in place including a barracuda recruiter who
will get them in doors not only in the USA but also in Europe as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still believe RU will be a wonderful
program after recovering from years of program abuse from the inside via a
meddling AD and coaches not prepared to handle the stress of big-time
basketball at the time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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FDU info is up!!! They are 4 and 6 after losing the big game
to St. Peters on December 23.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I did not see that great CPA James Brown at the Teaneck HS Basketball
Game Saturday night to get the full story (smile).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next 3 games on the road before facing powerful St. Francis
of Brooklyn coached by one of the true great people in the game despite being
the hardest job, yes even harder that FDU, in the country based on location,
campus, and facilities. That’s a home game so I might sneak and purchase a
ticket for this one to see just how far they have come as a program. </div>
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Back to Monmouth and what a great job that could be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really hope the guys there get it
together in the near future but that building needs to be ¾ filled every games
with winning basketball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ditto The
University of Delaware, which has a class act coach in Monte Ross but the folks
there are still waiting for the next Mike Brey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly I would bet sometimes Mike Brey wishes he was still
there as opposed to the pressure of winning at ND.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to me these are the two best mid major jobs on the East
Coast based on facilities and more! </div>
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A bit of a struggle thus far for a great guy in John Dunn
over at St. Peters University. But if they know what I know they will get him
to sign an extension because he does it with smoking mirrors on a campus two or
three blocks long with a big HS gym. In fact maybe <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FDU needs to get their coach signed for a few extra years
because it sure is not a reflection on him when he has little to work with
budget or support wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
wonder if the FDU President knows they have a D1 basketball team?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Fordham with a super classy staff<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>really needs more time than 2 more years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom Picora (sp) is one of the best
people you will ever meet coaching<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>college basketball<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At a
school that frowns on junior college transfers and requires far above average
grades to be admitted, they do a great job and worthy of a new 5 year contract
from the new AD who hopefully understands the challenges. John Wooden would
have had a difficult time. Ditto all the current super star college coaches
earning a million dollars plus a year. </div>
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Manhattan according to many is the best 4 and 7 team in
America. They play extremely hard and do it for 40 minutes a game with no time
off to relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the team
people hate to play because they will compete every day and every minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt the respect the coach has
despite the negative and unnecessary PR from thus past summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manhattan along with Iona remains sexy
places to attend if you love playing or watching great basketball.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Rider 6 and 6 with mirrors lol. Horrible non D1 facilities
but very good coaching and hard working student athletes make things work
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And remember they had a 1<sup>st</sup>
round draft choice to the NBA a few years back meaning he learned to play
better after signing with Rider. By the way what happened to the new facility? </div>
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LIU is 4 and 7 and that’s about right considering the
honeymoon is over and they cannot sneak up on anyone else. I still say the new
gym should be called Ray Haskins Field house or Arena based on him taking the
Blackbirds to the NCAA and NIT two consecutive years in a row before he was let
go in a true unfair way by people who schemed on him. Place was rocking with
fans with applications for admission at an all-time high during his time there
coaching. </div>
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This brings me to the unfair treatment of many coaches. Now
we all know there is a lot of cheating going on across the board with players
getting paid through an outside source with the coach acting as if he has no
idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all know about the
transcript stuff at many places. We all know about the Mickey Mouse courses
many kids take often completing 4 or 5 years with 25 true credits only to
return to the streets or neighborhoods they left as stars without a degree. We
all know about the illegal payments by boosters while kids are on campus. So
much going on yet if the program is winning no one cares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So with that said I still look at guys
like Gary Waters at Rutgers, Louis Orr at SHU, Ray Haskins at LIU, and current
guys like Tom Picora at Fordham, Eddie Jordan at RU, and yes even Kevin Willard
at SHU. Oh these guys could have or could do some minor things but not on the
scale as others. Yet they are expected to win right away. And in the cases of
the first 3 mentioned it has taken years to recover from them departing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say all this to say people need to be
patient with coaches and not expect an NCAA championship this year. Not at SJU,
not at Seton Hall, and yes not at FDU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look for improvements and hold the marketing people accountable for
butts in the seats just as you hold coaches accountable for wins and losses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More on this next time! </div>
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Feel free to comment or email me direct at LFBall@aol.com</div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-37830736298880649252014-12-23T13:02:00.001-05:002014-12-23T13:04:26.021-05:00<br />
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<i>Welcome </i></div>
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<i>Today starts the official 2014-2015 version of LFBallonhoops, a basketball blog covering HS and College Basketball in NJ, NY, and even on occasion Northeast Pennsylvania. This blog is considered by many controversial and extremely opinionated. Truth be told those who believe that are absolutely correct and its something we pride ourselves on. </i></div>
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<i>This year we are fortunate to have secrete eyes on players, coaches, boosters, supporters and even parents from Pennsylvania to Connecticut. Please note we love telling it like it is and are more interested in the story behind the box score than just reporting who won or lost. This is a blog that will highlight the good, the bad, and even the ugly of HS and College Basketball. Please be aware of the hidden messages and hints as we talk about all thats happening we feel might be of interest to you. </i></div>
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<i>A huge part of this blog will always be talking about the skills and abilities of many players others give zero or no credit to. Players who just might be better players in college than they were in HS. Players like Ronald Roberts who had a great career at St. Joe's of Philly after St. Johns had him de-comit from his athletic scholarship. Is it only us or could SJU, SHU, and RU not have benefitted from the player he turned out to be. </i></div>
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<i>Before getting into the meat and potatoes of todays blog please note we are more and more surprised at the large number of foreign players now paying HS basketball in the United States especially the state of New Jersey! Who is paying the tab? Where do they live? How did they get here? Now we sure are not anti providing opportunities but just how serious and how much money is involved when we see so many international players being recruited so that a team can win a HS championship? Amazing how the best HS player in America for n2014-15 is actually from Australia and he signed with LSU. LSU? Ummmmmm! Very interesting that they beat out Kentucky and other heavy hitters in many different kind of ways. </i></div>
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<i>Speaking of Kentucky we need to say we certainly are John Calipari fans. You see he is only doing what the rules as they are written allow him to do. He is smart enough to know how to work the system. We are also fans of him as a person based on the many great deeds he has done for so many away from basketball. Even as the Head Coach at UMass he bussed in young non basketball playing children for special college days to learn about the college experience. This guy, though a true win at all costs guy, has done a lot of good things that many have no idea about!</i></div>
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<i>This season we will talk more about the slick not caring coaches as well as street agents, basketball crooks, and get over artists. We will even give hints about who is cheating and who is getting what for families and friends without saying names. You just have to figure out, and it will not be hard, who is who in the posting. AAU and Travel team influences? We have it covered and truth be told some who you might think are bad are actually outstanding and some you feel are great are really up to no good. </i></div>
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<i>So stay tuned and hopefully we can have something for you once or twice a week schedule and news permitting. </i></div>
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<i>Hoop Group Tipoff </i></div>
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<i>Before getting into the actual information regarding the games that were held at West Orange HS over the past weekend I have to again ask how or why do they charge $12 and $13 dollars for tickets to a HS basketball event! This HS basketball thing is now a huge business and folks are really getting very wealthy. Why be a Doctor or Attorney when you can do basketball stuff and get rich. </i></div>
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<i>Also interesting that Mike Rice has gotten a second chance getting an opportunity to be a Hoop Group Executive and thats a great thing. I wonder if he is cursing, and throwing balls at little kids as they workout with him. Interesting how so many who dogged him were hugging him at the event. Some folks are so phony! But Mike did not seem to have a care in the world and will most likely be back on the college scene very soon screaming and yelling at a place that will not care. </i></div>
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<i>One of the people who shares information with us was in attendance on Saturday and said the turnout was less than great. The one team that totally impressed him was Gil St. Bernard who actually played without their best player. Our person feels Gil St. Bernard could be the second best HS Team in NJ. </i></div>
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<i>On Sunday</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Same cast of characters but different year. $13 admission wow! </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Watched the Patrick School who had uniforms with St. Patrick's on the front. St Pats or The Patrick School was huge with a few African players. But than again Bergen Catholic has an Italian import Pier Oliva as well and he really is a nice player Watch for him to be a very good college player at St. Joseph's University in time. So many were saying he is overrated and soft, etc. Well, what we saw was a guy extremely skilled with great basketball IQ. He actually made every player on his team better by being on the court. Seems to me Teaneck will not have an easy time winning the Bergen Jamboree. </i></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Interesting at the game the same Hounds and street agents out in force.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Wow do they ever retire? Deals and more taking place with many D1 coaches in attendance getting earfuls from want to be coaches or basketball hustlers. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Interesting how the African players on St. Patricks were smiling and happy at opportunities they are getting while home grown kids take so much for granted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> They seems so happy to be a part of something so organized and good. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Holland Mack ex Paramus Catholic and D1 College player at either LeHigh or Bucknell is the current Paramus Catholic Coach. Nice kid but trying too hard to fit in with guys who </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> could not care less about him or his program. When he wins in the future they will embrace him inviting him into their circle. Good luck to him! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Just watching I had to wonder why would anyone attend some of these High Schools who are almost like store front schools with great teams?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> What about the HS experience? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bergen Catholic still only 2 or so players of color. Oh well!!!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nicholas Richards St Patrick's sophomore has great upside and will be a extremely high level recruit in the furure. Everyone will want that kid who is about 6 ft 8 or 6 ft 9 with toughness and skills!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Watched </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Newark Eastside ve St. Anthony's. Newark Eastside is a pretty good HS academically believe it or </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">not. The team has tradition and the coaches are really doing a nice job. But whats up with the horrible uniforms and appearance taking the court like a rec. team at the local Y with 55 year old men with any old sweats on. Where were the team sneakers and warm-up shirts? Horrible look for some great kids who played so hard in a loss. Of course St. Anthony;s who had 16 players dressed, looked like the top level program they are. St Anthony;s will always be a great program because they always will play hard and play defense not to mention they are well taught and even better coached. One question I do have is does Bob Hurley ever sincerely smile at anyone? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Marquis McDuffie heading to Wichita State. Special. player but on past St. Anthony teams would have been a great role guy but still D1 bound. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Watched the 1st half of Roselle Catholic vs Blair Academy. Now everyone knows Blair is a ritzy residential boarding school that costs around $40,000 to attend. Their teams are always good and well coached This year they have two good players up front with one signing with Villanova and the other with Notre Dame. Now thats two big-time recruits! Unfortunately the opponent this day was Roselle Catholic led by national top 5 player Isaiah Briscoe and what a player he is. Well worth all the effort Kentucky put into recruiting him. Well worth all they did to get him!!! This guy is really the next big thing from the Garden State! We would have loved seeing him play with the super Freshmen on his team but due to injury the freshmen did not play but watching him walk you know he is gifted. Roselle number 5 or 6 nationally but uniformed like they are number 10000. What's up with that? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Chris Silver who signed with South Carolina is pretty good and makes me wonder how he was allowed to get away from local high D1 teams? </span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>NJ Top HS Teams (based on first few games </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>1. Roselle Catholic</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>2. The Patrick School</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>3..Gil St. Bernard</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>4. St. Anthony's </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>5. Pope John XXiii</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>6. Trenton Catholic</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>7. Hudson Catholic</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>8. Linden</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>9. Ewing</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>10 Patterson Eastside</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>College Information</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>The college season has been here for a few weeks and some things never change. Tried to get information on FDU from Rivals site and FDU is the only D1 team where the schedule and information is not posted. Did they drop basketball and not send me a notice? Are they now D2? Are they quietly closing down without letting us know? Well, thank God all the other programs have information showing. And yes we plan on attending an FDU game this season as well as many other college games in the area. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>St. Johns seems to be the best team in the area and all they have done to get players seems to be paying off. They are currently 11 and 0 and just might be NCAA bound with players from all over the country. Looking forward to some great battles this year as well as many more great HS players being persuaded to attend school there. Great start and again the hard work has paid off! </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Seton Hall University has a special thing going on. They have only lost two games and one was expected based on it being an away game in the Midwest in a packed arena. But here is where it gets tricky. How will they recover from the Georgia loss? I do feel they will be just fine and with so many young players the future is extremely bright. Now its about preparation and mental toughness!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Rutgers really has a ways to go but I am sure they can get there with Eddie Jordan. So much to put inn order from practice facilities to a better arena environment that will attract a certain type basketball recruit. St. Peters loss cannot happen in the future because those are the games a Big 10 team is supposed to win. St. Francis Pa.! Not supposed to happen! Lots of work to be done here across the board. Maybe they should not charge folks for tickets this season to start developing a great fan base. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>St. Peters is 4 and 7 and who knows what the future will hold for them. Not much of a campus especially when kids visit places like Siena, Albany, Binghamton, Manhattan, Fordham, and more. Even FDU is huge in comparison. I still remember the great teams at the Jersey City Armory prior to them building a gym. Waiting for the huge St. Peters vs FDU game! </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Monmouth is interesting at 5 and 5 and a coaching staff more athletically talented than the current team led by HC King Rice. Heck of a name King Rice! Well, will the King lead them to the promised land? Time will tell but we all know that many hugh D1 Assistants from all over America are watching this program carefully because it could one day be a Gonzaga type program based on facilities, area attractions including beaches, and a potentially large fan base. Guys are drooling for this job! Hope it all comes together for them out in Long Branch! </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>NJIT has turned it around as maybe the only independent program in America. The coach needs to get a medal or at the least an interview for the next mid major opening. Playing in a 1200 seat gym and with kids taking real classes they are really over achieving and moving in he right direction. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Binghamton made more of a situation than it needed to do years ago and just might never recover as a basketball program. The Coaches should never have been fired years ago! Not sure if they even care but it was an on the rise program years ago. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Fordham with a wonderful coaching staff has a hard job. Recruiting kids to Fordham Road and playing in a facility that they attempt to make seem like a version of the Philly Palestra or Cameron Indoor Stadium but really just an older gym with some renovations. Yet they continue to get kids who want great basketball and great academics. Currently 3 and 6 with a very young team including many international players. But losing to The University of Massachusetts LOWELL? </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Iona really has a very good coaching staff and they seem to get it done year after year after year. Without a doubt this could be a premier program with a larger campus and premier facilities. Someone will eventually snatch the coach up for a higher level program. I would not be surprised if he interviewed for SJU if Steve Lavin ever left. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Manhattan has a coach who I have watched since he played for the Gaucho Junior Team many years ago. he always had that swagger. But what happened to the great hair style from years ago? OK thats another post! Manhattan is 4 and 7 and I would bet young Steve as he was called years ago has dreams or nightmares about life in South Florida. He just might be in Riverdale a few more years and that could be a blessing to him and Manhattan College</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Please know we have not covered all the area teams and will be adding the others at a later date along with more information on FDU (smile). The season is now in full swing as is the HS season with so many great games coming up. Lots of recruitment talk and observations from HS events and college games coming your way soon. Stay tuned!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Feel free to comment or contact us direct at LFBall@aol.com </i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-924208659977728122014-01-18T10:57:00.000-05:002014-01-18T10:57:24.688-05:00Saturday, January 18, 2014<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">NBA Mock Draft <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">As we get into the meaty part of the college
basketball season all sorts of NBA mock drafts are popping up on the internet
and even in local papers all over America. It seems as if the experts are
continuing to forget the importance of toughness and maturity and making
popular as opposed to realistic predictions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are they thinking when they take a skinny freshmen
guard on a great team and make him a top draft pick over a more seasoned player
with much more upside, especially when he gets to the next level surrounded by
more players capable of finishing around the rim and hitting open shots?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So here are my thoughts on this years player’s at
this point. Remember it could all change but from what I have seen thus far
these are my thoughts on talent and playing potential in the NBA! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Doug McDermott, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in my maybe very unqualified eyes, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has to be the top pick in this years 2014 draft! What
are folks thinking with all those ahead of him on the various draft sites?
