Came across this on my computer and wanted to share again. Just somthing to read when you have nothing else to do lol.
A Bit of Basketball History, NYC Area Style
It was a hot summer day many years ago that I ventured to the local park outside of home in the St. Nicholas Projects in Central Harlem to watch the most famous summer basketball league in America. Besides the great basketball, it was a great place to collect empty soda bottles in order to cash them in for the .02 deposits on the small bottles and .05 deposits on the larger bottles. Growing up this was one of the many ways to earn money for purchasing candy, or attending movies. Besides hustling at the local food chains carrying bags, this and opening taxi doors at local churches was the next best thing for a bunch of enterprising 11 year old kids.
As I sat down in a small space under the basket watching the great Wilt The Stilt Chamberlain from Philadelphia dominate the paint I was amazed at his size and ability. He was a true super star!!!! But what has remained with me for over 40 years is what happened with less than one minute to go in the game Big Wilt was playing. Big Wilt stepped on my foot going for a loose ball under the basket and all I could do is scream. Being the enterprising person I was at the time, I turned my pain into gain by tapping him on the shoulder with a smile minutes after the game reminding him how he hurt me. Well Wilt Chamberlain decided to treat me and a few other kids to sodas and Ice cream for my suffering. We were so pleased just to get him to acknowledge us. But to get him to treat us to goodies? That was the greatest! I would imagine if the same thing happened now, kids and parents would be seeking much more compensation via law suits, etc. lol.
That day was my first real initiation into New York City Summer Basketball. Summer basketball in New York City has been popular for 50 years or more. We all know the story about the legendary Holcombe Rucker. But many do not remember the other legendary figures associated with NYC Summer basketball. People such as Ollie Edinboro who was a protégé of Mr. Rucker, Snookie Walker who owned the Famous Snookies Sugar Bowl which was a popular local restaurant filled with basketball trophies. Oddly Snookie was even more famous for standing up to organized crime to protect his vending machine business. His exploits and courage against organized crime was legendary!
Additional heroes were Leroy Otis, One Eye Sam, Rodger Buster Bryant, Bob McCullough, Sand Man Sims, Jaws, Artie George, John Black, Jelly Roll, Cecil Watkins, Leroy Watkins, Lester Roberts, Skinny Reeves, Rap Perez, Gil Reynolds, Jim Couch, the Taliaferro Twins, Don Adams, and Hilton White. Later these guys were replaced by a few major teams who provided better uniforms, trips nationally and internationally, and assistance with tuition to private schools. They included Ernie Lorch at Riverside Church who often saw his early teams slaughtered by the older programs run by the gentlemen listed above. Also on this new and wealthy list was Lou Demeo (sp) who rumor has it was from Argentina and decided after meeting a few young men at a Knick game to start the Gaucho program. Both of these programs took kids from all over NYC and parts of Long Island and New Jersey in contrast to how others won with kids locally. They even had kids nationally participate in some tournaments including the great “Golden Hoops” sponsored at the time by The NY Daily News and coordinated greatly by Nate “Tiny” Archibald, Bob McCullough, Butch Purcell, and The Uptown Chamber of Commerce.
Summer ball in the city was played in all 5 boros but dominated by tournaments in Manhattan, The Bronx, and Brooklyn. In fact, it became so competitive that the original youth Rucker League and City Wide which was new at the time, decided to have end of the summer championships which were held at St. Johns Recreation Center in Brooklyn. All the champs from leagues in the five boros went through a playoff with the winners meeting in Brooklyn on a Sunday for the overall City Championship. This was huge and as a youngster I had the privilege of participating as a member of Leroy Otis’s Church of the Masters/Young Life midget team. I remember the game as if it was played yesterday. It was so exciting to be part of an event that no longer exits. By the way we did win the game against a strong team of future Boys High Stars including Ernie Douse, Gus Washington, and a guard named Bo who was great to say the least. Well this is not about my limited basketball exploits. It’s about the many players who left their mark on the hard top.
I remember the first time I watched Richard “Pee Wee” Kirkland play basketball. He was a 6 ft 2 guy who honestly was dunking on guys in Mount Morris Park playing for Milbank. He was one of the greatest guards I had ever seen. I could care less about the NBA. The summer in NYC had all I wanted to see. Pee Wee dominated the game and was very smooth off the court. I remember watching him score 50 in a game when he played in the Pro Rucker. I also remember him driving a luxury Duisenberg automobile around my Harlem Neighborhood later that evening in a blue suit with 4 beautiful women all dressed in blue riding with him. Now in our eyes, that was a star!
The first time I saw Pablo Robinson play basketball I thought he was doing magic. How could he do so much with a basketball. He was simply amazing the way he dominated. He had a brother Walter who was also good but not the player Pablo was. Still remember how folks always talked about his dad, who according to many was one of the top Chefs in NYC. Pablo made all of us proud by making the Harlem Globetrotters and even having a cartoon character in his image on the Globetrotter Cartoon Show.