These days a player who could be a top draft choice who returns to school
will be the focus of every defense scheme teams play against his team. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Doug McDermott is actually a marked man and the
focus of double and triple teaming and still gets his shot off almost scoring
at will. His footwork, ball handling, shooting, passing, basketball
intelligence, toughness, strength, and more seems to me to be heads and
shoulders over every other college player this season. No I will not compare
him to Larry Bird as a Pro because Doug is far more handsome. But skill wise as
a collegiate he sure seems as skilled as Larry was at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure Red Auerbach, if he was alive
and still with Boston, would be behind the scenes finding out how to get this
future star on and off the court! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
just seems that he will be punished for returning to school because he would
have been a top 10 selection last season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">t seems if a player does not run from school after
their freshmen year, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their stock
automatically goes down. It also seems like international players at 18 and 19
who would be slaughtered in the USA in many cases on the court are taken high in
the draft based on potential. Are you kidding me? Nothing like a 7 ft kid
from Russia who is a scrub sitting on the end of the bench based on potential.
Well, at least they look good in warm-ups and in the Airport! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">To have the players mentioned on many mock draft
boards ahead of Doug McDermott is nothing short of ridiculous. In fact I
think the 2nd player chosen should be a sophomore. Yes, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marcus Smart of Oklahoma State should be
2nd because he is the total package as well. Tough, skilled, confident,
unselfish and more! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Leadership wise no way Kyle Anderson should not be
a top 10 pick. I love Tyler Ennis on and off the court because he seems like a
great player and even better person. But how in heavens name is he ranked
higher than a more mature, skilled, leader and player such as Kyle Anderson? It
all boils down to people with no idea or even playing or coaching experience
putting together these lists. Same way on many HS recruiting lists the rankings
have always been suspect at best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So here is my 2014 Mock NBA Draft top 11 TALENT
Wise and NBA Ready list with a few sleepers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted there are some with more potential but still
unproven..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I was choosing
strictly based on talent and readiness this would be my list!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Doug McDermott<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Creighton</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 </span></span>Marcus Smart <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Oklahoma
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State</div>
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State</div>
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Gordon<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Arizona</div>
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Fair <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Syracuse</div>
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Russ Smith<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Louisville</div>
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LaQuinton Ross<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Ohio
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Bryce Cotton<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Providence</div>
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Noah Vonleh<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Indiana</div>
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Jerami Grant <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Syracuse</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-9065093656797683692013-12-23T12:15:00.000-05:002013-12-23T12:15:32.459-05:00December, 23, 2013<br />
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Well, we are officially off to the races in NYC, NJ, and Pa as far as HS Basketball. Interesting that college basketball minus maybe St. Johns in NYC, is at an all-time low in regard to fan support and expectations. When FDU can go out and beat the two premier basketball programs in NJ despite not winning a meaningful game all season it's a strong message that work needs to be done in both Piscataway, and South Orange. <br />
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In all fairness basketball has also been quite interesting in other parts of the country with some upsets and other contests that should not have been as close as the final score. I mean the team I wish to see right now is none other than the Knights of FDU! I am reviewing the schedule to make sure I can catch that great FDU vs LIU game. It is least I can do based on the hard time I have given them over the past few seasons. I hear from reliable sources that on the FDU campus I an along with the Governor, a wanted man. He for support, and me to jump and tear apart for the things I have said. I guess the AD would be the first to get a punch in lol! <br />
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NBA Draft wise the Tri-State Area could be shut out with local players only getting tryouts through free agent camps etc. But as far as players I sure would take Oklahoma State Guard Marcus Smart or Duke Freshmen Jabari Parker as the first pick in the 2014 draft. Aaron Gordon would be next followed by Julius Randall! As they often say, And A Young Man will lead us! <br />
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Seton Hall and Rutgers are in such a bind. So close for the stud players who want to get away. Poor fan support based on a poor product on the floor currently. Recruiting budgets good but far from where they need to be to compete against the big boys. Neither has a practice facility. So how do you get players? By winning! But how do you win? By getting players! What do players want and not in this order: Great fan support, great facilities, outstanding tradition, great coaches who can teach, beautiful campuses, and solid education opportunities leading to great graduate school and employment opportunities especially for those not skilled or big enough for the NBA. St. Johns? On their way to reestablishing themselves as a legit program soon to be recognized again nationally.<br />
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This brings me back to FDU. Congrats on a job well done winning against the big boys. I am so looking forward returning to to see the new end bleachers if nothing else. Hope I am able to buy a ticket! <br />
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HS basketball was in full affect at West Orange HS on Sunday. Some pretty good games though I still feel to charge $12 is way too much, especially when the participating schools get zero and the MVP awards are not more substantial!<br />
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Sat with a great group including a very animated gentleman who has a son playing for The Hun School. As I listened to him talk about his son over and over it made me realize how I must have sounded talking about my son as I did. So nice to see a great dad supporting his son! Such memories although if I had to do it again I would change some things about my approach. Boy would I be different and much better! lol<br />
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Seems Hun lost to a good Gil St. Bernard team who will be even better in time with more maturity. West Orange upset a solid CBA team who will be better as season goes on. Linden defeated a solid but often out of control Newark Tech. I do have to shout-out Otis Livingston Jr. Still remember seeing him on the St. Pats team as they warmed up a few years ago. I really thought he was the mascot based on his than height. Well fast forward to now and I see he is taller and in my opinion the best guard on the court during his game and might be the most improved player I have seen in 20 years on the HS level. Such a nice kid who sincerely thanked everyone who complimented him on the game he had. If he came this far in a year or so, the sky is the limit for him. Plus again he seems like a wonderful young man!<br />
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The later games started with Teaneck, who has missed going to the state finals the past few years storming on the court to take an early lead on last years State Champs Roselle Catholic HS. Well, it was good at first but became quite ugly to say the least, except the better team with the better recruited players including two very tall African players won the game. Ummmmmm, I wonder how long the commute is daily for them? Lastly on this: Does Teaneck Ever Run a play or set? Just curious!!! <br />
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Next up was Bob Hurley HS....oops I mean St. Antony's HS. But if there is a NJ Treasure it is Bob Hurley! Just watching his team warm up is worth a regular price of admission. But not $12.00 (smile).<br />
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I left before the last game but heard it was a great game won by St. Joe's with many D1 players vs Shore HS from South Jersey who looked like a freshmen team during warmups. Well, good solid coaching and a kid having a career day often keeps you in the game. They were in it against the best team in NJ if not the entire area for an entire game. <br />
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Until next time! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-633665310940928872013-11-25T10:17:00.000-05:002013-11-25T10:17:04.975-05:00Monday, November 25, 2013<br />
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Basketball is here in full swing and fans all over the country are experiencing ups and downs with some of their favorite teams. North Carolina lost to Belmont and than came back to beat a great Louisville Team. Ketucky the pre season number 1 with a bag full of...... no not money, but big time one and done recruits loses its first game out of the blocks. Just proves anything can happen no matter how a team looks on paper!<br />
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Even FDU went out and took a powerful Michigan Team to overtime and beat up on both Kansas, and North Carolina. Yes, this is a season of ups and downs! Wait, you say I was dreaming and FDU did not do as I said? You mean to say they are so bad they lost to a team called Metro State University and people do not even know where the team is from or if this is really a university or correspondence school where you get you degree on line and the actual games are played with game systems since the players are all over the world. They just came together for the FDU win! I cannot believe I was dreaming!<br />
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Seton Hall University is currently 4-2 with a nice meaningful win over Virginia Tech of the ACC. I believe SHU just might win the next 10 games in a row and be 14-2 going into a rough part of the schedule. Included in the 10 wins could be Rutgers who still is seeking answers to a team who does have good talent. <br />
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Rutgers is 3-3 but should be 5 and 1 based on who they represent and who they played against. But the good news is FDU is on the schedule and they also play Stillman, a school I remember from the Bill Cosby Show. Is this a real game or is someone playing with us? Than again the better game would be FDU vs Stillman with Bill Cosby giving a trophy to the winner. In fact if Stillman played FDU, Dick Vitale would be screaming how Stillman is playing a weak patsy schedule lol. Stillman? Oh boy!!! In Eddie Jordan I trust and soon he will have this team soaring! But right now they are bleeding Scarlet!<br />
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St. Johns still seems like the best team in the area but is also not playing many local schools this season. Dartmouth, Longwood, Penn State, Youngstown State? Why not Iona? Why not Rutgers? Why not FDU? lol I like this SJU team and looking forward to attending a game soon. Think they would leave me a ticket? (smile) 3 and 1 and soaring! The Garden just might be rocking this season!<br />
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Binghamton must be questioning all the things THEY did wrong. Kevin Broadus (sp) please come back and bring your Assistants? They are 1-4 and still getting a good turnout! Unlike another school in NJ near Teaneck I will not mention lol<br />
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Monmouth is 1-3 but really playing some quality teams. All I will say is a lot of Assistants are drooling as they watch what plays out in Long Branch NJ!<br />
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Does Rider have a team this season? Just kidding I am sure they do. Just again wish they would improve the facilities or did they? Wonderful place and a wonderful school that supports!<br />
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Siena, the best mid major program attendance wise in the NE continues to struggle. If I did not know better I would think the old coach was still there. They are 2-4 and dropping! But since there is still nothing to do up in the Albany area folks will go to games. They drew 11,000 ti the home opener vs Albany, a game they lost!<br />
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Fordham 2-2! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Great school, great coaches, great location, but something boring about the place. We do understand that a Fordham degree is a powerful piece of paper. But it just seems like something is missing! Ok just realized what it is, a new arena on campus or on Fordham Road!<br />
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HS season in NJ is weeks away and in NYC the games have begun. I hope to follow both areas well this season as well as some of the games in NEPA, a place with magnificent gyms and improving basketball programs. <br />
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By the way the results of the losers event between St. Peters and FDU are in. The winner is FDU who remains without a win. Poor St. Peters moves into the winning at least a game circle! <br />
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Have a great Monday everyone!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-77945106119157778892013-11-20T10:28:00.002-05:002013-11-20T10:28:48.280-05:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-34666929081594440752013-11-20T10:23:00.001-05:002013-11-20T10:29:57.676-05:00<br />
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Wednesday, November 20, 2013</div>
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What is going on in college basketball? First the powerful and tradition rich University of North Carolina, yes that North Carolina and not UNC Asheville, NC Central, UNC Greensboro, or even Winston Salem State U of North Carolina, lost to a super coached Belmont University team with a roster full of rivals 2 star and 1 star players at best. Well, so much for the sophisticated system of ranking HS basketball players! Or maybe the rankings should include dedication, hard work, and basketball intelligence and educability! </div>
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Now we fast forward and watch Drexel of the Colonial Athletic Conference, a school that has a great academic reputation and the best Cooperative Education Program this side of Northeastern University in Boston come into a magnificent arena not even 1/4 filled with fans and beat a team from the powerful and battle tested Big East Conference in Seton Hall University. Interesting that this must have been a huge game for little Drexel since they are accustomed to playing games in that band box second floor gym that most HS's would use as a practice court. OK OK OK, I am exaggerating. But trust me when I tell you FDU with the end stands missing would be a palace for them! </div>
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Please know I am a fan of the new Big East Conference. I think in time it will be one of the 3 premier conferences in college basketball, and that time is coming soon. The question is will Seton Hall and Rutgers, and St. Johns be power players in the conference or just names bringing up the rear? Here are my thoughts:</div>
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St. Johns is moving back towards prime time and to selling 15,000 seats at the Garden. Yes, the true mecca and what a facility nit is will soon be filled with college basketball fans for great SJU games. These guys are quietly, maybe that is the wrong word (smile), getting the job done with talent and execution. Does not hurt to have a recent player in the NBA either! SJU just might be ahead of schedule and back as a national program! </div>
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Rutgers has the potential based on location, potential facilities, player availability as members of the Big 10 or as they say BIG conference, and a new Coach who hopefully will be the right one to get it done. Right now they are fighting to be decent. Fighting to be able to compete. And truth be told they could easily end with a winning record this year or be humiliated in some games as FDU is known to do all too often. Come on fast Eddie, be fast, but make sure it is done right and your team is prepared.</div>
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Now we get to todays team, SHU of South Orange, not East Orange, because East Orange players are tough as heck!!!! SHU has not shown that toughness losing to a team with players who were not worthy of a BE scholarship and based on this played hard to prove they should have been. Seton Hall did not execute on the court and the fans did not execute in the seats. One of the great things about a home court advantage is when fans never give up on a team and help motivate them to play harder and with purpose. Yes, it really is the responsibility of the coach, but at the true big-time programs fans make visiting teams winning a game almost impossible. </div>
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Lets now talk coaching. No not just X and Os, lets talk about motivation and preparation. Not preparation H, like some teams play as if they had taken! Stevie Wonder could see the visiting team was out to secure a win. It is not like years ago when mid major teams showed to put on a good show, lose, get a nice paycheck, eat, and go home. These teams are showing up motivated feeling they can win. And the coaches, like the Belmont Coach, and even Bruiser Flint, feel they are just as good a coach if not better than the coaches they are competing against. Do you honestly think Bruiser Flint does not feel he is a better coach than Willard and out to prove a point? Bad loss for Seton Hall!!!</div>
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So who is the best Freshmen basketball player in America? Is it the big strong kid at Kentucky? is it the Harrison twins at Kentucky, is it the stud player Wiggins at Kansas? None of them to me! Without a doubt the best Freshmen in the land and the number 2 pick in the 2014 NBA draft if it was held right now would be Jabari Parker, son of Sonny Parker the ex Golden State Player and Chicago Sports organizer. Pure ability and skills like only we could amigine. The total package and a guy out on a mission, and not the Mormon mission he just might make prior to an NBA career! </div>
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The best basketball player in the land and the number 1 pick will be the super talented Oklahoma State player Marcus Smart who killed Memphis with 39 points yesterday without breaking a sweat! This guy is the next true super star and the actual number 1 pick in the NBA draft if it was held this week. Interesting that a guy who would have been top 5 in the 2013 NBA draft, becoming a millionaire, would return to school because as he says, he wanted to work on some things. Well, it seems the work has paid off and he is a dominant player to the point he is a must see for anyone who enjoys college basketball! Who is number 1? Marcus Smart!!!!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-1311208806582000312013-11-19T09:43:00.003-05:002013-11-19T09:47:28.266-05:00Nov 19, 2013<br />
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After watching some decent at best basketball on TV last night I have to say I came away less than impressed with what I saw. Not sure where the excitement of execution has disappeared to, but from what I saw the local tri-state teams are in serious need for a shot of excitement.<br />
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Last night was huge for me. I made popcorn, had chips and dip, and a nice steak meal as I prepared for a game I have been looking forward to for a while. I wanted to see this game because I needed to see for myself what I was doing with my blog this season when it came to a particular team. Oh I want to praise them so much and hoped to start today. I have received emails and even a call or two asking me to be positive.<br />
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Well, last night FDU came out and lost to Arizona by 50! Thats right 50!!!!!! I could never understand how any team, even FDU, could lose by 50 to anyone with the huge number of talented players available to schools these days. I could see a 22 point loss, etc. But where is the pride? Why did everyone not foul out trying to defend and win? If anyone had only 1or 2 fouls and played big minutes they should be addressed! Better yet they should be undressed and sat the next game! <br />
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So interesting watching a team come on national TV and look like a member of the CUNY conference in size and even corny uniforms with no names on the back. I mean, are they going to use the same stuff the next few years? FDU step into the year 2013! Bad enough only 100 come out to watch the games. FDU Administration wake up and give your coaches the support they need to be successful. Put a few dollars into the program and make it what it has the potential to be. Nuff said!!!<br />
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Had an opportunity to watch SHU against Monmouth and what a let down it was for me. Sure SHU will be better when they jell and play better competition. But what was alarming to me is the numerous empty seats that were so visible on TV. I am sure glad Whitehead signed before seeing this lack of support. I cannot understand how any person in Northern or Central Jersey who enjoys basketball does not have season tickets to SHU or Rutgers. If I lived there I would have two midway up for both teams. I always had this dream to live near a large university and have season tickets for basketball and football.<br />
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Rutgers is no different. I guess it is now a football school but sooner than later the basketball program will catch up and that basketball ticket will be a hot one. Just interested to see the turnout when Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan come into the area next season. People need to get those season tickets now!!!<br />
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Watched Monmouth play. What a great job, what great facilities, what a great location, what a great potential fan base, what a great stepping stone job! I am telling folks a lot of people are eying that job............just in case King Rice is let go. The right person could make that place the Gonzaga of the East Coast!<br />
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Still waiting got the full HS schedule to come out in NY, NJ, and PA. I want to circle certain games to attend. The Hoop Group Showcase will be my first event and I sure hope to see some good games. I still feel the two most talented teams will St. Joe's and Roselle Catholic in NJ. But the best team will once again be St. Anthony's. Ever notice how St. Anthony players for the most part are not dominant college players? says a lot about the great coaching done by Bob Hurley. System and team first!!!<br />
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OK next up to watch is St. Johns. I have a feeling this team will be very good this season despite the coaches not wearing neck ties and looking soooooo un-groomed on the bench lol. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-25449717419961257862013-11-18T07:03:00.000-05:002013-11-18T07:03:05.763-05:00November 18, 2013<br />
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What a roll I have been on for the past few months. I actually took time off from watching basketball on any level to complete some pressing projects. No IS8, No Fall Ball, and definitely very little if any NBA basketball. However, now it is time to return to the game I love and adore with a lot to say and post about. Remember, I might have been away but I have sources in place including many college assistant coaches, HS coaches, AAU guys, official and unofficial scouts and even a player or two, or three to keep me informed. So welcome to LFBallonHoops 2013-2014 basketball blog. Yes, the same blog many coaches hate and others fear based on me telling the real deal about the world of basketball including underhanded stuff including cheating and treating players wrongly. Yes, I am back and again will be honest and fair. But beware, you will not even know I am watching or in the building in most cases because I am just sitting back watching.<br />
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So with the intro out of the way, my main man Jesus Shuttlesworth from NJ, and The Coach from NYC will be watching along with me this season as we cover hoops from NY to Pennsylvania. Lets go!!!!<br />
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Before starting up again I decided to check out the schedules of all the local teams to see how they are doing thus far. Some you can see are on the road to improvement, some are the same, and others have young assistants from all over the East Coast watching to see if there will be an opening in the spring. Yes the circle is starting to form outside the arenas of some great mid major programs. Lets see, who are some of the programs that could be considered great jobs? Delaware and Monmouth come to mind based on facilities, campus, and potential fan support. So lets see what happens after the season.............................or during the season, though I doi feel Monte Ross will get it together at UD and end with a great record and re-build what was at one time one of the premier mid major programs in America. Now King Rice at Monmouth, with the new building, near the beach, with potential great fans? Ummmmmmmmmmm! <br />
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Lets look at the local big boys and whats happening:<br />
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Seton Hall, the University with some of the greatest fans on the planet is currently 2-1 with the potential to get much better. Willard is a far better coach than people give him credit for. The recruiting has come around and getting Whitehead, though at what cost, helps but I am not convinced he is a program changer as much as a important piece in a well oiled machine, ala John Morton years ago. By the way, I am a huge John Morton fan!!! Playing games in a true showplace, and one of the best in America, SHU has too much tradition, great fans, good players, and great coaching to fail! Ups and downs might occur but at the end of the day we should see a great product on the floor at the Prudential Center<br />
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St. Johns is BACK!!!!!! Most likely the best in the area with a national type team with kids from all over the country. Interesting to me that kids are flocking to Queens, NY from other places and kids from NYC are flocking to other places from NYC. Do the kids from NYC know something others do not? Well, regardless SJU is looking good only losing to Wisconsin in what seemed like a close game on paper. And if you think winning at the Kohl Center in Madison is easy you are sooooo wrong! The coaches are on point for SJU, the players are tough and focused, and the fans are back in the building. With MSG still a home court for many games, it will not be long till local players again allow SJU to choose them as opposed to them choosing SJU. Have you seen the new MSG? I hear it is spectacular!<br />
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Rutgers has brought home Eddie Jordan! Just that alone makes them a very attractive team to me. I am telling everyone that Eddie Jordan will get it done at RU! I am telling everyone that soon the RAC will rock like it did years ago! I am telling everyone that sooner than later RU will be a force to recon with! Joining the Big 10 does wonders for RU financially and image wise, although the Big East is nothing to sneeze at. RU now can get the Chicago, Indiana, St. Louis, Pennsylvania, kids along with the NY and NJ kids they often recruit. Lets not forget the DC connections through DC Assault and other programs. Now if only they could fix up that building. The new scoreboard is nice. But that's the equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig. MORE IMPROVEMENTS IN OFF SEASON because the other BIG schools have incredible facilities minus Northwestern and you see where they typically finish in the standings. RU is 2-1 with 3 close games only losing at UAB. <br />
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The Others<br />
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Monmouth is 1-1 beating Penn (zzzzzz) and losing to Hofstra. They better get it together soon. They would be a great team if they could suit up the coaching staff . <br />
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St. Peters 0-3. Why even be D1? Ok OK I get it, tradition from years past. They were great playing at the Jersey City Armory. Eldnardo Webster where are you? Heck do you have a grandson to send there? <br />
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Binghampton is back!!! back to where they were when they were members of the State U of NY Conference as a D3 member. Great Great fans and horrible team. Academic people with no clue ruined this program and they might not ever recover. Great academic school! Great facitity! Horrible team! Currently 1-3<br />
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Manhattan College is 2-1 and young Steve who has lived and breathed basketball from birth will get it done and move on to a higher profile program. Interesting hopw they make that aluminum barn look good on game days. Anyway a solid program that seems to always do well.<br />
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FDU.........Next! Just kidding!!! Well they still are D1. They still are called the Knights. They still give scholarships. And they still lose and play in front of 125 people. Will this program ever get it together? new coach Greg Herencia (sp) who at one time was an Assistant at SHU takes over and has a lot of work to do. This guys does know how to recruit and shake hands with the right people. Use to be a bit on the cocky arrogant side but hopefully now a bit more down to earth. I will not be as hard on them for a while. Just bring back the stands on the end and look like a D1 college program and not Bergen Community College playing a game on Sunday Afternoon in Paramus! <br />
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Hofstra is doing quite OK thus far. Than again why would they not be able to improve on a disaster season. Nowhere to go but up. Great opportunity for any coach based on where they were. I just still am amazed that Al Skinner was not hired at Hofstra. Guy grew up 3 miles from the school and would have given them instant credibility. <br />
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LIU actually had around 2500 people at their first home game this season in a great looking gym. This program just might turn out to be the best mid major program in the area. Convenient location, great facility, recent winning tradition, gorgeous female students on campus, and much more. I do feel the gym should be named after Ray Haskins who took LIU to the NCAA and NIT two consecutive seasons, something that not was done for many years. He sold the place they were playing in out so much they had to build a new facility. Anyway, LIU is building somthing very very special and becoming a great stepping stone job. By the way they only lost to Indiana by 1 single point!<br />
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Temple is 1-2. I hear someone went to the Mt. Airy section of Philly recently looking for John Chaney. Seems they are just not the same without him, though they still are pretty good. they currently are 1-2<br />
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Fordham is 2-1 but looking good thus far. Great coaches and a great tradition. They have even made that old gym sort of a Palestra Type facility. I mean it looks good, but still a hard place for recruiting against the great teams they play against. Than again St. Joe's has 3200, LaSalle has about 3000, Rhode Island has a big place but gets around 2 or 3 thousand a game, so maybe what they have is adequate for the league they are playing in. <br />
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Yes, the College basketball season is off and running. I have discussed some of the local teams and still wondering about how players like Kyle Anderson will do this season, will Chris Jone survive at Pitt, will anyone attend a game at FDU, will St. Anthony win it all again, will Roselle catholic be the team to beat, will St. Joe's Metuchen win it all, Will Christ The King in NY be great, will Boys and Girls be the best in NYC, will Teaneck again choke in the states, Will RU vs SHU sell out at last, will SJU be a NCAA team, will Monmouth turn it around, and last but not least does anyone really care about the Knicks and The Nets when College basketball Season get going good?<br />
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This blog will be done as consistent as possible. I hope to post something at least 3 times weekly and often even more. If you have a comment or even complaint feel free to contact me at lfball@aol.com <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-61801914962848691312013-01-15T11:13:00.001-05:002013-01-15T11:13:17.009-05:00Tuesday, January 15, 2013<br />
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We continue on with a true up and down basketball season locally. I have so much to share that I need to make this post a 2 parter with more later in the week. I always share only when I have something to say and today is one of those days.<br />
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Lets start with the local high major teams that are currently part of the soon to be defunct Big East Conference. So much can be said about each of them but the most important thing to me is Fans Need To be supportive. At least in the case of Seton Hall and Rutgers! St. Johns? That is another story!<br />
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Seton Hall has a current record 11 and 6 playing a pretty decent schedule. Thats 11 and 6 and not 6 and 11! This is the time fans need to rally behind the team and make the Prudential Center a hard place to play. The support could provide points to the score board and make the Pirates achieve beyond expectations. And for those who feel Willard is on the hot seat? All I will say is lol.<br />
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Rutgers has a current record of 11 and 4. Thats pretty good in my opinion. The RAC is supposed to be a hard place to play and now is the time for the place to be a complete mad house. Like Seton Hall, Rutgers could end with a winning record worthy of post season play. Now the negative as I see it. Mike Rice looks like a maniac the way he coaches. Yesterday another person who coached similar was fired at Southern Cal. When I watch Rutgers even I get frightened by Mike Rice's eyes, and I have watched him for years even when he was at Fordham and he worked out with our Dyckman Program here and there. Is his behavior going to ever scare some kids away? Ummmmmm!<br />
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St. Johns is a different story. The tradition, the respect, the face of NYC College basketball! The team that in the past sold out Madison Square Garden. The team that people looked at as if they were watching the Knicks. The groupies, the crazy fans, we all were St. Johns as they said in the chants. Well, they have the super star coach from Hollywood and a world class staff being paid the big money and the results have not been as expected. The head coach has had some health challenges but thank God he is back. But since coming back do we see any real difference? Rumor has it that the assistants make as much as some head coaches at other places including one Big East head coach. And the recruiting budget they have is larger than most in many ways with more in a reserve war chest for special occasions. Still no native NYC or NJ players on the roster. Yes, the kid from Our Savior New America is playing, but where are the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Newark, Plainfield, Atlantic City, and yes Teaneck kids? St. Johns always had that area toughness more than national names stopping by before heading hopefully to the NBA. I really do not see this experiment working but what I think sure carries no weight. Even the on campus arena does not sell out any longer. Is anyone really watching? And please with the sneakers on the coaches every game with open shirts and no ties. We need a strong St. Johns again!<br />
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Everyone has been emailing me about being so tough on FDU. Well, as I mentioned to FDU basketball Booster James Brown, CPA, the FDU program has talent but maybe they need to recruit character as well. Just saying..... FDU again has a losing record of 7 and 10 after losing last night to NJIT at home before a sitting in one section only crowd of 412 announced people which most likely was half that amount. I again question the athletic leadership of that school and wonder why they even have a D1 basketball program if they are not going to be supportive. Funny thing is the campus is wonderful and getting nicer each year. However, the Rothman Center is a sore thumb and looks like a gym in a small HS in Mississippi. I again ask does anyone really care? Unbelievable based on the potential of the program being 9 miles from NYC and about 20 from Newark NJ. But again they do have players but maybe not with the work ethic and character needed for FDU to be successful.<br />
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Speaking of NJIT I saw them on TV playing Utah Valley and I was very impressed. They played hard, had talent, and ran stuff. In fact i feel they will be a very good team in years to come once they get into a conference such as the NEC (Maybe they can take FDU's spot when they go D3), or the America East. Academically they are already a great school!<br />
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Monmouth built a great new 4000 plus facility, hired a North Carolina Alumni Coaching Staff, and continues to lose in front of record low crowds. They are currently 6 and 11! Why? I am yelling this as loud as I can, Monmouth is one of the great mid major jobs in America if they have the right people. Maybe the current coach will turn it around. Or maybe he will not. But with such an outstanding school, facilities, and potential fan base right near the shore, it is no excuse not to be able to get every great transfer, and freshmen recruits a shade under Big East caliber. <br />
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Fordham is currently playing in the tough A10 without the tools to be successful. As I mentioned to a Fordham Assistant a few weeks back, they will never be a major player in the A10 without a better place to play home games. I couldn't care less about the academic rep of the school, etc. Lots of great schools academically have state of the art facilities. To play in that place even with the upgrades will not attract the kids needed for Fordham to be what they need to be in the world of college basketball. They are not Duke! I repeat they are not Duke so that old place with limited bathrooms and concessions from behind a table etc. will just not work. It will take a certain type of kid and transfers to make Fordham good. Kids are not turning down Xavier, Dayton, St. Joe's and others for Fordham Road and the chance to play in front of 2700 in a 100 year old facility. I will say that Fordham is a great academic school and the graduates tend to be very successful but HS stars are not sophisticated enough to make that a recruiting factor.<br />
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Manhattan 5 and 11, Hofstra 5 and 11 and Rider 9 and 9. Manhattan has a lot of work to do and I am sure they will be more competitive in the near future. Hofstra just might be done and a new coaching staff might be in place for next season. Just a program in need of change. However, if change happens I hope they will think about Wayne Morgan being elevated to the Head position and I also hope if there is a change at FDU Steve DeMao is hired ASAP. He might be the only one locally with the know how and experience to turn FDU around. Rider is another place with a HS gym. Problem is they have a small HS gym from the 1950's Interesting place and the coach on hand needs to get a 5 year extension for being 9 and 9 at this time playing in such a dump.<br />
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Iona............They just keep rolling on! The current coach attended St. Johns University so all I will say is ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! This is a program that makes everything they do first class including the little 3200 seat on campus gym. The uniforms, atmosphere, and everything else says winner. Still have a concern about staffing but the AD Gene Marshall is outstanding and will make it all correct. FDU and SHU could have used this guy and I told folks this for years. By the way I saw AD Marshall's son play for Hackensack HS. Not a D1 player but sure will be super successful in life just by his work ethic and commitment. Might be Gov. of NJ one day!<br />
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Last but not least Columbia is 8 and 6 and no one has noticed. If you want a great atmosphere attend a Columbia game. I wonder if my man Ron Kapon still follows the team? I even like the uniforms they are wearing! Columbia is no longer the laughing stock of the Ivy League. <br />