People always seem to think Earl “The Goat” Manigualt was the greatest athlete and player during his time. He was a great one but the person often forgotten is Willie Manguam. I personally saw Willie Manguam take a quarter off the top of the basket in a park on 130th street and 7th avenue at 11 PM at night 45 years ago. I saw it with my own eyes as he took the quarter during a bet with a few other players. Besides jumping, Willie could just play!!! He could shoot, run, jump, and defend. Unfortunately we rarely hear his name. But he was a true playground legend.
Rodney Butler was the Charles Barkley of his time. When he entered a gym initially folks got a good laugh because he was a fat guy. Yes I said fat as opposed to big. Around 6 ft 3 and 280 ponds of White Castle Muscle, he would dominate every game he played. If he did not score 40 or 50 points it was a bad game, all he did was play hard and dominate. He also went on the Springfield College where the legendary Hilton White coached after a great career with the NYC Parks department as coach of The Bronx Falcons. Prior to these guys were players like Willie Hall, Bill Pleas (The First Mt. Vernon Star I saw), Dave Grey (Mt. Vernon) Dean Meminger, Tiny Archibald, Charlie Yelverton, The Great Joe Hammond, the best player ever both fundamentally and skill wise, Red Cotto the first HS All American from my old neighborhood, Rudy Waterman from LI, The Smith Brothers who all were great, The Williams Brothers from Mt. Vernon including Gus who still competes every Sunday at IS 201 in Harlem with a host of other ex NBA and local stars, Thomas Lockhart, Butch Lee, Artie Green who could draw 7000 to an outside game at King Towers, Bill Willoughby from Englewood (Which is 4 minutes from Manhattan) who played a lot in Harlem, and many more.
During these times a few NJ programs started to emerge as powers keeping the good players in the Garden State for the most part. People such as Rich Leary and the NJ Demons, who could be the greatest teacher ever in local AAU basketball, Brian Crawford and the Newark Rams, Sandy Python and the Road Runners, The Jersey Shore Warriors, The NJ Jay Hawks, and others. Recent additions have been the New Jersey All Stars and what might be the best program in NY or NJ The Playez Basketball Club based in Patterson NJ. 2nd best could easily be New Heights of NYC based on talent.
But for overall best program including services to support athletes, New Heights remains number 1 to me. Program wise others have eemerged as major players in youth basketball. The Panthers led by dapper Gary Charles and Sterling Nunly, Bingo's All Stars, The new Metro Hawks, The New Riverside Church Hawks, and Juice All Stars, all of New York.
I could go on and on with this and will in the future. But one thing for sure, New York City Area (including LI and NJ) basketball has proved to be entertaining and a great learning ground for many players including those from the suburbs
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Quick Hits
Jayvaugn Pinkston to Villanova?
Great get by Jay Wright and company. Although I feel another local school would have been a great place for him in the tradition of undersized forwards who excel, the Villanova choice is not as bad as Collier to Oregon. Or was it Oregon State? same rain lol.
Villanova is hard to beat for local great players for a number of reasons whether you like it or not.
1. The school is an excellent academic choice
2. The school attracts NY Metro kids regardless if they play basketball or not.
3. The basketball team is popular and sells out on and off campus every game
4. The basketball team wins games and is a national type program
5. The team is going to the NCAA this year and years to come
6. Jay Wright is loved by most
7. Villanova is close to NYC and NJ
8. The kids on the team do a great job of recruiting other kids
9. Jay Wright knows how to close the recruitment
10. The Kids Graduate!!!!!!!
So Villanova is a great choice for most kids based on them having a great role on the team. But despite this, I still feel St. Johns would have been ideal for young Mr. Pinkston from day 1! He would have been a stud right out of the gate and from what I saw on TV watching SJU, he would have been part of that special new beginning. He could have been the King of NY in the mode of a richer version of Anthony Glover.
Speaking of St. Johns
Watched the game on TV and came away quite impressed despite a score closer than it should have been. Loved how Alumni Hall/Carnesseca Arena looked on TV. Much better than the job St. Joe's did when they kept that same ceiling and walls from what I could see in pictures.
The pace was electric like it was years ago when tickets were hard to get. Despite having around 3500, the place looked like it had 5500. Great look and the new scoreboard was big time!
St. Johns does have players and they will give Seton Hall a great game when they meet up.
Watched New Mexico against California at the "PIT" If you have never been to the "Pit" you have missed being at one of the most intimidating and loud arenas in America. Now they are doing a huge renovation of the Pit and I hope it remains close to what it was with all the new bells and whistles.
Again I wonder why certain D1 programs do not switch conferences or drop to D2. Why embarrass the school and the kids in the program. FDU? What the heck are they doing playing for the guaranteed money? Come on! Plus they seem to be putting zero into the program. So even if Greg Vetrone works his butt off it is hard without the proper support. What a waste! And could someone again please explain why they took out all the end bleaches and made the FDU gym look smaller than Hackensack HS? NJIT? Come on!!! The experiment failed now get back down to D2 or D3! The phone must be ringing off the hook with request for wins...I mean games. I felt the same about St. Peters for a long time but now I can see some improvement although I do not ever see them getting to the NCAA tournament in the next 25 years. But at least they are competitive!
Chris Washburn got back to me on my blog with some updated and angry information concerning his son and ex wife. He also took time out to really dog Dave Britton who seems to be in charge of what is going on right now. I will delete what he wrote but would be glad to talk to him and put something on here less graphic. By the way, the Chris Wasburn I met years ago is nothing like the guy folks assume he is. The Chris I met and took around was very nice, intelligent, understanding, and very approachable. I remember we went to Sweet Waters night club for a great show and all he wanted to do was wear his paisley tie.
Lastly, DePaul is really doing what it is supposed to do. Win every game they are supposed to win. Ditto SHU! That puts less pressure on a team to have to come up big at certain away games in The BE.
Finally lets see what happens at Fordham. Will they let Fontan out of his commitment? They should! Why keep a person who does not want to be with you?
Great get by Jay Wright and company. Although I feel another local school would have been a great place for him in the tradition of undersized forwards who excel, the Villanova choice is not as bad as Collier to Oregon. Or was it Oregon State? same rain lol.
Villanova is hard to beat for local great players for a number of reasons whether you like it or not.
1. The school is an excellent academic choice
2. The school attracts NY Metro kids regardless if they play basketball or not.
3. The basketball team is popular and sells out on and off campus every game
4. The basketball team wins games and is a national type program
5. The team is going to the NCAA this year and years to come
6. Jay Wright is loved by most
7. Villanova is close to NYC and NJ
8. The kids on the team do a great job of recruiting other kids
9. Jay Wright knows how to close the recruitment
10. The Kids Graduate!!!!!!!
So Villanova is a great choice for most kids based on them having a great role on the team. But despite this, I still feel St. Johns would have been ideal for young Mr. Pinkston from day 1! He would have been a stud right out of the gate and from what I saw on TV watching SJU, he would have been part of that special new beginning. He could have been the King of NY in the mode of a richer version of Anthony Glover.
Speaking of St. Johns
Watched the game on TV and came away quite impressed despite a score closer than it should have been. Loved how Alumni Hall/Carnesseca Arena looked on TV. Much better than the job St. Joe's did when they kept that same ceiling and walls from what I could see in pictures.
The pace was electric like it was years ago when tickets were hard to get. Despite having around 3500, the place looked like it had 5500. Great look and the new scoreboard was big time!
St. Johns does have players and they will give Seton Hall a great game when they meet up.
Watched New Mexico against California at the "PIT" If you have never been to the "Pit" you have missed being at one of the most intimidating and loud arenas in America. Now they are doing a huge renovation of the Pit and I hope it remains close to what it was with all the new bells and whistles.
Again I wonder why certain D1 programs do not switch conferences or drop to D2. Why embarrass the school and the kids in the program. FDU? What the heck are they doing playing for the guaranteed money? Come on! Plus they seem to be putting zero into the program. So even if Greg Vetrone works his butt off it is hard without the proper support. What a waste! And could someone again please explain why they took out all the end bleaches and made the FDU gym look smaller than Hackensack HS? NJIT? Come on!!! The experiment failed now get back down to D2 or D3! The phone must be ringing off the hook with request for wins...I mean games. I felt the same about St. Peters for a long time but now I can see some improvement although I do not ever see them getting to the NCAA tournament in the next 25 years. But at least they are competitive!
Chris Washburn got back to me on my blog with some updated and angry information concerning his son and ex wife. He also took time out to really dog Dave Britton who seems to be in charge of what is going on right now. I will delete what he wrote but would be glad to talk to him and put something on here less graphic. By the way, the Chris Wasburn I met years ago is nothing like the guy folks assume he is. The Chris I met and took around was very nice, intelligent, understanding, and very approachable. I remember we went to Sweet Waters night club for a great show and all he wanted to do was wear his paisley tie.
Lastly, DePaul is really doing what it is supposed to do. Win every game they are supposed to win. Ditto SHU! That puts less pressure on a team to have to come up big at certain away games in The BE.
Finally lets see what happens at Fordham. Will they let Fontan out of his commitment? They should! Why keep a person who does not want to be with you?
Monday, November 23, 2009
Weekend Thoughts
Rutgers
I know there have been multiple hits on this site looking for what I am saying about the Rutgers loss to Vermont. Some folks are assuming I will tear into the coaches at Rutgers especially Fred Hill Jr. Well, I am sorry to say I will not do that. Just too easy for me and I like to fight for the underdog and cheer him on.
Now I will say a Big east School should never lose to a middle of the pack America East School. NEVER! I would guess Rutgers will not have an AE school on future schedules after losing to Binghamton last season.
Was the coaching really that bad? I did not see the game but I would think it was not. Did the players really play that bad? I would guess not! Should Fred Hill be fired right now? HECK NO! Who knows this might turn everything around. A few good wins and everyone will forget Vermont. Do not believe me? Check out Syracuse who loss to that upstate power......Technical College of Broome County....oops my bad, it was LeMoyne College or University. But you get the picture. Everyone was stunned but now folks are saying how good Syracuse is after beating North Carolina. Now I do not expect Rutgers to beat North Carolina, but a few solid wins and RutgersAl will be again predicting a national championship. That's what fans do. Dream and become hurt from disappointment.