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Lots going on HS wise in both NYC and NJ. The biggest surprise thus far is The Patrick School, formerly St. Patricks. They have a very good team and are far better than people thought they would be. St. Anthony's is who they are. Playing hard with discipline makes them a hard team to beat. Gil St. Bernard has totally under achieved. St. Joe's has some very good young players and will be very good next year. Hudson Catholic is a contender but to me not serious one. Teaneck is Teaneck with no height but a wonderful little guard in Shakir Lindsey and a pretty good sg/sf in the Hernandez kid who would be a good get for a school like Monmouth. Atlantic City remains perfect and i look forward to watching them on Saturday at St. Anthony's. Most likely St. Anthony.s will win by 15 or so. St. Benedict's has the best group of players on one NJ HS Team I have seen since the old Patterson Catholic Teams with Tim Thomas and company. They are also very well coached and Tyler Ennis is one of my favorite players and a true student athlete and gentlemen. <br />
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The huge game between St. Anthony's and St. Benedict's shoud be a good one but I see St. Benedict's winning by 12. What happened to HS basketball in Paterson NJ? Both Eastside and Kennedy are far less than competitive these days. Seton Hall Pep is now equivalent to Bergen Catholic and Don Bosco from Bergen County. Roselle Catholic has a very good team and Tyler Roberson is a Syracuse player if I ever saw one. However, they do seem to be slightly under achieving. Pope John XXXIII of Sparta has a tremendous player who mysteriously left Cardoza HS in Queens to enroll their last season. Question is will he ever play. Regardless this will be a great team and maybe most talented in NJ next season with an assortment of talented younger players with high D1 potential. What is it with the lack of classy warmups gear on elite HS teams this season? Teams are hitting the court like they are in the hackensack YMCA league. No warmup pants, mix matched warm-ups, etc. Horrible! <br />
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Was at the recent New Years Jump Off hosted by Jim Solman's Playaz organization. Great great event! Match-ups were not as they were supposed to be because Gil St. Bernard dropped out to preserve record. One thing still needed is at least a piece of paper with the players numbers etc. Oh how we all miss Bobby jacobs and The Slam Dunk to the Beach or was it Slam Dunk at The Beach? Say what you wish but NYC HS Basketball is nowhere as competitive or interesting as NJ HS Basketball. What happened?<br />
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More later in the week. Have a great day everyone! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-90551663615405664872012-12-19T09:10:00.000-05:002012-12-19T09:10:05.658-05:00<br />
Tuesday, December 17, 2012<br />
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Basketball 2012-2013<br />
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Interesting developments in the world of college basketball with the departure of the Catholic Schools from The Big East Conference. Not sure if they will retain the name as a new basketball emphasized conference with at least 2 to 4 teams expected to be added soon. But regardless of the name this league will have, I have some thoughts I would like to share concerning this recent development.<br />
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First I have to say what took them so long? The writing was on the wall way back when Boston College did the dumbest move in years and departed for a southern based league which is what the ACC really is. We all know that football money can build new labs quicker than basketball money. But for basketball purposes Boston College looks silly even being in the ACC. In fact I doubt being in the ACC helps them at all recruiting wise. If they stayed in the Big East the Basketball Team sure would have been better. But again football generates great revenue. But is the ACC a real football power conference? Ummm!<br />
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Second and most important. I honestly feel the Catholic seven would have had Notre Dame if they had moved on this quicker. In fact I wonder if ND would consider joining these teams to make up a truly super league. Yes, I feel this will be a great league because of the teams, and more importantly the wonderful basketball tradition each brings to the table. Georgetown, St. Johns, Seton Hall, Depaul, Providence, Marquette, and Villanova all have outstanding tradition and potential tremendous fan bases. In fact all represent great media markets as well and even have rivalry partners as DePaul and Marquette will be. This league will be a power conference regardless of what some haters will say. In fact top to bottom on any given year they could compete against any conference in America!<br />
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As far as additional teams? I really wish for Butler, Xavier, and Memphis! And if I can get a great Christmas present it would be Notre Dame joining the league as well! As a last resort Temple would also bo a great addition but they have alot invested in football so the logical choice would be.....St. Joe's who would bring additional history and tradition. I do not like the league, I LOVE THE LEAGUE! Caution please do not have 16 teams because to gain great visibility league teams need an opportunity to play great out of conference schedules as well as develop wonderful local rivalries.<br />
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Lastly on this subject I hope to see the new league, regardless of what it is called, have its conference tournament at Madison Square Garden. For the remaining teams in the weakened Big East to try to do a local conference tournament without St. Johns, SHU, and others would be suicidal so the possibility of the teams playing at MSG should be great!<br />
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Finally on this subject I personally doubt if the Big East will even be in existence basketball wise within 2 years. Or at the most it will be a mid major basketball league with a stronger, not strong, football presence. <br />
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Hoop Group Event at West Orange HS<br />
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Spent all day Sunday at West Orange HS watching 6 HS games. Talk about torture this sure was close. First game had to be a courtesy game for the usage of the gym. In a slow unnecessary game Plainfield beat West Orange HS zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! But Plainfield will always get props from me based on destroying Teaneck last year. I still owe hot dogs to a few Plainfield fans.<br />
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Next game was Bloomfield.......oops I mean Hudson Catholic vs a scrappy St. Peters Prep from Jersey City. Now there is hardly any chance for St. Peters to be anything above JV in Jersey City with St. Anthony's and Hudson Catholic also located there. But what a nice club they have and very well coached. Nice size and decent players who will win their share of games this season. They just played a team with better and more experienced talent.<br />
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Many people often come to me asking why I am somewhat hard on Hudson Catholic and The Coach. I really am not but it just seems like a movie star is the coach with all the background folks all dressed alike for the act and him wearing Armani sweaters etc. Not important but whats that all about? lol! Honestly the guy does a good job and has done a lot for his players over the years.<br />
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Watched Reggie Cameron closely and keeping it real as I always do I have to say he choose the right school. A school that runs a system where he will excell. I still say he has too much meat in the fridge and remains not hungry. He watches the game often and fails to participate despite having great skills and ability. Basketball remains a game of confidence where the strong survive. After HS he has to step it up to get where he rightfully should be.<br />
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You either love or hate Kavon Stewart of Hudson Catholic. Nice player who might drive the wrong coach crazy. But at Robert Morris he could be an impact recruit for the lowly NEC school. In Pittsburgh they will always be JV to the two larger schools currently in the Big East and A10. Thinking about the A10 school if I remember right they are a Catholic University. Ummmmmm! <br />
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Hudson Catholic won easy but had all starters on court with a minute and a half remaining in game and up 23 points. Why? I guess the Hudson Catholic Coach was concerned about St. Peters hitting a 23 point shot! By the way St. Peters Prep Guard Travis Wyche will have a great career at St. Peters College of the MAAC!<br />
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Before the next game I saw the same cast of characters who have hovered around the game for years betting on college games,and making side deals regarding kids going to certain schools. The games were so boring that I spent time air hustling to get information. You have to hear some of the things. "Thats one of my kids, call me and lets discuss making it happen" or "I sent him there but I will be making his college decision." AAU guys making deals on who will play for them this summer, guys smoozing with parents to get an edge, low level want to be agents trying to get a foot in the door, and no one watching the games hoping to discover a player they knew nothing about previously. Sad!<br />
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Coaches I saw were from Monmouth, Fordham, Cincinnati, Pitt, West Virginia, St. Johns, and even Temple who was represented by their head coach Fran Dunphrey (sp) who was in the building watching his recruit Josh Brown the super guard fro St. Anthony's. Interesting how many of those coaches just laughed and had fun like they were doing guys out night as opposed to even watching the games.<br />
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Nice to see Kyree Irving in attendance looking like he is 20 years old. Wait, he is about 20 years old lol. He was so down to earth it was refreshing. Also saw the same cast of characters with press credentials walking around getting in the way. Interesting that I have yet to see a story or even a blog they have done. Of course the legendary Tom Konchalski was in attendance and actually watching the games unlike many other so called scouting services. <br />
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It was now time for the Roselle Catholic vs Pope John game. And again no sign of Jermaine Lawrence who is reported to be out with a hand injury. I guess he was home in NYC watching TV. Would have been nice to see him at the game sitting on bench supporting his team. Guess he had other plans! You have to be a great player for coaches not to recognize that selfishness. Heck, if you have game you could do time for murder and some D1 school will take you no questions asked. One day soon I will see him play an actual game. But for now it would have been nice just watching him cheer for and encouraging his teammates.<br />
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Roselle catholic won the game but it was sure interesting. Tyler Roberson is a Syracuse Player if I ever saw one. He is really good and worthy of all his accolades. Tall, lanky, and extremely skilled. Runs the court and competes every play. Future NBA player! Malaki Richardson the transfer from Trenton Catholic could be just as good. He is a tremendous player and only a sophomore. The sky is the limit for him and I predict greatness worthy of the McDonald game if he works hard.<br />
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Interesting that both teams with such great players had mix match warm-ups and no team sneakers. Whats happening is the sneaker money now off the table? These guys were dressed like they were getting ready for a game at The Riverdale Y.<br />
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I have to point out that Pope John Soph Mustafa Diagne will also be special in a year or so. He was voted best basketball body of the day. 6 ft 9 and built like a rock!<br />
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During the game one Assistant from a NJ HS power was sitting back talking loud about Parents texting him. He said they do not know him and he could whip their.....! You never know who is listening. <br />
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Bryce Aiken, freshmen guard on Pope John is a future star. If he gets stronger and grows 4 inches he could be a high major in he same mode of the NYC and NJ greats he has watched.<br />
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St. Anthony's beat a talented Neptune team that will compete for the states. Its interesting how Bob Hurley gets kids to play hard, play D, and compete! I love hearing HS coaches say their kids do not play good D. Well whose fault is that? Use the Hurley model that dictates defense or a place on the bench regardless of who you are and your offensive skill level. It's not as if St. Anthony's kids are head and shoulder better than kids on other teams. It's just the fact they work harder on both ends of the court and have been taught how to play the game better. It also helps when they know their Coach is not kissing anyones ......!<br />
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Karl Towns walked into the gym and he is actually a legit 7 Ft, strong and agile. I love the fact his Parents are right there with him every step of the way. Dad knows the deal because he was a baller himself. But funny joke from someone in the stands was Dads leather jacket had the Kentucky logo all over the inside lining lol. I guess Karl purchased the Kentucky Ski Cap he had on while he was there visiting. Love seeing kids commit to schools and wind up with tons of gear that they must have ordered on the computer lol. <br />
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Soon after Kentucky Coach Calipari walks in with Assistant Orlando Antiqua who I remember from his days at St. Raymond's HS in The Bronx. Honestly they arrived like Movie Stars! No Kentucky gear, no fancy bright warmups, just nice tailored clothing and tans. Most likely they came on a private jet. They sat away from the other side away from the other coaches as Rick Patino does when recruiting and actually watched Karl play his game against Teaneck. They obviously understand how to do it while the other coaches in attendance were BSing around having fun.<br />
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St. Josephs avenged last years Teaneck win with an overtime victory that was very exciting. In the game karl did not hit one outside shot but was very tough inside and looked much stronger and tougher. For Teaneck they will always be competitive except for the game against Plainfield last season where they were totally embarrassed to the point I thought there was going to be some movement of some kind within the program. Would nice to see The Hernandez kid play a bit more team ball but thats not what they ask. Right now he would be a great get for a NEC or MAAC level school. Learn to play better team ball and he could be a A10 player. It would be nice to see them play some tough match-up zone, full court press with traps, and even a half court 131 of some type. You can have an off night offensively but defense must be consistent and played each and every game. No D? No Play! Shakir Lindsey is also a very very very special player and I sure hope it all comes together for him.<br />
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Watched the first quarter of the last game featuring St. Benedict's vs a Prep School from Massachusetts with a huge team. The prep team looked tremendous on the sidelines. But horrible when the game started. proves you cannot judge a book by its cover. By the way both of these teams also looked like they were playing at The Riverdale Y with the mix match warm-ups, different sneakers, etc. Just a terrible look and one I hate to see.<br />
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Seems to me that NJ has the best HS basketball talent in the tri-state area. maybe its because of the recruiting that is allowed in NJ that brings so many of the better players across the George washington Bridge and through the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels. But regardless of the reason, it is not even close any longer!<br />
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My NJ Top 9<br />
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St. Anthony's<br />
St. Benedict's<br />
Roselle Catholic<br />
The Patrick School<br />
Pope John<br />
Gil St. Bernard<br />
St. Josephs <br />
Hudson Catholic<br />
Teaneck<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-41051767143924855302012-12-05T05:57:00.000-05:002012-12-05T05:57:01.609-05:00Wednesday, December 5, 2012<br />
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As we continue with this crazy basketball season watching teams we love fight for wins it occurs to me that changes must happen in many ways for certain programs to be successful. After all, it sure is not about only the glitter because much of that has a tendency to turn into litter!<br />
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St, Johns of the once all powerful Big East Loses to The University of San Francisco? Oh well they are still sporting a winning record so does anyone really care about this loss? Will St. Johns sell out the next home game regardless of this past performance? Would be a nice thing but I doubt if we will see St. Johns sell out another game anytime soon unless they change all home games to St. Joseph by The Sea HS located in somewhere NY?<br />
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OK maybe I did not get the memo but I was certain that Big East Teams were supposed to beat up on all others outside of other high D1 and power conference teams. What the heck is happening? Millions of dollars in coaching salaries and even more getting recruits from all over the country except the NY Tri-State Area and playing like they have with no purpose on the court is very interesting. Lets see how they do from here out but when all the changes were announced years ago we actually thought St. Johns was back! This now seems like Bob Hill at Fordham all over again! Anyone else remember when Fordham was going to compete with all the big boys and hired the high level staff who were supposed to, according to rumors, each get a Range Rover as a recruiting vehicle to impress recruits? We all thought Fordham was taking over. Ditto St. Johns with the new staff they have in place! Right now no one is in fear of playing St. Johns of the powerful Big East Conference. In fact the other local college teams are not in awe of any Big East Program between New York and Pennsylvania. with the exception of Syracuse who is running as far away from the Big east as they can.<br />
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Interesting that the Big East Program that does seem to be heading in the right direction is Providence College. Just proves what happens when folks hire substance as opposed to glitter. And locally teams are itching to play the big boys. I hear D3 Lehman College has reached out to play home and away against St. Johns, RU, Seton Hall, and Villanova but turned down alot of money to play Providence (smile). I am sure they will get the FDU game on the schedule because a win is a win for teams such as Lehman.<br />
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Speaking of Seton Hall I would be concerned and far from satisfied that NJIT could play the Pirates so close yesterday. Maybe it was close because they both have used the Prudential Center as a home court in the past. SHU plays all home games there and NJIT has played one or two some years. Maybe NJIT is just a better team and program now as opposed to what we remember when they were ranked the worst D1 team and program in America a few years back, going winless for the season. Regardless, all Big East teams should win those type of games by no fewer than 20-25 points and the opposing team should be sprinting to the locker room with smiles on their faces realizing the beating could have been by 50 if they did not play as well as they did. In a nutshell I will only say un-acceptable!<br />
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Speaking of Fordham with a coaching staff I really like, what the heck was that about going into Pa. and getting seriously whipped by Lehigh of the powerful..........heck I cannot even remember the name of the conference they play in and they are right down the road or highway from my home in Pennsylvania. But than again I could say the same thing about Villanova losing to Columbia earlier in the season. Yes, powerful Columbia of the powerful Ivy League! Maybe the Big East should extend invitations to Columbia, Lehigh, and NJIT to join the conference with San Francisco also being strongly considered as well?<br />