But lets honestly assess the Rutgers basketball program. Forget Fred Hill because this is way bigger than him and goes straight to the University President. Folks do not want to hear it but Rutgers might not have a winning record even if Rick Pitino was coaching considering all that goes into creating a winning program.
Let me be more specific without folks throwing items at the computer. RUTGERS WILL NEVER do that friends of the Program thing that many schools do. OK do not act as if you do not know what I am talking about. Rutgers offers all that every school should offer. They do it the right way! Problem is many others do not. Especially those schools way out of the way and seeking success right away. I do not blame RU for doing it right, I salute them.
However I do not salute Rutgers for having horrible and old facilities in a top notch basketball conference. I saw seats at the RAC that were broken and shabby a few years ago. Sure the locker room is nice, though not as nice as many others. Sure they have a media room that would make a 2 star and 3 star player say wow! But the 4 and 5 star players want glamour and a nice arena filled with thousands of fans and a top notch practice facility with all the bells and whistles. In fact the next announcement from Rutgers about athletics should be that of a new arena, or a totally refurbished RAC with an attached practice facility. Heck play all the home games at the old gym for two years until the new place or new RAC is completed. Big east Games could be played at The Medowlands for next season.
I do need to comment on the basketball staff. These guys really need to get it together in many areas and hopefully they will. They are in many doors but even if Lou Carnessecca was the closing coach, and he did this well, they might lose many recruiting battles based on what they can offer facility wise and other wise if you know what I mean. Just keeping it real!
Lastly on Rutgers. The players are solid but far from very good! The JC PG transfer playing 12 minutes? Greg E getting 9 points and 5 rebounds? Will he ever in his career be a double figure scorer? The big Fella has not improved in 4 years. Remember he was a top 65 type kid. Was the scouting services wrong? Or has RU failed him? maybe he has failed himself and is just happy to be in America? Coburn was recruited to be a role player and has taken over the role of PG lol. Shows what can happen when you take advantage of an opportunity.
I could go on and on but the bottom line is Rutgers Basketball needs a timeout. And to blame Fred Hill for everything is totally wrong. Some things yes! But everything heck no! Rutgers is now on life support regardless of how many cup cake games they win in the next few weeks. Where is the overall plan?
I know there have been multiple hits on this site looking for what I am saying about the Rutgers loss to Vermont. Some folks are assuming I will tear into the coaches at Rutgers especially Fred Hill Jr. Well, I am sorry to say I will not do that. Just too easy for me and I like to fight for the underdog and cheer him on.
Now I will say a Big east School should never lose to a middle of the pack America East School. NEVER! I would guess Rutgers will not have an AE school on future schedules after losing to Binghamton last season.
Was the coaching really that bad? I did not see the game but I would think it was not. Did the players really play that bad? I would guess not! Should Fred Hill be fired right now? HECK NO! Who knows this might turn everything around. A few good wins and everyone will forget Vermont. Do not believe me? Check out Syracuse who loss to that upstate power......Technical College of Broome County....oops my bad, it was LeMoyne College or University. But you get the picture. Everyone was stunned but now folks are saying how good Syracuse is after beating North Carolina. Now I do not expect Rutgers to beat North Carolina, but a few solid wins and RutgersAl will be again predicting a national championship. That's what fans do. Dream and become hurt from disappointment.
But lets honestly assess the Rutgers basketball program. Forget Fred Hill because this is way bigger than him and goes straight to the University President. Folks do not want to hear it but Rutgers might not have a winning record even if Rick Pitino was coaching considering all that goes into creating a winning program.
Let me be more specific without folks throwing items at the computer. RUTGERS WILL NEVER do that friends of the Program thing that many schools do. OK do not act as if you do not know what I am talking about. Rutgers offers all that every school should offer. They do it the right way! Problem is many others do not. Especially those schools way out of the way and seeking success right away. I do not blame RU for doing it right, I salute them.
However I do not salute Rutgers for having horrible and old facilities in a top notch basketball conference. I saw seats at the RAC that were broken and shabby a few years ago. Sure the locker room is nice, though not as nice as many others. Sure they have a media room that would make a 2 star and 3 star player say wow! But the 4 and 5 star players want glamour and a nice arena filled with thousands of fans and a top notch practice facility with all the bells and whistles. In fact the next announcement from Rutgers about athletics should be that of a new arena, or a totally refurbished RAC with an attached practice facility. Heck play all the home games at the old gym for two years until the new place or new RAC is completed. Big east Games could be played at The Medowlands for next season.
I do need to comment on the basketball staff. These guys really need to get it together in many areas and hopefully they will. They are in many doors but even if Lou Carnessecca was the closing coach, and he did this well, they might lose many recruiting battles based on what they can offer facility wise and other wise if you know what I mean. Just keeping it real!
Lastly on Rutgers. The players are solid but far from very good! The JC PG transfer playing 12 minutes? Greg E getting 9 points and 5 rebounds? Will he ever in his career be a double figure scorer? The big Fella has not improved in 4 years. Remember he was a top 65 type kid. Was the scouting services wrong? Or has RU failed him? maybe he has failed himself and is just happy to be in America? Coburn was recruited to be a role player and has taken over the role of PG lol. Shows what can happen when you take advantage of an opportunity.