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I am scared to even look at what other colleges and universities in the area are doing. It is just that type of year thus far. None of the very good kids want to stay home it seems. I guess they feel it is just to close. Yea right, I doubt that! The local programs just do not have it going on. Believe it or not Seton Hall has more glamour about their program this season than SJU, RU, VU, and definitely more than a place like Penn State who has all the facilities and tools to be successful but remains at the bottom of the BIG conference that continues to get even bigger. The Prudential Center at least has atmosphere that would be impressive to recruits.<br />
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Speaking of recruits please allow me to give my take on what it takes to land the top guys and win in the year 2012, 2013, and even 2014.<br />
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Recruits want to play in front of a lot of people at home. They want the arena or gym full with fans being supportive.<br />
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Recruits want to see committed coaching staffs consisting of people who can get them better and most cases good enough to make money one day playing basketball. Or in some cases maybe I should say to continue making money!<br />
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Recruits want luxury accommodations in where they live, how they eat on campus, how they travel to games, and where they work out.<br />
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Recruits want respected coaches who command respect and have a track record of winning. By the way thats winning and not whining!<br />
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Recruits want to be impressed as they are wined and dined during the recruitment process.<br />
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Recruits want to feel as if they are a priority as Dexter Strickland did when he watched North Carolina play a home game in Chapel Hill at noon on TV and Roy Williams still showed up at his 4 PM game at Madison Square Garden arriving to the area via private jet.<br />
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Recruits want to see great player development across the board and not watch other kids they once idolized treated unfairly, and not living up to their potential.<br />
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Recruits want glitter and substance including first rate tutors, computer access, dedicated learning labs, wonderful practice facilities not shared with the women's team or used for intramurals.<br />
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Recruits want to see other high impact recruits considering the colleges recruiting them. Think it was not impressive to Kyle Anderson that other highly rated recruits were considering UCLA? By the way does anyone really feel SHU had a real chance at the time? OK folks read between the lines.....At-the-time!!!! Remember I still say Kyle Anderson is the real deal and a future NBA Star! Put him on Kentucky and they are undefeated!<br />
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So whats the formula for a quick fix and in some cases, but certainly not all, quick births to the NCAA tournament? Do I really need to say this? You mean you really do not know the answer? You really do not know the one thing that most schools other than the local schools do to attract players? You do not understand what many schools have done with AAU and travel team coaches as well as HS coaches from places such as Chicago, Detroit, etc. going back many-many years? You mean you have never heard the stories about how certain schools that at one time were spitting images of what FDU was last year becoming national type programs? You mean you honestly thought it was all about coaching?<br />
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Lets change up a bit. Or are we? Ummmmmmmmm! Does cheating actually happen all over America in athletics? What role does the sneaker companies play and how much influence do they really have? Is it true certain Sports Agents have so much access they actually support certain travel teams with under the table contributions? Is it true that on certain campuses there is even an un-official lounge for certain sports agents to come and go as they please? Is it true that on some campuses certain sports agents are almost treated like staff?<br />
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All of the above could just be rumors? Or some or all of it just might be true. Many have said that in no way except on years when the stars and moon align just right will teams from non power conferences, or teams without winning traditions, or teams who do not cheat, make it to the final 4. Just saying what I have heard! <br />
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Locally I have heard some interesting rumors that are borderline unbelievable especially considering how certain teams have competed and played. In no way could these rumors be true based on what I have seen thus far. Not only locally but on the national level as well. During my travels I love going to games and watching what happens off the court while the game goes on. Trust me often the real game takes place in the stands. The deals that are struck you would not believe.......according to what I have been told as well as what I THINK I HAVE HEARD AND SEEN. But to this day I will never ever understand the NCAA because what we have in place is a system that hinges on amateur athletic destruction as we know it. A system that makes everyone go out and do all they can regardless of committing recruitment violations in an effort to keep up, compete, and to win. A system so corrupt that kids are completing 4 years of eligibility with 41 earned credits and than returning home with low self esteem and a bunch of free athletic gear that one day will turn yellow and too small to wear as they become bigger from not playing the game as much any longer. Will schools such as FDU, St. Peters, LIU, Marist, Manhattan, and Monmouth, ever really have a chance to be successful and go far in the NCAA's? Ditto SHU, RU, Fordham, Penn State, and others? Do we need to go to a system of D1, and D1AA for the schools who really do not have the resources, commitment, or even deep pocket boosters (wink-wink) to allow them to compete with the big boys?<br />
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Lots to think about and remember it all could be just a dream, or at the least just rumors. But despite it all, change needs to happen across the board including the local programs with coaching, player development, facility upgrades, commitment, event marketing, and other areas that will make local great players as well as some national players consider attending good ole local university!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-70951015782577124912012-12-03T09:38:00.000-05:002012-12-03T09:38:19.806-05:00<br />
Monday, December 3, 2012<br />
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Interesting basketball thoughts from the weekend!<br />
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First of all its a sad day in sports losing Rick Majerus, a great coach who seemed to always do it his way and produced winning teams at many universities. Rest in Peace Coach!<br />
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Also a sad day because Kenny "Eggman" Williamson departed the Earth recently. A memorial service was held for him yesterday at Iona College. A great personality, true character, and a wonderful person who was from the community and loved by anyone who ever met him. Rest in Peace Coach Williamson!<br />
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Basketball wise I am now about to write some things that just might have people up in arms. But as you know and understand about me, I couldn't care less. I give it to you straight with no chaser! So if you get angry fast please depart this page now. <br />
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I will start by including St. Johns, Seton Hall, Rutgers, and FDU in the same category. What category is this you might wish to ask? it is the going nowhere fast category! Sorry, I said it. Than again I am not sorry because it is what it is.<br />
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Seton Hall has had some health issues and things that has kept their best product from being on the floor. But I have to say where is the depth? Where is the bench? My thoughts on the direction of this program will be at the end of this part of my post.<br />
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St. Johns looks like a team playing a summer league game in the park uptown. Yes, I said it! What the heck? With all the money they spend and continue to spend whats the deal? Plus for the first time since I can remember they actually did not have 1 NYC or Northern NJ kid in the rotation or on the roster the last time I looked. How can you be in the MECCA, close to NJ, Pa., Connecticut, and in NY and do not have an area influence on the roster? This should be a crime when you think about the SJU history of success. Lucky Marty Markowitz the Brooklyn Boro president is not Mayor because he would fine them (smile). <br />
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Rutgers just seems to be doing the best they can. Unfortunately that is just not enough. What the heck! Is anyone interested? Are they really going to the Big 10? Why? OK it has to be for Football because no one seems interested in RU Basketball. Sooner or later they will have to win some games. Even than how do they get 8500 fans out for every game. I can see it now: Indiana at Rutgers and the attendance will be 4265. Michigan State 4600, etc. Unlike UConn, and Syracuse those Big Ten schools are too far to bring a fan base with them, especially to Rutgers which will not be good enough till they get the formula to attract great NJ, NY, and Pa. players. It will be like traveling to Northwestern years ago. Just did not happen! <br />
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FDU is in this category because they are FDU! In fact they are doing better than I thought they would do thus far. I might even go to a game. I will call my ex player Greg Vetrone and ask him to leave me two tickets. One for me and one for a needed body guard lol. Maybe I will get the ticket from my good friend James Brown CPA who lives and dies with FDU and Teaneck HS basketball. Wait a moment that came out like I was saying FDU HS basketball. Maybe that's what they should do. Make the program a HS team. After all they made a nice looking facility into a horrible looking HS gym!<br />
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So here is what I think about all the programs mentioned. In fact let me say all but FDU which seems to also be doing better and the best they can. All the programs are lacking attractiveness. They all seem plain with nothing exciting or sexy about them. St. Johns had a great opportunity with the new glamour staff. But they continue to look more like the Milbank Unlimited Team in The Rucker summer league. What is Seton Hall doing to really get the very good to great area players? Finishing 2nd is not worthy of accolades, especially during a time when it is not uncommon for highly recruited kids to say the correct things to local media people. St. Johns has attracted highly recruited players as only they can. Unfortunately they seem to not be jelling as a team. Also nothing like that NYC toughness on a team. see Ron Artist reference. Also see Beaver Smith, Frankie Alagia, Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, Mark Jackson, Kevin Williams, etc.<br />
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Unfortunately most of the college teams in America are playing to make the NCAA knowing for the most part they have zero chance of winning a national championship. St. Peters knows this as does Manhattan, NJIT, and yes FDU. Unfortunately SHU, RU, and SJU should feel the same way until they figure out how to keep the tremendously talented top 50 type players home, something RU has done in football. Now St. Johns has done what it had to do but the coaching and player development is the same as what is happening at UCLA to date. But the others?<br />
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Lets talk real stuff! I still say 85 to 90 percent of the college D1 basketball teams cheat in one way or the other. Most commit minor infractions while others are doing major stuff like paying money to players and families, supplying jobs and business opportunities, hooking up rec and even some HS coaches for a home visit, school visit, and a jackpot for a commitment. So where does that leave most schools? They have no chance of competing. Oh yes there will be the occasional Butler (with 16000 seat arena) VCU (with strong commitment to basketball) and Gonzaga. But for the most part the "Big Boys" know how to get it done. Arriving by private jet, showing up in a limo, playing in front of 20,000 plus, wining and dining student athletes, outstanding training facilities, traveling to away games via 2 or 3 private jets, special training table, etc. Anyone watch that Kentucky recruitment film on TV?<br />
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So how do the area teams compete? Or are they just playing to be respectful? I just do not see any light at the end of the tunnel at this point. I do not see sell outs at RU, SHU (I am talking entire building not the curtain thing), or St. Johns on campus or at the Garden. I just do not see what they are doing to make kids grow up hoping to play for one of the power teams in the area. I remember when St. Johns did not recruit, they selected! <br />
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Other Thoughts<br />
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Waiting to see what happens to the Head Coach at Hofstra after all the thefts that took place on campus. Now I say everyone is innocent till proven guilty. But I await to see the punishment the head coach will get. The last time I saw similar incidents was at Binghamton, and that was nowhere as serious. However the Head Coach was FIRED! Now I am not looking or pushing for anyone to get fired. Just curious how Hofstra handles this in comparison to Binghamton who in my opinion handled it wrong and had to pay the ex coach a lot of money when he left.<br />
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What is the deal with all the players now sporting beards on the court? Where is Bobby Knight, John Thompson, Dean Smith, and others when we need them? I always said if I was a HS or college basketball coach a player would have to play like Michael Jordan to get my permission to have corn rows, a beard, crazy hair, a mohawk, super tattoos all over, etc. I know I know I am behind the times. But wow does this new beard thing look ridiculous and some kids look like they are in the Junior .......(fill in the blank) . Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-83097596703893262612012-12-01T08:39:00.000-05:002012-12-01T08:39:05.466-05:00<br />
Saturday, December 1, 2012<br />
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Not alot to say this morning but I do have some personal points to make regarding basketball, the game we love and adore.<br />
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It really seems to me that we are getting closer than ever before to the International system where players are being developed from an early age for professional basketball careers. Let me give a few examples:<br />
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Kentucky : Nuff Said!<br />
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Kids reclassifying to graduate early from HS to get NBA bucks quicker!<br />
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The NBA D league actually becoming the farm system it was designed to be with many 1st and 2nd round players spending significant time there.<br />
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We are actually pointing kids in the direction of "Balling For Dollars' as opposed to getting them interested in obtaining a great education at good ole academic university. What happened?<br />
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Seems to me that we have allowed a lot of people to make the sport their own personal toy or hobby. Yes, David Stern is guilty! So is John Calapari, though I am one of those who really feel he is not a horrible person, just an opportunistic person who figured out how to work the system to his advantage. The powerful AAU and Prep programs are also at fault with the heavy emphasis on recruiting, sponsorships, and winning. Laugh if you wish but some AAU type programs are more powerful than traditional HS basketball powers. I know for a fact AAU programs or shall I say traveling teams actually do home visits in an effort to recruit players. And some even cheat with money and gifts believe it or not!<br />
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I cannot believe my eyes when I read that Andrew Wiggins, Dakari Johnson, and Karl Towns Jr. all are considering re-classifying in order to graduate HS earlier. Now why would they do that? I remember when the big thing was re-classifying to gain additional years in HS. Still remember A kid from Brooklyn re-classifying and doing 2 extra years before accepting a scholarship to The University of North Carolina. And that was all right in some of our eyes because the kid actually wanted to one day get a college degree so he needed to get his academics in order. <br />
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So whats the deal with this new idea of kids deciding on their own to graduate a year early? OK I have it! They say to themselves "I will just skip myself a grade though I sure am not worthy of being skipped academically in the eyes of the school system" Because of the greed and ambition of many others including but not limited to parents, trainers, AAU types, potential agents whispering in ears, and college coaches, I will take my C to B- average and immature personality and graduate from HS a year ahead of schedule.<br />
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Maybe I am wrong in thinking they are trying to get to the NBA money earlier than later. Maybe they just want to get to college and hit those sociology, biology, and english books ASAP because they cannot wait to walk across the stage to get their degree. Oops, wrong stage because I am sure the only stage they plan on walking across is the one with the NBA Commissioner calling the names of 1st round NBA draft choices.<br />
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Maybe they all were held back early in elementary or JHS allowing them to better develop and be attractive to colleges and universities. Now all of a sudden they are ready to hit the big time based on a majority of opinions, especially those who can gain from them making professional money. In the Midwest and in Texas this is a common thing done in football towns where the entire population attends Friday Night games. And it is not uncommon in basketball. But again in both basketball and football the reclassification of a kid to allow him to graduate early and get to the money sooner is just greedy and might backfire!<br />
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Don't believe me? Do you folks actually feel Nerlens Noel the 6 ft 10 Kentucky player who reclassified to attend The University of Kentucky Basketball Development Academy will be ready for the NBA Draft after the season? I sure do not! What about the kids who even left college early for the NBA draft and it has backfired? You have to be experimenting with drugs to see 48 underclassmen have applied for the draft and you put your name in after averaging 10 points and 2 assists at FDU (you know I had to give them a shout-out lol). So many, too many, kids hurt by dumb basketball decisions.<br />
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This brings me back to my thoughts on The US becoming more like the International system that has 18 year olds playing for money on professional teams and affiliates. It is done in soccer, and basketball all over the globe. Now we have gone from kids needing to complete College, to being able to declare hardship after a few seasons, to just declaring hardship after a season, to being able to go pro after HS no questions asked, to having to do 1 year of college no questions asked. I say thanks to the NBA and NCAA for the biggest child exploitation ring this side of Asia. The college game has been ruined to the point very few NBA players actually have schools they can be considered alumni of. It is now a game of The Benjamin's, or balling for dollars even at an early age. For every Magic Johnson there are 20 Les Casons. For every Michael Jordan there are 30 Luther Wrights or Bill Willoughby's , although Bill has gone on to get his degree from..........Ready for this? FDU baby!!!! <br />
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In conclusion I have to say basketball is such a wonderful game. I really hope on the AAU, HS, and College side it can again become the amateur game it was years past. A game that kids played hoping for future opportunities gained over a time period that just might be 4 years of college. It is unbelievable that Kentucky, The NBA, and The NCAA, has allowed such a mockery to take place the past few years. Crazy as it sounds, when Notre Dame beat Kentucky this past week it was like the true Student Athletes beat the NBA development league franchise out of Lexington Kentucky. Lets allow kids to be kids, lets allow young men to develop mentally and emotionally. Lets bring back real NCAA Basketball by making kids stay in college for at least 3 years before being eligible for the NBA draft because Kentucky has figured out the graduation rate penalty thing (if still in existence) and realizes 13 scholarship players are not necessary when you have 6 freshmen in school ready for the NBA draft.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-57976405081329282792012-11-29T10:51:00.001-05:002012-11-29T10:51:50.718-05:00Thursday, November 29, 2012<br />
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The college basketball season has come up on us very quickly. We are seeing some major developments in the sport we all love and adore. And nothing including the recent Big East defections is more news worthy than what has happened at FDU (smile)<br />
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FDU has won 3 games this season out of 6 played. Maybe they need to put a hold on the back room deal of making the program a JC or D 3 program. Maybe they need to bring those end zone bleachers back out of storage because the Knights are on fire! I give it to them when I think they are bad. So I need to give it to them when they hold serve in the Garden State. Last night they beat St. Peters for the 3rd win this season. Congratulations to all of the players, coaches and all 75 season ticket holders. Question: Do you think the President of FDU finally knows they have a sports program including D 1 men and women basketball teams? Just curious!<br />
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What is happening to the Big East? Contrary to public opinnion I think a league of St. Johns, SHU, Georgetown, Providence, Memphis, Temple, Villanova, Depaul, and others would be a great league. A basketball only league with an opportunity for all the teams to play tremendous out of conference schedules to attract people to games on campus and at area arenas. This would be far from the old ECAC and one that could be stronger by adding teams like St. Joe's, and UMass. Interesting every one of the teams are potential future top 20 programs!<br />
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Louisville to the ACC is one of the dumbest and unnecessary moves in the history of D1 basketball. OK maybe it was a football decision because it sure was not about basketball where they traditionally sell out in that great new arena. Well I guess Rick will look great in NC with the white suit on!<br />
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What is it with all these teams joining conferences with no boundaries. Who ever heard of playing home and away against teams on the other side of the country? I remember when Hawaii had serious travel challenges as a D1 basketball program. They would come to the main-land and play 4 games in a row and go back. Now it seems they had an easy travel schedule compared to what other schools are doing. What about the Student Athletes? Does anyone care about the long dumb road trips that could affect academic performance? Where is the NCAA on this? Heck why not have UCLA accept an offer to join the Big East? <br />
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Some things just does not even sound right. Syracuse of the ACC? Please! Florida State at Syracuse is some trip! How about Notre Dame in the ACC? I could see the Big 10, not the ACC. ND at NC State? Please! No one cares because money talks and it has never been about the student atheletes. And honestly it never will be.<br />
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Speaking of UCLA what is happening? Ummmmmmmmmmm! I sure do not know Ben Howland but I will say it is a great thing his hair is almost gone because if it was not he sure would lose it now based on the turmoil in Southern California. Lets see they have a new arena, tradition, about 4 to 7 Micky D HS All Americans, lots of money, powerful boosters and playing like FDU. OK FDU from last season! To me it is about player development and putting players in position to succeed and this is not happening. Interesting how the pitfalls of UCLA makes the case for Kentucky with recruits even stronger. I would bet Shabazz Mohammed is having second thoughts right now. Ditto Kyle Anderson who seems to have the life sucked out of him by the herky jerky way they are playing him. Tony Parker? Where is he? The Wear Twins? I bet they wish they would have stayed at UNC. Larry Drew might be the only person happy because he only has to experience the craziness for this season. Everyone knows that the fans will stay away in Southern California if things are not going right. If things continue all those undergrads will return unless they transfer because none are showing true skills and abilities in Westwood in ways to attract professional dollars anywhere other than stints in Red China and the new pro league in Alaska. If Ben Howland does not return, and that is a great possibility, look for Mark Gottfried (sp) of NC State to be a serious candidate. We could also see the emergence of all the players mentioned to the level we expected. Trust me Kyle Anderson is a winner and will excel soon! Mohammed is, like Anderson, a future PRO! Tony Parker? If he was at Kentucky he would have an agent already!<br />
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Speaking of Kentucky I hate what is happening but sure understand it is all about the Benjamin's (dollars). Everyone knows what they are doing, everyone accepts what they are doing, no one cares what they do. They have removed the education from the term student athlete. Kids are attending Kentucky in the hope of turning pro after 1 season. And they have no problem with this at Kentucky or the NCAA offices. What happened to the college experience? What happened to not growing up to fast? Honestly the NBA should allow kids to go from HS to the Pros again to stop the masquerade taking place. Everything they do at Kentucky is geared to NBA. They really should be taken only courses in banking, investing, and business because they really are there as NBA interns or cooperative education students learning on a college campus before heading to the real world of the NBA.<br />
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I again look at the NCAA and wonder how 80 percent of the college programs are cheaters according to many of my friends working in the athletic business. Some more than others, some minor and others major. From illegal trips, to illegal calls, to payments through 3rd parties, to give-backs to programs for players, to years ago paying certain AAU type programs to play pre-season games against college teams (playing with ex players many supplied by the college they play). And now all this movement between conferences and not a word about the affect on student athletes. Wow!<br />
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Until next time I say enjoy a great game near you. I personally am looking forward to the Hoop Group Tip Off event at West Orange NJ HS. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-80436241237533452442012-11-20T09:50:00.002-05:002012-11-20T09:50:59.825-05:00<br />
Tuesday, November 19, 2012<br />
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Writing from NE Pennsylvania, the Poconos to be exact. Well, its that time again for my blog to start covering basketball in the Northeast. I love HS and College basketball but will occasionally write about the NBA. As in the past this blog will be written only when I have something to say and express, which is fairly often. So sit back and relax as I write about the basketball happenings in 3 states.<br />
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Rutgers to The Big 10<br />
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Wow, I never saw it coming. Is this a good move for Rutgers? I say heck yes based on the direction the football program is heading. Rutgers Football seems to have arrived. But when you put it against traditional powers such as Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin and others the challenge will be great. I have seen first hand those programs in action from the private jets, to 80,000 and above full stadiums and very wealthy boosters. Can Rutgers compete in the long run? I say YES!!! I say it is a great move for the football program.<br />
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This brings me to the Rutgers basketball program. Is it me or does the RU basketball program on both the men and women's side seem to be at a stand still. Where is the excitement? Where is the sold out RAC? Where is the great TV Contract? Where is the upgraded RAC, which is all they really need because trust me Northwestern is not that much better if at all.<br />
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Looking at RU basketball I really am not seeing much growth this season. It sure will be hard competing against schools with much larger slush accounts if you know what I mean. I really do not see RU in a post season event anytime in the near future unless they decide to take a trip to China in late JULY. The basketball program needs marketing, marketing, and marketing as well as a better product on the floor. Just my opinion!<br />
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Seton Hall<br />
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Much of what I said about the Rutgers Basketball Program can be said about Seton Hall. Where is the glamour? Where is the potential? When will they be ready for a post season event? I love the Pru Center and the games there are exciting. Just wonder what will happen with all the BE defections? I am not so sure a league with SJU, SHU, DePaul, Georgetown, Providence, Villanova, Temple, St. Joe's, UMass, and Louisville would not be a great league. I happen to like it and the out of conference possibilities based on a smaller league schedule.<br />
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As far as the SHU team I really need to watch them more. Not sure if recruiting is going in the direction they hoped it would. A lot has to be stepped up. How do they get the Roberson's, Sina's, Anderson's and others to seriously consider attending Seton Hall? Ditto Rutgers! Ditto St. Johns who I think does not have one local scholarship player on the roster!<br />
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St. Johns<br />
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Watched them play and they are young gifted and athletic. Not sure about the leadership on the floor and the way they play in regards to a post season birth, They seem to be playing at one speed the game I watched. But being young can often take some time in molding players into a real unit. Also very interesting that it seems they do not have one local player on scholarship unless I missed something. I have never seen a SJU team without local representation. NYC has great HS and JC players. At one time SJU just chose who they wanted. Times have changed. <br />
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UCLA<br />
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I have heard whispers that Ben Howland is a bit over his head at UCLA. Where is the player development? Honestly they have top 5 talent on the court with very little direction. Georgetown is good but player to player UCLA is 16 points better on an off night. Are you kidding me? What a disappointment it was watching them play.<br />
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Where is Tony Parker? Is he sick? Did I miss him playing? When was the last time we saw Kyle Anderson finish with zero point? Where is the team development? What did they do on their summer trip go sight seeing? UCLA has at least 5 future NBA players on the roster. Or do they? It depends on the teaching and coaching. Trust me Howland must be on the hot seat because in no way is that team playing as they should be playing. It is up to the coach to put players in a position to be successful! Just a terrible job all the way around!<br />
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FDU<br />
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OK no comment lolol Nah I have to say something. Do they still have a team? Are they D1? Did they move the games to the church basement down the street? Still the saddest program in D1 and I do not blame the coaches. I blame the AD and FDU Administration. I still say soon they will announce FDU going D3 with no scholarships. I can see it happening. Cannot wait to see that Lehman College vs FDU Game. better yet that CCNY with Coach Tom Green vs FDU game would be even better. I say CCNY by 15 right now if Tom Green is still there!<br />
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Julius Allen to Pratt Institute<br />
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Great hire by Pratt getting Julius Allen, the former D1 assistant at many schools to take over as Head Coach of Pratt Institute. If Julius stays for a while look for them to be a true power in their league.<br />
<br />
Robert Holford to Queensborough CC<br />
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Another great hire getting the ex National JC D3 Coach of the Year. Watch them improve right out of the gate. I would not be surprised if this team wins the CUNY CC Championship.<br />
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HS Basketball<br />
<br />
Looking forward to the Hoop Group Event scheduled for West Orange HS in a few weeks. Great games with many great as well as underrated players participating.<br />
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Well, thats it as a start. Be ready for a lot of controversial posts and stories that many others will not say or share. Until next time, be safe and enjoy the hoops in person and on TV.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-24247985443377468392012-03-02T11:05:00.000-05:002012-03-02T11:05:19.088-05:00Friday, March 2, 2012College and Highschool Basketball<br />
<br />
I love it! I love the competitiveness of amateur basketball. Although I have recently rediscovered The New York Knicks based on Jeremy Lin, it could never replace the excitement of College and HS basketball when the games and the atmosphere is right.<br />
<br />
Such is the case of the recent two Rutgers vs Seton Hall basketball games which provided the atmosphere and game quality people in he Tri-State area has hungered for. Those games were exciting with a capital "E." Years ago I was attracted to the game by the great teams at St. Johns who recruited local hungry players from NY and NJ to field outstanding teams selling out Madison Square Garden on a regular basis. I also loved watching Rutgers at Madison Square Garden and even dreamed of being a Scarlet Knight after seeing RU rock the Garden. <br />
<br />
College basketball actually stole me from the Knicks where I was a super fan starting out as a HS kid with a G.O. card that gave HS students super discounts to attend games. I still remember sitting way up by myself with my ice cream cup, peanuts or popcorn, soda, and if my money was right a hot dog. The entire package would cost me a grand total of $10.00, including the game ticket because those G.O. cards were wonderful. Great memories!<br />
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Hopefully college basketball is back locally and close to where it was with the start of The Big East when St. Johns and Georgetown was a harder ticket to get than one for the Knicks. Of course the NCAA tournament was always a big deal especially with the great UCLA teams of John Wooden and the great program at North Carolina under Dean Smith. But ESPN brought it all home and in my eyes helped make Cable TV what it is today.<br />
<br />
We are very close to NCAA time and everyone is wondering who will be chosen. Of the area Big East teams we know the only one with a chance is Seton Hall unless Rutgers and St. Johns wins the BE Tournament. Iona and LIU have a chance as does Manhattan if they win the MAC, which is possible.<br />
<br />
Breaking College Basketball News<br />
<br />
Much has been said the last two days about the state of College Basketball. If you did not read my last blog please do so because it really has some stuff in there, especially if you read between the lines, that will make you wonder about college sports.<br />
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HS Basketball<br />
<br />
I love the game of basketball, especially HS basketball. Last night I had an opportunity to attend a game at Gil St. Bernard's where the home team took on St. Patrick's in the NJ State Tournament. Before talking about the game I have to say how beautiful the school and campus is. It was just like a small college campus and the gym was packed with parents and students having a great time. With tuition at around $33,000 a year (including lunch lol) it looked as it was supposed to look. My understanding is the number 1 JHS kid in NJ will be attending Gill in the fall, and after seeing that place I am stunned more kids are not, especially if they have a decent financial aid program (smile).<br />
<br />
After walking at least a half a mile to an actual field-house that was state of the art, I sat down on the side behind the bench of St. Patricks. The place was packed and the fans were so into it that two St. Patricks Dads almost came to blows when one felt the other was not cheering for the team and his son but hating on everyone but his son. It was kind of scary but if you have never had a child play a completive sport on the HS level it would be hard to understand that this happens often as we parents tend to be protective of our children Someone made a nasty comment to me about what happened and I laughed because they had no idea they were commenting to The Worst Dad in The History of NJ Basketball which I was for many years, something to this day I regret. <br />
<br />
The game itself was close going into the 4th quarter. St. Pats was missing 3 very important players who could have made a huge difference. I traveled all the way to this game to see Gil St. Bernard's for myself and to experience what just might be the last game St. Patricks ever plays. The game was won by Gil St. Bernard's, who showed what happens when a group of players play team basketball, which they had to do to win the game because their star player Jared Sina did not look like the highly rated player he is capable of being.<br />
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I have always loved the way Jared Sina played. The cockiness, the hard nosed play, the confidence, and more. But on this evening he had one of those games especially in the first half. He was far from bad, he was far from average, he was just good and not GOOD as in Big East, ACC, good. Now I have seen him play better, and kids have off games which is OK especially when your teammates step up as they did and your team wins the game. But from what I saw I sure hope he plays better from this point on.<br />
<br />
Random thoughts from the game:<br />
<br />
Gil St. Bernard's looked like a great program and a great place to attend school. If a kid gets an opportunity to attend school there they should run and not walk.<br />
<br />
Gil's Coach Sina seemed like an outstanding coach and person. Great fit for the school and program.<br />
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If St. Patrick's closes, and I hope they do not, a few of the St. Pat players sure should consider Gil St. Bernard's<br />
<br />
St. Benedict's Coach was at the game! Are you kidding me! I guess he just came as a fan lol.<br />
But he is a very good coach.<br />
<br />
I loved the support St. Patrick's received with alumni and others from Elizabeth showing up in huge numbers to support the team.<br />
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If St. Patricks stays open they will be a great team next season!<br />
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St. Patrick's at full strength will be top 2 or 3 next year<br />
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I understand even if St. Pats closes down there is a plan to keep it open as a private or charter school with the Mayor of Elizabeth playing a huge role in what happens.<br />
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I saw coaches from St. Johns, Penn State, and St. Joseph's in attendance.<br />
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It is a shame that some folks who St. Pats really helped have turned their backs on the school. Thank God Kyrie Irving was brought up right and understands giving back,Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-39704392778950660082012-03-01T10:48:00.000-05:002012-03-01T10:48:12.972-05:00Thursday, March 1, 2012General Thoughts<br />
<br />
College Basketball<br />
<br />
Lots of stuff flying around concerning UCLA and the lack of discipline. I have to laugh because at least 70 percent of the schools playing D1 basketball there are discipline issues. The difference is they are pushed under the rug and you never even find out it was happening. Now do not make me start naming schools and coaches. Many of you reading my blog know exactly what I am talking about.<br />
<br />
One of the problems is a lack of a tenure system for coaching staffs. Remember I said STAFFS and not Head Coach. Far too many coaches are at the mercy of advisors, players, and parents regarding what happens on campus. Why? Because the bottom line is winning! No exceptions! Most schools couldn't care less if you every kid goes out to the world with a degree and do wonderful things if the kids did not produce on the court. Yes, I am talking about winning games. Deans and Presidents have known about drug usage, from players and coaches, bad behavior, excessive cheating by coaching staffs, and much more yet they turn their back because winning brings money for new labs and larger Presidential Cabinet expense accounts. I say excessive because if truth be told every D1 college in America cheats in one way or another! Illegal practices, free clothing to parents and supporters, small payoffs to get players, Illegal travel arrangements for those so called un-official visits, etc. How does a kid from a struggling family afford to fly to an un-official visit 1000 miles away and come right back home? Please! Also special no show jobs on and around campus, use of vehicles, extra game tickets, special lodging for family on game days, and much much more. And that's the minor cheating!<br />