I could go on and on but the bottom line is Rutgers Basketball needs a timeout. And to blame Fred Hill for everything is totally wrong. Some things yes! But everything heck no! Rutgers is now on life support regardless of how many cup cake games they win in the next few weeks. Where is the overall plan?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tobias Harris and Tidbits
Tabias Harris to Tennessee
No surprise to me. I knew, but could not say, this was the program to beat. They had everything going for them as a program to land this kid who has great upside. Folks can hate on him all they want to but anyone who can go from being a good HS player to a Great HS player ranked 5th in his class in one summer must be a hard and determined worker. Please allow me to set the record straight as I see it regarding the schools who recruited him. This is my opinion!
Syracuse was never a true factor for him. Visit was decent to good with nothing special. That's what happens when the Coach is a Hall of Famer. You come or you do not come. If not they get someone else. They might have started out as the team to beat but that laid back attitude they often exhibit when it comes to recruiting and player development might have hurt them.
Kentucky was a good visit but Coach Calipari did not press any of the kids at the midnight madness to sign. Might have even told them to make the decision right for them. But if they did not pick Kentucky they could be making a mistake. The lack of real diversity seen on the campus might have also hurt them more than anything else. No problem for a one and done player. But if you will be there for 2 years or more it becomes a factor.
Louisville was a true contender for Tobias who loved what he saw. The family might have been truly impressed by Pitino and staff. This is a case of other factors away from basketball that could have played a huge role.
West Virginia might have been the team that came in 2nd for Tabias. They had everything going for them and the family most likely loved Coach Huggins. It might have just come down to loving Tennessee more.
Maryland and Georgia Tech were courtesy visits that the Family might have taken based on relationships, etc. Never thought they would be true factors.
Why Tennessee? The Vols were chosen because they have everything going for them facility and coaching wise. As a program they play in front of 20,000 fans all the time. They also play a competitive schedule against Kentucky, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and other SEC schools. And if folks think the SEC is not a tough league they are mistaken. Academically Tennessee is a very good choice. Facility wise they have as much if not more facility wise than anyone else. Also Bruce Pearl is LOVED by every player in his program. The coaching is very good as is the player development. Pearl has paid dues and is excited about getting the number 5 player in America. Lastly Tennessee is the place where a good friend of Torrel Harris, Tabias Dad, attended school . That friend is very close to Torrel and could keep watch on his son from the stands when he is in the area on business. By the way that friends name is Bernard King! My thought? GREAT CHOICE!!!!!
North Carolina vs Syracuse at MSG
Great game tonight. Kind of makes me want to take out my old HS GO card and get down there for the game. Anyone else remember those HS discount cards? Might be something needed to boost attendance at Knicks games if they continue to play as they have.
More Tidbits
Is it me or does it seem all is quiet with a few local colleges recruitment wise. What are they doing? Any new developments?
I am still waiting for the local teams to get to a level where each game is a war similar to the Big 5 games in Philly.
NJ Tech and a few others need to seriously consider returning to D2 status.
Some teams need to seriously consider other leagues if the administration is not prepared to provide better support. Hard to compete with schools that have so much to offer student athletes.
Monmouth is still on my mind. If they make a change after this season that will be a great job for a person with vision and great coaching ability. Again I feel that is the best area place after the local big east schools in regards to campus, location, facilities, and a great potential fan base.
Hofstra is sneaking up on folks. Might be Picora's last season in Hempstead because the way they are playing someone will come after him. I wonder who?
Delaware was at one time the dream mid major job. What has happened? Every game was close to a sell out. Wow!
St. Peters has really improved. No excuses for others considering they have a 3 block campus in Jersey City, a HS type Gym, and small weight room, etc. despite this the staff there has worked hard to make the Peacocks competitive. Great job thus far. Another Coach who could be somewhere else if he keeps showing great improvement.
Looking forward to the HS games at the Pru Center. Laughed at comment that Morgan Wooten was coming out of retirement to coach DeMatha. Funny!
No surprise to me. I knew, but could not say, this was the program to beat. They had everything going for them as a program to land this kid who has great upside. Folks can hate on him all they want to but anyone who can go from being a good HS player to a Great HS player ranked 5th in his class in one summer must be a hard and determined worker. Please allow me to set the record straight as I see it regarding the schools who recruited him. This is my opinion!
Syracuse was never a true factor for him. Visit was decent to good with nothing special. That's what happens when the Coach is a Hall of Famer. You come or you do not come. If not they get someone else. They might have started out as the team to beat but that laid back attitude they often exhibit when it comes to recruiting and player development might have hurt them.
Kentucky was a good visit but Coach Calipari did not press any of the kids at the midnight madness to sign. Might have even told them to make the decision right for them. But if they did not pick Kentucky they could be making a mistake. The lack of real diversity seen on the campus might have also hurt them more than anything else. No problem for a one and done player. But if you will be there for 2 years or more it becomes a factor.
Louisville was a true contender for Tobias who loved what he saw. The family might have been truly impressed by Pitino and staff. This is a case of other factors away from basketball that could have played a huge role.
West Virginia might have been the team that came in 2nd for Tabias. They had everything going for them and the family most likely loved Coach Huggins. It might have just come down to loving Tennessee more.