<br />
For years certain teams were known for supplying new Autos to recruited players. Stevie Wonder saw what was happening yet the NCAA never came down hard on such programs saying they, with plenty of great eyes, saw no infractions. How about the schools we love and adore who take a parent with a GED if that and get them a job earning $100,000 while finding them a great home to use for $450 a month? Trust me it happens. How about the schools who hire an AAU guy or a parent as a Coach or administrative assistant at a salary of $100,000 plus. And the person hired comes directly from a job in retail where they might have earned $10 an hour. How about the schools that put out a secrete notice that a certain kid needs $100,000 to sign and folks chip in to cover the cost believing the kid will bring success to the program. And how about the schools that have kids complete 5 years including a redshirt year yet the kid still cannot read or write and no one cares. That also is cheating, cheating the kid and his family. But most likely no one paid attention because they all felt the player was NBA bound<br />
<br />
So back to all the UCLA rumors. If Ben Howland is released it certainly will not be based on an article in Sports Illustrated. However with a losing record etc. they could use it as an excuse to make a change. But if they get the Mohammed kid out of Vegas, and Tony Parker, he is not going anywhere, even if he had Bernie Fine type charges. It is all about winning!<br />
<br />
This brings me to another point that has pissed me off. Every family with a son who is an AA takes money! Just because a person drives a new car it does not mean they received it from the school. If the family moves into a new home it does not mean they received it from the school. In both cases the parents might have had a college fund that they can now use on a home down payment or for a new car since the child received a full scholarship. Now keep in mind others on that campus, many who might not be as good a player, could have received outrageous perks. But maybe this kid has parents who did not need or would not accept knowing that serious money was only a year or two away in the NBA.<br />
<br />
So out of control programs for the most part are the norm. Getting details is another story. And again in their own way everyone is doing some form of cheating, even D2 and NAIA schools. <br />
<br />
Speaking of cheating Seton Hall.....................just kidding lol. Just getting the attention of those Pirate Fans! Seton Hall seems to be right there as a NCAA at large team. Who would have thought this in August? Shows that with hard work good things happen. Of course things have to work out for them but I believe they have a great chance of going dancing.<br />
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Rutgers continues to show spunk and improvement. They could be special next season. I will leave Mike Rice alone today because coaching wise he is doing a great job. Just wish he would sit down and relax his eyes because he looks like he is ready to pop someone. Oh well I guess I will again be barred from communicating with any coach on the Rutgers staff as Fred Hill had it when he was there. But I do like Mike Rice! I did like Fred Hill at one time!<br />
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These days i do not even venture into Queens based on how I hear St. Johns feels about my thoughts on here. When I do go it is at night and in the back of a van lol. But seriously I do think St. Johns has talent in the coaches and players. The problem is who will come back. I have heard many interesting things. I am a huge Maurice Hicks and Tony Chiles fan and always have been. Just hope St. Johns gets the young players to return and Lavin comes back with a clean bill of health. If this happens we could see a different St. Johns next season although despite the loss o Pitt last night they seem to be vastly improved right now.<br />
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Speaking of Cheating FDU.........lololololol. That does not even sound right based on what is going on over there. Could you imagine FDU doing major cheating? Maybe one of the players got an extra sandwich? Maybe a parent gets a soda on an un-official visit. But the way they are playing and the atmosphere in that place has alot of people thinking it is only a matter of time until they become a D3 type program. And if this happens I am sure NJIT is prepared to take their place in the NEC.<br />
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Thinking about how crazy it is that a person like Tom Green gets elected into the Northeast Conference Hall of Fame yet FDU has yet to recognize his achievements with a similar honor. Again FDU sometimes equals Class without the C and the L!<br />
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CIAA Going On in Charlotte<br />
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What a great time of the year! I had an interesting posting discussion on NJ.Com about HBCU's (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) and the lack of a northern flavor on basketball teams. Honestly I would rather attend an HBCU than one of those D1 programs locally drawing 350 people to games. No knock really, well maybe it is a knock. Hampton or St. Francis in Brooklyn with no campus or dorms? Florida AM or FDU? Morehouse or St. Peters? Those are the D1 programs. The D2 programs like Shaw, Fayetteville, etc. are not bad either. Ummmmmmm! I just continue to wish the various coaches would consider recruiting northern kids and northern kids would consider attending an HBCU institutions. <br />
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HS Basketball in NJ<br />
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Heading to that ritzy HS off Route 206 called Gil St. Bernard tonight for the St. Patricks vs Gil game. Should be a great game and as a true basketball fanatic this is a game I need to see. I love Sina's game and attitude. I love the way they play as a team. I really am looking forward to this game tonight.<br />
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I also plan to see the Newark Eastside vs Plainfield game. But everyone knows and understands that the Public School game of the year might happen on Weds, March 7 at East Orange Campus HS in East Orange New Jersey. The game would be Teaneck and Plainfield if Plainfield is able to hold off a very good Eastside team. Lots of talk on the NJ.com HS boards about this potential game.<br />
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I am and always will be a Teaneck HS basketball fan. Heck if they asked I could be a booster lol. But i also recognize great achievement and that is exactly what schools such as Newark Eastside, Patterson Eastside, Plainfield, Linden, Shawnee from years back, and Teaneck do on a consistent basis. They play and win with home grown talent and send kids to college. Plainfield even has a kid heading to Yale. Most likely he will have plenty of time to prepare for Yale after Weds. lolololol. Sorry I could not resist! <br />
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As a side note I love when grown folks come out to support HS kids. It is a great thing to take pride in the HS you attended or the HS in the town you reside in. The support in Jersey is far better than NYC Rarely are adults without children playing at games in NYC. So all of you older fans continue going to games and having fun because supporting those kids is a wonderful thing. Funny thing about where I live in Pa. is the gyms are state of the art seating what looks like 2500 in the smallest and close to 4000 in the largest yet the teams seem to always be barely decent with the exception of schools such as Pocono Mountain West, Pocono Mountain East and a few of the Allentown area schools. I mean the gyms are better than St. Peters, FDU, Manhattan, Iona, St. Francis, LIU, and others. And here we have true winners like St. Anthony's practicing at the Rec center and sometimes a bingo hall.<br />
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Chris Jones to Pitt<br />
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I cannot believe a small portion of the fans at Pitt seem to already be down on Chris Jones without ever seeing him actually play. This is what happens when people who do not understand the game become so called scouts and run recruitment sites. Even Jay Gomes who is usually pretty good does not have Chris as a top 10 NJ senior yet he has him as a pre season 1st Team All State selection. Did Jay forget Chris when doing the list? I had and continue to have Chris as number 2A with Melvin Johnson of St. Ben's being 2B and Quentin DeCoursey being 4 based on Chris outplaying him in a head to head match-up. I think the Newark Star Ledger has a similar list to what I have.<br />
<br />
These recruiting services are often bogus. Interesting thing is some folks feel they know it all. OK I have been guilty of this but I promise to change lol. Those non qualified people and sites provide misinformation often. Little round guys who were on the bowling team in HS are now ranking players and people are listening. And who does the rankings for ESPN? I love when they introduce Paul Biancardi (sp) their National Director of HS Basketball Scouting lol. I like Paul but they make it seem as if he really is in an office doing rankings with videos etc. Now Dave Telip (sp) is a guy who has done a great job for many years and really knows his stuff. But for the most part the first 25 nationally often is a no brainer. The problem is ranking the rest, many of whom no one actually saw. Anyone remember the kid who Bobby Knight made up years ago? He actually made up a kid and next thing you know he was top 15 nationally.<br />
<br />
Back to Chris Jones who I feel will one day play in the NBA. Why? Because of where he was and where he currently is, because of his work ethic, because of his size, and because of his improving skills. Chris is a GREAT pick-up for Pitt and the coaching staff understands this which is why they hurried and offered before Michigan, and many others who were calling came to see him. It is true he had no high major offers prior to Pitt, but trust me he had a bunch on the way including strong programs from the ACC, BE, Big 10, and Big 12. Within one week he would have had at least 7 offers from major programs from the mentioned conferences.<br />
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Well, thats it basketball wise. I can be reached at LFBall@AOL.COM if you have questions or concernsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-45220015990096195672012-02-27T09:21:00.000-05:002012-02-27T09:21:19.412-05:00Monday Morning ThoughtsThe RU vs SHU Basketball Game and Rivalry<br />
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I guess it is safe to say no one is more pleased than me to see this rivalry develop and bring excitement to the State of NJ and most of the tri-state area. These games between Rutgers and Seton Hall can now be officially called a rivalry and a game that should be televised regardless of win loss records. Almost like the Army Navy game was handled for many years.<br />
<br />
Rivalries often either bring out the best in you as a team or a player or they can make younger folks jump back and right into a protective shell. Rivalries bring people out to games and even help fund raising efforts of the schools in question. Recruiting wise kids want to be part of excitement. Because of that many additional nigh level recruits would want to attend Rutgers and SHU if they watched the game on TV because the atmosphere looked electric. I for one continue to be amazed at how both the RAC and Prudential Center look on TV. Big time is a true understatement because if you flipped from a UConn game to the SHU RU game on TV it would look similar. Now Syracuse is a different story but I still question the sincerity of fans there as opposed to fans of local teams but that's another post.<br />
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Rutgers won the game but in the eyes of many recruits the game is becoming a draw based on the excitement of the event and the fan turnout. By draw I mean to the game as well as drawing recruits to the participating schools. Though it is not Duke Carolina, it is developing in a way that could really hurt the 3rd area team St. Johns recruitment and atmosphere wise. With no true rival any longer, and a shrinking fan base at games played at MSG, SJU needs to really step it up even though they have had two great wins in a row.<br />
<br />
So again RU won the game but Seton Hall will still be a post season team and attractive to recruits just as Rutgers will be.<br />
<br />
Mike Rice<br />
<br />
OK everyone please understand I have watched Mike Rice since he was at Fordham and I know about his Dad being a college coach in Pittsburgh etc. Mike seems to be doing a great job at RU and when I talk about hating his consistent wild man look on the side line it is just me and my feeling. Others might love it! But he and so many others feel they have to run the side lines coaching every play as opposed to staying calm and understanding most wins are accomplished via great prep work in practice. So again I say sit down sometimes and take in the action and coach your team because you are capable of great things as a coach.<br />
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Kevin Willard<br />
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I have to start by saying I have also followed Kevin Willard's career from Pitt forward. One of the worst days I experienced was when he DID NOT GET THE University of Delaware Head Coaching job years ago. What a bummer and something most people in Delaware were extremely unhappy about. What a difference he would have made! But Delaware's loss was Iona's gain which is now Seton Halls gain because I just love his coaching style. And like Mike Rice, his future is extremely bright.<br />
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RU and SHU Staff's<br />
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Not any high profile guys like many others nationally. But these guys are getting it done on the court and on the recruiting trail. Both have hard working and well respected 2nd in charge guys, and others well respected all over the entire east coast. <br />
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Facilities of Both Programs<br />
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No need to even discuss..........Sorry! But they both do look good on TV.<br />
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Players<br />
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Kids now want to be recruited by both programs. In fact I am starting to hear how some kids want the challenge of playing against others at schools in the same conference. Both teams have their fair share of local highly rated recruits if not on paper, by those really in the know like other coaches on the HS and college level.<br />
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Now let the rivalry continue!!!!!<br />
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HS Stuff<br />
<br />
We are into the HS Playoffs in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In PA. it is almost like the CHSAA in NYC. Teams lose and still are in it. Confusing as heck! What is it a seeding round lol. In NJ it is straight win and move on, lose and go home. No exceptions although I still say you never ever get the best 4 teams to the NJ Tournament of Champions. This is easily remedied by saving two at large spots for teams who are upset in the group level playoffs but are clearly better than a group 2 or even group 4 school moving on. An example would be if St. Anthony's is upset by St. Patrick's who will be playing hard based on this being the last go around for the school. So the true best HS in NJ will be sent home while little Sunshine Valley HS moves forward to the TOC. I want Sunshine Valley to make the TOC but want the field expanded to 8 from 6 to accommodate the two at large teams.<br />
<br />
Staying in NJ I see St. Anthony's winning it all with strong challenges from Teaneck, Plainfield, and others. But it is something about playing team ball defensively and offensively that make them special. The potential Teaneck Plainfield game, which would take place next Weds in East Orange, will be the State Playoff Game of The Year and could easily be the Group 3 Championship. I see no team in South Jersey ready to challenge either team. If Gil St. Bernard plays Seton Hall Prep that also will be a great game. Not sure where they would meet up but it would be special. Sleeper team in group 3 could be Newark Eastside and the team to beat in Group 4 is Patterson Eastside it seems.<br />
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Not sure if anyone has followed Woodridge HS from Bergen County. A group 1 or 2 school who really has done well the past two seasons. They have a big guy who got hurt some time ago and caused the PROGRAM to slide a bit. But this team was destined to be a version of Hoosiers before the injury. I honestly thought they were the 2nd best team in BergenCounty and would play Teaneck in the finals of the Bergen Jamboree. But when you lose your best player things tend to fall apart. Good luck to this developing program.<br />
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Has anyone seen Shaakir Lindsey play? If not you need to get to see him because he just might be the greatest attraction in NJ HS basketball now and next season. A 5 ft 7 tough as nails skilled guard with great quickness and passing ability. A one man press breaker who can also hit the open 3. Again I would love to see him go against Aquille Carr in a future game.<br />
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Pitt has offered Chris Jones a full scholarship! It still amazes me that people do not see and understand what more and more high major D1 Head Coaches see in Chris Jones. These Coaches from some very high level programs see the same Chris I see. The Chris who can shoot, run, jump, defend, and finish. This is not a late bloomer talent wise. It is a late bloomer confidence wise only because that was the only ingredient missing. Funny thing is as I read the Pitt Rivals board and a few fans are questioning Chris based on him not being listed as a top 100 type player.<br />
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As I said there and I say here, people doing those rankings always get it wrong after the initial top 25-30 kids. many of the people ranking never even played or coached the game we love. Yet there they are at games with pens in hand ranking. Funny stuff! Even the great Tom Konchalski got it wrong when he listed Mike O'Koran as a D3 recruit yet he starred at North Carolina and with the NJ Nets. How about current players? Ever heard of Jeremy Lamb? You know him! The great player at UConn who was not even a top 150 player coming out of High School according to most services. Well, Chris Jones just might be that next Jeremy which might be the reason UConn is recruiting him. I am sure glad Jamie Dixon makes up his own mind!<br />
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St. Patricks Closing<br />
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Sad day in Elizabeth NJ when it was announced St. Patricks would close down. Not going too deep on this but I will say Al Harrington owes far too much to St. Patrick's to even say the asinine crap he said to the press when informed the school was closing. Now no one has a right to tell a person how to spend his or her money. But damn!!!!! How soon many forget what was done for them. How soon folks become so into themselves they forget to reach out and help others. Says alot when a person like Kyrie Irving goes back to visit and offers to write a check despite learning to play way b4 arriving at St. Pats as a transfer student. I guess his Parents taught him about life while others fail to do so. Shame on the person with wealth who does not understand that the more you give, the more you will receive and at the same time help so many others. So Mr. Harrington go out and buy a new Mercedes and drive all over NY with the top down as many kids, some just like you were, are hurt by this closing. I would love to introduce you to Mr. Ray Williams and Mr. Michael Ray Richardson who will tell you how easy it<br />
comes and go's.<br />
<br />
Where will the players go? seems the St. Benedict's Coach feels sorry for a few of them and has graciously offered to assist by taking them in. lololololol. Very nice of him! I would love to see them attend St. Joes or Roselle Catholic. What about the local HS where they live? Oops some of the kids are from out of town. My bad! A dark horse for these kids will be the new school recruiting kids, Pope John in Sparta NJ. They did get a kid from Queens to enroll there as a recent transfer. Kid is a bonafide top 100 recruit with many Big East Teams involved. The coach seems very aggressive and I am sure he is all over this recent development.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-4141297926195036872012-02-24T10:14:00.000-05:002012-02-24T10:14:40.578-05:00RU vs SHU, FDU and Tom Green, and The Bergen JamboreeFriday Feb 24, 2012<br />
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Rutgers vs Seton Hall</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Round two of the NJ College Championship game takes place Saturday and what a game it should be. It's Sr. night and very emotional for many as the Seton Hall Seniors say so long and thanks for the memories. This game will be another growing pain game for Rutgers but I will bet they come to play and compete. This is not an easy game for Seton Hall at all. But I do feel Seton Hall will win the game but it sure will not be easy.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I expect a number of recruits will be present at the game. It looks great when the rock is rocking so a win by Seton Hall in a sold out (with curtain up) crowd will impress any recruit in attendance.</div><br />
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NEC Honors Tom Green<br />
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Interesting that The Northeast Conference honored Tom Green last night at FDU. For some strange reason I thought it was FDU honoring the man who at one time made them a well respected program and not the laughing stock they now are. But I found out from a friend, who wants his name withheld because it could be rough on him if the people at FDU knew we are friends lol, that it was the NEC doing the honoring. Is this not strange? The conference honors you but the school does not have you in their Hall of Fame?<br />
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I watched a movie the other day that my Son worked on. The movie is Morning Glory which is about an early morning news show. A nice young lady applies for a job and the person interviewing her says "why should I hire you?" He than says why he should not and included in his evaluation of her credentials "and you attended FDU in Teaneck, better known as "Fairly Ridiculous." I guess that sums it all up and the ridiculous tag is not the wonderful students, but the administration who allow bad treatment of loyal employees, while not recognizing opportunities through sports to attract funding and additional students. Well congratulations Coach Tom Green, your award and honor is well deserved!<br />
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By the way FDU lost the game against LIU in front of 512 people. They did manage to score 81 points though. Must have been like a Rucker Tournament game since you can score 81 and lose by double degits. Unbelievable! I wonder if Tom Green stayed to watch the entire game? I wonder if he gave the team a pep talk before the game? Yea right lololol. <br />
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Bergen Jamboree<br />
<br />
Spent a wonderful day out with my Son and Grandson prior to heading to Ramapo University to see the Bergen Jamboree Boys Championship game between Don Bosco Prep and Teaneck HS. Both teams are highly rated state wise and both have very good tradition. No matter what the team records are it is always a war when they play. Yesterday was no different!<br />
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I arrived at the game at least 2 hours early only to see TV trucks, outside vans advertising when the game would be televised, and hundreds of fans who like me arrived early to take in the atmosphere and guarantee a seat. By the way the game did sell out as did the semi finals a week ago. This is by far the greatest county tournament in New Jersey in regards to fan support and attendance in addition to tough final games. As the starting time of 7 PM approached fans continued pouring into the beautiful Bill Bradley Center with all chair back seats. Maybe FDU needs to go by and see how it should be done? After buying a bag of slightly over cooked popcorn which was sold by The Ramapo University Men's Basketball Team and Staff, (Div 3 basketball wow!) I headed to my very comfortable seat, which was surrounded by hundreds of Teaneck fans, many in thier 70s who wore the blue colors of Teaneck HS.<br />
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On the other side of this beautiful facility sat The Don Bosco fans who wore the Maroon colors of their team. Scattered all in between were outstanding fans who cheered and appreciated a very good game. Interesting that as I watched in comes a number of college coaches, something that is unusual for Bergen Jamboree finals. Even Pitts Jamie Dixon, Fordham's Tom Piccora, and coaches from a number of other D1 Programs. And I honestly believe none of the coaches were disappointed they had attended the game.<br />
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The Game<br />
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As my Grandson Logan, who Doctors predict will be at least 6 ft 10, begged to leave and go to "Home Sweet Home" (I could not believe he said that lol) my Son and I got right into the game. The final had Teaneck winning but this to me was not a great performance and Teaneck has to get into the lab (gym) to get the formula right. This might be controversial but I honestly could see some kids competing with others based on recent exposure. I saw Joel Hernandez, who is a nationally rated top Jr. have a decent offensive game but every time he received the ball he looked to shoot and in the meantime hurt his team more than he helped them. In fact when he received the ball I became nervous because he certainly was not playing team ball for some strange reason. I than saw Chris Jones, the star player, decide to let others handle the task at hand. As my Son said to me, when you are Big East or ACC caliber you want the ball and demand it in games such as last nights. Not to confuse him with Kyle Anderson but he should watch Kyle play the game. Unfortunately watching this one game made me question not the ability of this player, I questioned his desire. Clearly he is a Big East and ACC talent skills wise. But mentally is he more suited for the MAAC, CAA, or a strong NE Conference school? Just saying and believe me I know one game does not make a season. But to not be the star you are and allow another player to make this game about him which caused this to be closer than it should have been is totally unacceptable.<br />
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Teaneck does have a number of D1 recruitable players on the team including the two mentioned along with Neville Fincher the 6 ft 8 tough inside guy, and little Dynamite, Shaakir Lindsey who at 5 ft 7 is often worth the price of admission. So 4 D1 level players playing against a team without one, well maybe they have one, and winning like they did is beyond believe except this was Don Bosco. Playing Don Bosco is never an easy task especially if the game is at Don Bosco. Maybe Don Bosco played well because the game was being held about 3 miles from their home court. But again Don Bosco is no slouch of a team and those kids compete, compete, and compete again and again and again! You have to give them credit because they were not one bit intimidated by Teaneck's size, record, or talent! The game was on and the final score was far from indicative of the actual games closeness.<br />
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Back to Teaneck's win. According to many in attendance Shaakir Lindsey, better known as Little Dynamite, has been the Teaneck MVP in the 2012 Bergen Jamboree. Often the forgotten one when college coaches talk about Teanecks big 3, he might just be much better than any of us realized. Right now he is getting better and better and he is skilled, tough , and strong as a bull, with no fear of anything or anyone. Again I would love to see him match up with Aquille Carr who will be headed to Seton Hall in 2013. What a game that would be! The other often forgotten Teaneck player is Neville Fincher. He actually showed outstanding footwork last night and the ability to score and be a factor. Prediction: Not sure when based on his reclassification etc. but this kid will wind up at a place like Kansas, Mississippi State, Memphis, NC Stae, in the near future. I am stunned at how far he has come. Jerome Smart has done an OUTSTANDING job with Neville, Shaakir, Joel (he has to play better team ball), and Chris (he has to not be afraid to be the star he is). Now to get through the states to play Plainfield in East Orange. It should be a great game!<br />
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Have a great weekend. I can be reached at LFBall@aol.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6508200033145514208.post-21274554709567336832012-02-22T08:18:00.000-05:002012-02-22T08:18:50.888-05:00Seton Hall Ball & MoreWednesday Feb. 22, 2012<br />
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Seton Hall<br />
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What an evening of basketball for Seton hall University! Playing in front of a large crowd of around 9000 fans they seemed to have put on a defensive clinic against a team that for years was known for toughness and a defensive presence. Georgetown University, a perennial top tier team and currently ranked in the top 10 nationally was soundly defeated by Seton Hall last night at The Prudential Center in Newark NJ.<br />
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The score is one thing, but the benefits of the win is even greater in the larger scheme of basketball existence in the NY Tri-State area. In addition to winning the game, Seton Hall is winning respect all over the east coast and entire United States of America. If they were not before, they sure are a name HS Basketball Stars all over the country now know.<br />
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As I have said in the recent past, Seton Hall is a post season team regardless of what they do from this point on. But winning games such as they did yesterday sure solidifies their chances of an NCAA birth. The next RU vs SHU game should be an outstanding one again! By the way the SHU games on TV look nothing short of awesome. Looks like 20,000 people watching lol. I guess Aquille Carr knew what he was doing and now his Baltimore buddies are patting him on the back for making such a great decision. <br />
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St. Johns<br />
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Big win for St. Johns against UCLA at the Garden in front of 7000 fans. I guess it shows SJU has the potential to be pretty good in the future if EVERYONE RETURNS. From there St. Johns beats a decent DePaul team to make it two in a row. With 3 very winnable games remaining on the schedule St. Johns could go into The Big East Tournament one game under 500 and winning two in the BE might get them a spot in the NIT. But again is this what St. Johns hired Steve Lavin and his super staff for? Does SJU feel attracting 6-7000 to MSG is a great accomplishment? Is St. Johns losing more money than they are making? Ummmmmmmmm. If all stays as it is next season in Jamaica Queens will provide lots of stories and even more rumors I am sure.<br />
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Rutgers<br />
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Still experiencing growing pains despite playing very competitive basketball. This team is all about the future and the future remains bright. Difference between the Freshmen class at RU and SJU is HS rankings. For the most part, the RU Freshmen have had better seasons and RU did not have to ,,,,,,ummmmm recruit them the same way as SJU recruited the young guys they have. Also, the RU freshmen seem to understand they are 4 year players while most of the SJU kids are looking for the first train to the NBA. Kentucky they are not unfortunately! Rutgers might not make a post season tournament but has a lot to look forward to next season. <br />
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Now my one compolaint about RU and it is not fixing up The RAC because it really still looks awesome on TV. Will Mike Rice sit his butt down a few times a game and not look so crazy in the eyes with this young group of kids? Kids need to see calmness from the sidelines. Jeez!!!!!! But other than that he does seem like a very good coach.<br />
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Coaching<br />
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More on this standing all the time when coaching teams. It seems that most of the younger coaches are doing this. From Billy Donavan with his jacket off to the young HS guy coaching in Nebraska. The "I am in control" syndrome is in full affect. Watch coach K, remember Dean Smith and Joe B. Hall, how about Roy Williams, ever see Mike Brey, how about Bob Hurley? They and most other successful coaches sit and observe and stand up to make a point not to be seen. Heck some coaches stand all game going crazy like they are coaching in The Rucker tournament in NYC or the Sonny Hill league in Philadelphia. Ridiculous to say the least!!!<br />
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How about the guys who drop to one knee as if they can see the court better lolol. Are you kidding me what is that? I even see assistants on the HS level do this as if to say "I am also coaching this team." I am sure not against standing up or doing the knee thing but please do it with purpose!<br />
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FDU Watch<br />
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I heard from a source that FDU will be the same next season as this season because the school refuses to make the progr..........oops, Team (not a program) better. So the baseball team again will get the concessions to pay for that big trip south to get ready for the season, and the season ticket holders will remain in the 200's maybe. Team wise there is talent there but talent often needs to learn how to win and believe in who they are as a team and as players. But I remain very disappointed in what has happened to a team I use to enjoy watching on cold nights while living in Teaneck, NJ. Very sad!!!!<br />
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Others<br />
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Time for Fordham to put up or shut up. It is but so much the Coaching Staff can do recruitment wise with an old building they are trying to disguise as a NYC equivalent to Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium. The pace is old and no matter what they do it will be the same unless they tear the entire inside out, raise the roof, squeeze 6500 chair backs in the place, and build a practice facility on the side. OK OK I have heard about the Arena that might be built on Fordham Road by the City and private investors. All I will say is the year 2045 sounds right for a ground breaking ceremony. Too bad they are not located in Brooklyn where a dream is turning into a reality.<br />
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Hofstra better get it together next season. Nice to have all that talent on the bench, the great coaching staff, and a wonderful facility. Even nice to have that great chicken and rib restaurant called Wings and things right down the street. But losing as they are is not a pretty thing. Will they recover? They should but time will tell! Very good players coming and sitting out!<br />
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Manhattan seems to be doing OK and Young Steve, who was such a nice, wonderful, yet cocky in a good way, player when he played for the Gauchos many years ago, is doing great things. This guy understands what needs to be done and get accomplished. Maybe it is from his background as a a kid from a very wealthy area who did not stay home and go to the country club with his friends. He came to the hood and played ball with the best and made alot of friends who will support him in his quest to get Manhattan back where they were and belong. Now with that said Manhattan you also need a new facility because that tin barn you dress up on game nights, the one with very limited parking, is unacceptable and really not attractive to recruits.<br />
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Both Fordham and Manhattan, two very good academic schools, should be smart enough to know putting lipstick on a gorilla will not make him attractive.<br />
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Iona made two great hires it seems. Coach Cluess and AD Marshall. The AD was smart enough to get the basketball coach into a long term contract as soon as he was hired. Now there are a few problems i have with staffing at Iona, but I sure cannot say anything about the actual coaching being done. Cluess could be the best actual coach in the entire NY Metro Area hands down. The question is, will there be a Big east Team going after him very soon?<br />
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HS Basketball<br />
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As we come down the home stretch and county tournaments are coming to an end, the state picture is becoming clearer in NJ. Over in NY it will be the usual on the PSAL side with Lincoln, Boys and Girls, Jefferson, Cordozo fighting it out for the championship. I guess that Suicide Division in Brooklyn is alive and well.<br />
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In NJ can anyone beat St. Anthony's? Will they win their 2nd state crown and 2nd Tournament of champions trophy? Is Kyle Anderson the true number 1 player in New Jersey? My answers are No, Yes, and Yes. So the question is who is the 2nd best team and player. Is it Plainfield with the no set offense lol? Teaneck with the underrated Chris Jones, Joel Hernandez, Neville Fincher, and company? Will St. Joe's Metuchen with two very good players emerge and be a contender? How about Hudson Catholic getting it together with Reggie Cameron, Mike Young and company? Maybe St. Pats will surprise a lot of people? Gil St. Bernard is around the corner waiting for the opportunity to win it all. Yes NJ is getting ready for the 2nd place championship because beating St. Anthony;s seems to be the impossible dream. But you have to be in it to win it.<br />
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Teaneck is at the moment the 2nd best team in the state and if they get to play Plainfield it will be an interesting game with the winner having a great chance of winning the state group 3 title and earning a 2 seed in the TOC. That means Plainfield, if they win, would again play St. Anthony's but this time away from home. If Teaneck gets to the TOC as the 2 seed it could be a bit more interesting especially if they are still undefeated. It would be undefeated against undefeated and in a one game situation anything can happen. But most likely it will come down to Plainfield vs Teaneck in a very good game that many have been waiting for.<br />
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HS Players<br />
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I have been on the NJ.com HS boards talking about why Chris Jones is a high D1 talent regardless of where he chooses to attend. Some of the feedback I get at games and in email messages are unbelievable. One Guy who I respect very much even said to me Chris had to be careful because the kids in 10th grade across the country are very good and could take his spot one day. Are you kidding me? Another asked about the big fella at Plainfield heading to Yale. They went on and on about how he has no game and just runs. I had to tell them that 60 percent of being successful on the court is competing hard, and that is what that kid does. But truth be told when you attend Yale University you are running straight to success in most cases. He might own an NBA team one day. A great choice for a nice player who understands hard work and competing. Than there was a guy who asked about Kyle Anderson. The person said he was just average. I had to laugh because if he is average, average is the new word for great! All I will say again is Kyle Anderson = SUCCESS for everyone around him from his teammates, to his coaches, to the people selling hot dogs.<br />
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Bergen Jamboree<br />
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First off why do people continue to put down young folks playing a sport? Why do people who live in the same town and county of the kids they criticize never ever give credit where credit is due? Bergen County is not a place full of non playing HS basketball players. It is far from being Sussex County in western NJ near the Pocono's. Bergen has turned out many D1 players who have gone to the BE, ACC, CAA, Big 10, Big 12, MAAC, MAC, NEC, and Pac 10. There are way to many names for me to give. But Teaneck alone had at least 8 in a 6 year period 10 years ago. Bergen Catholic, St. Joe's of Montvale, Don Bosco. Englewood, and many others have turned out some pretty good HS players. Even small Leonia had a kid sign with Villanova years back.<br />
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The players are very good in Bergen County, although a tad bit underrated for the most part. Presently with the number 2 team in the entire state as well as a few others in the top 20. In fact the championship game of the Bergen Jamboree, the best county tournament on the East Coast if not the Country, features number 10 Don Bosco Prep vs Number 2 Teaneck. Weak basketball? I do not think so!<br />
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Championship game is 7 PM Thursday at Ramapo College in Mahwah NJ. Get there early! I know I will!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0