Maryland and Georgia Tech were courtesy visits that the Family might have taken based on relationships, etc. Never thought they would be true factors.
Why Tennessee? The Vols were chosen because they have everything going for them facility and coaching wise. As a program they play in front of 20,000 fans all the time. They also play a competitive schedule against Kentucky, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and other SEC schools. And if folks think the SEC is not a tough league they are mistaken. Academically Tennessee is a very good choice. Facility wise they have as much if not more facility wise than anyone else. Also Bruce Pearl is LOVED by every player in his program. The coaching is very good as is the player development. Pearl has paid dues and is excited about getting the number 5 player in America. Lastly Tennessee is the place where a good friend of Torrel Harris, Tabias Dad, attended school . That friend is very close to Torrel and could keep watch on his son from the stands when he is in the area on business. By the way that friends name is Bernard King! My thought? GREAT CHOICE!!!!!
North Carolina vs Syracuse at MSG
Great game tonight. Kind of makes me want to take out my old HS GO card and get down there for the game. Anyone else remember those HS discount cards? Might be something needed to boost attendance at Knicks games if they continue to play as they have.
More Tidbits
Is it me or does it seem all is quiet with a few local colleges recruitment wise. What are they doing? Any new developments?
I am still waiting for the local teams to get to a level where each game is a war similar to the Big 5 games in Philly.
NJ Tech and a few others need to seriously consider returning to D2 status.
Some teams need to seriously consider other leagues if the administration is not prepared to provide better support. Hard to compete with schools that have so much to offer student athletes.
Monmouth is still on my mind. If they make a change after this season that will be a great job for a person with vision and great coaching ability. Again I feel that is the best area place after the local big east schools in regards to campus, location, facilities, and a great potential fan base.
Hofstra is sneaking up on folks. Might be Picora's last season in Hempstead because the way they are playing someone will come after him. I wonder who?
Delaware was at one time the dream mid major job. What has happened? Every game was close to a sell out. Wow!
St. Peters has really improved. No excuses for others considering they have a 3 block campus in Jersey City, a HS type Gym, and small weight room, etc. despite this the staff there has worked hard to make the Peacocks competitive. Great job thus far. Another Coach who could be somewhere else if he keeps showing great improvement.
Looking forward to the HS games at the Pru Center. Laughed at comment that Morgan Wooten was coming out of retirement to coach DeMatha. Funny!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
My Thoughts
The college basketball season is fully up and running. What a great time of the year. Time to start providing thoughts on various subjects ranging from recruiting to critiques on what various colleges and coaches are doing.
Lets start with Seton Hall University. So what the first game was a tight one. So what they did not completely dominate the second game. This team will be fine. In fact I can see them going 10-0 heading into the West Virginia game which will be the game to establish them as a legit NCAA contender.
Lets also look at Hall Line, the SHU Student run talk show. I continue to love listening to those young college students, yes STUDENTS, cover the Seton hall basketball team. Folks tend to forget they are students. I am sure Marve Albert and others at Syracuse were not what they are now when they attended school there. I also knew mike Kay when he was a college student at Fordham (I Think) and he was an announcer for the NY Summer Pro basketball league. His best line every game was "This Buds For You!" In other words he was not what he is now. People should take that show for what it is and stop expecting to hear the FAN. Honestly, it still is more interesting than the fan to me because I think the callers help make the show interesting. Call in and participate!
Tobias Harris is set to make an announcement this evening. I am so glad his dad took him to see The University of Tenneesee again without the coaches knowing they would be coming (Please see my last post). I told them this would be a great opportunity to get the real picture without staging. Again I say more kids and parents/advisors should do this. Now where will he go? I would be surprised if he does not attend Tenn. West Virginia, or Louisville, although I have no idea how the Maryland visit went. OK I know lol. I am just leaving the announcement stuff to those who fight to have breaking recruiting news. But I will say there is more to his decission than basketball. Tobias Mom and Dad really understand the process. His Mom is very interested in having her son in an comfortable environment socially and academically.
So Jayvaughn Pinkston will wait until the spring to commit to a college program. UMMMMM. Does that open doors for local Big East schools to make a better impression? Does it mean he is waiting for Tobias Harris to make his decission? Will St. Is he waiting to see how SHU, SJU, and even RU does this season?
Still stunned by Devon Collier picking Oregon State. Rain, Rain, and Rain with a good coach who might just move on after the season.
Hofstra really played UConn tough. Shows Tom Picora will again be in demand for high level D1 jobs again.
Morgan State with Head Coach Todd Boozeman, who had to wait 10 years or so to get another college job after being the Head Coach at California, beat Maryland BC, and Savana State from Georgia beat Central Conn, and Norfolk State beats Maine.
Shows the D1 schools considered HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are catching up with the low and mid D1 schools they have lost to in the past.
Providance wins by 2 at Mercer. Wow! Shows how easy it was to win with Tim Welch players a year ago. makes Tim welch a strong candidate for future jobs.
Monmouth seems to be on the verge of a horrible season. I really thought this could be the start of a season that could lead them to a stronger conference. New Arena, nice area near the Jersey Shore, Good academics, good fan support in the past. This is the time to start developing future fans while satisfying those already on board. Not sure the current Head Coach can survive a losing season considering the new building was not built for low attendance at home games. Monmouth should be hard to beat when it comes to players after Seton Hall, Rutgers, St. Johns, in the NY and NJ area.
Talking about conferences: here are my top northeastern leagues (NC to Maine) :
1. Big East
2. ACC
3. Atlantic 10
4. CAA
5. MAAC
6. America East
6. NEC
7. Ivy
Lets start with Seton Hall University. So what the first game was a tight one. So what they did not completely dominate the second game. This team will be fine. In fact I can see them going 10-0 heading into the West Virginia game which will be the game to establish them as a legit NCAA contender.
Lets also look at Hall Line, the SHU Student run talk show. I continue to love listening to those young college students, yes STUDENTS, cover the Seton hall basketball team. Folks tend to forget they are students. I am sure Marve Albert and others at Syracuse were not what they are now when they attended school there. I also knew mike Kay when he was a college student at Fordham (I Think) and he was an announcer for the NY Summer Pro basketball league. His best line every game was "This Buds For You!" In other words he was not what he is now. People should take that show for what it is and stop expecting to hear the FAN. Honestly, it still is more interesting than the fan to me because I think the callers help make the show interesting. Call in and participate!
Tobias Harris is set to make an announcement this evening. I am so glad his dad took him to see The University of Tenneesee again without the coaches knowing they would be coming (Please see my last post). I told them this would be a great opportunity to get the real picture without staging. Again I say more kids and parents/advisors should do this. Now where will he go? I would be surprised if he does not attend Tenn. West Virginia, or Louisville, although I have no idea how the Maryland visit went. OK I know lol. I am just leaving the announcement stuff to those who fight to have breaking recruiting news. But I will say there is more to his decission than basketball. Tobias Mom and Dad really understand the process. His Mom is very interested in having her son in an comfortable environment socially and academically.
So Jayvaughn Pinkston will wait until the spring to commit to a college program. UMMMMM. Does that open doors for local Big East schools to make a better impression? Does it mean he is waiting for Tobias Harris to make his decission? Will St. Is he waiting to see how SHU, SJU, and even RU does this season?
Still stunned by Devon Collier picking Oregon State. Rain, Rain, and Rain with a good coach who might just move on after the season.
Hofstra really played UConn tough. Shows Tom Picora will again be in demand for high level D1 jobs again.
Morgan State with Head Coach Todd Boozeman, who had to wait 10 years or so to get another college job after being the Head Coach at California, beat Maryland BC, and Savana State from Georgia beat Central Conn, and Norfolk State beats Maine.
Shows the D1 schools considered HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) are catching up with the low and mid D1 schools they have lost to in the past.
Providance wins by 2 at Mercer. Wow! Shows how easy it was to win with Tim Welch players a year ago. makes Tim welch a strong candidate for future jobs.
Monmouth seems to be on the verge of a horrible season. I really thought this could be the start of a season that could lead them to a stronger conference. New Arena, nice area near the Jersey Shore, Good academics, good fan support in the past. This is the time to start developing future fans while satisfying those already on board. Not sure the current Head Coach can survive a losing season considering the new building was not built for low attendance at home games. Monmouth should be hard to beat when it comes to players after Seton Hall, Rutgers, St. Johns, in the NY and NJ area.
Talking about conferences: here are my top northeastern leagues (NC to Maine) :
1. Big East
2. ACC
3. Atlantic 10
4. CAA
5. MAAC
6. America East
6. NEC
7. Ivy
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Season Is Here
Well, kids are choosing schools but I strongly suggest they refrain from signing letters of intent until the fall signing period. Watch the team play and make sure the Coach will be around next season.
I recently suggested to the Dad of a top 10 player that he and his son sneak back to his final two schools to get a look at what really takes place. I do not understand why more folks do not show up unannounced? Than you get to see the real stuff!
Also talk to the 9th man on the team and not the new kids who are still wet around the ears. But make sure you separate BS from real concerns to think about.
Yes, I feel Collier choose the wrong school! Yes, I also feel Robinson is a rising coaching star. But from the Bronx to Oregon and all that rain? This is usually the case when a kid has few local options. Heck even Gary Peyton only went to school in Oregon when St. Johns turned him down. He even cried!!! True story.
FDU has Sonny Vacarro speaking to all the student athletes today. He will be a fantastic speaker. But it makes you clearly see what happened at FDU. They are now officially part of the network lol. First they hire ex UNLV assistant Vetrone over the Associate Head Coach Ron Brown, than Vetrone hires a California HS Coach as an assistant when they really only recruit east coast. Trust me if FDU gets a California kid he will not be even a 3 star player. more like a 2 star if that. Now Vaccaro speaks. Again he will be fantastic and I wish I could be there to listen. But it still makes you wonder. I wonder if the AD will one day be at a higher level D1 school? Interesting!!!
Watched North Carolina play. Freshmen received limited minutes. Strickland looked OK but will he play 10 minutes a game? Will he be a 20 minute guy next season? Will they still go out and recruit studs who play his position? This kid is a great talent, great kid, and has a great family support system. Just hope he gets his opportunity to shine. When you choose a super D1 program, you need to be sure you will play good minutes as a freshmen and much more as a sophomore. Alot of top 15-20 guys have rode the pine at places like Duke, NC, UK, etc.
Cannot wait to see Rutgers and SHU start the season. Wish both well. I wonder if I am allowed to attend a game at Rutgers lolol. Expectations seem high for both teams. Now they have to do it on the court.
I really think St. Johns will be improved. Just a gut based on personnel and kids in program along with an improving coaching staff.
I recently suggested to the Dad of a top 10 player that he and his son sneak back to his final two schools to get a look at what really takes place. I do not understand why more folks do not show up unannounced? Than you get to see the real stuff!
Also talk to the 9th man on the team and not the new kids who are still wet around the ears. But make sure you separate BS from real concerns to think about.
Yes, I feel Collier choose the wrong school! Yes, I also feel Robinson is a rising coaching star. But from the Bronx to Oregon and all that rain? This is usually the case when a kid has few local options. Heck even Gary Peyton only went to school in Oregon when St. Johns turned him down. He even cried!!! True story.
FDU has Sonny Vacarro speaking to all the student athletes today. He will be a fantastic speaker. But it makes you clearly see what happened at FDU. They are now officially part of the network lol. First they hire ex UNLV assistant Vetrone over the Associate Head Coach Ron Brown, than Vetrone hires a California HS Coach as an assistant when they really only recruit east coast. Trust me if FDU gets a California kid he will not be even a 3 star player. more like a 2 star if that. Now Vaccaro speaks. Again he will be fantastic and I wish I could be there to listen. But it still makes you wonder. I wonder if the AD will one day be at a higher level D1 school? Interesting!!!
Watched North Carolina play. Freshmen received limited minutes. Strickland looked OK but will he play 10 minutes a game? Will he be a 20 minute guy next season? Will they still go out and recruit studs who play his position? This kid is a great talent, great kid, and has a great family support system. Just hope he gets his opportunity to shine. When you choose a super D1 program, you need to be sure you will play good minutes as a freshmen and much more as a sophomore. Alot of top 15-20 guys have rode the pine at places like Duke, NC, UK, etc.
Cannot wait to see Rutgers and SHU start the season. Wish both well. I wonder if I am allowed to attend a game at Rutgers lolol. Expectations seem high for both teams. Now they have to do it on the court.
I really think St. Johns will be improved. Just a gut based on personnel and kids in program along with an improving coaching staff.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Monday Thoughts
Its been a while since I have been on my blog. However I have followed what has been happening and even talking to various coaches and families. Well, here are a few thoughts for today.
Lets start with Devon Collier. His Dad was my HS Teammate and a very good player. I guess it is where Devon gets his ability lol. Unfortunately I feel Devon could not have chosen a worst destination for college. After watching him in The Eddie Griffin Challenge a few weeks ago I am even more convinced of this. Let me respectfully say why. This has less to do with basketball than with life after basketball. The NBA is not a guarantee for this kid. Nice player with great upside but hardly NBA at this time. Now if Craig Robinson is a great developer of talent, than maybe its the correct choice. But from what I understand and have seen, Craig has a very small resume when it comes to developing future professional basketball players. Now he might be able to get Devon to Wall Street after basketball. That's a great selling point. But I cannot believe a kid has to go a thousand miles away to gain future Wall Street connections. Heck, Iona College does better than most in regard to this with their great ex player corporate connections which could be the best in the area. Plus, Coach Robinson might just bolt after this season if Jerry Wainwright is let go at DePaul. Red, listen to your old buddy, take a better look at this. Oregon State is a great school, even though it rains most of the time. But do you want your son that far away based on the Coach being our wonderful Presidents brother in law? Honestly I am shocked at the signing. Thought Providence was barely leading Seton Hall for his services. Will this stand? Will he reopen? Is it a great fit there? I honestly thing St. Johns, and Seton Hall would have been great for him. Even Providence. Maybe Red will get a White House Appointment. But what ever Devon does we wish him well because he does have great potential and Oregon State plays in the Pac 10, which is a finesse conference as opposed to a rough and tumble conference.
Had a nice talk with Torrel Harris yesterday while driving through the mountains of Pennsylvania. Seems Tobias Harris really enjoyed his visit to West Virginia. Torrel says Huggins was outstanding during the visit. I asked about facilities, etc. Told me that the facilities were very good. But to me, and this is my opinion, West Virginia has the best coaching staff in the entire big east when you combine coaching and recruiting. I guess Tobias has a difficult choice between West Virginia, Tennessee, Louisville, Kentucky, Syracuse, and two more visits that are unofficial to Maryland and Georgia Tech. I think I know where he is leaning but it will be all over soon.
Quick thought about Tobias younger brother Tyler. Recruiters better remember the Harris phone number on Long Island. Tyler might just be better than Tobias when he graduates in 2012. From what I have seen and heard, he is a 6 ft 7 pure shooting lefty wing who could grow to 6 ft 11. Watch out!!!
Lets start with Devon Collier. His Dad was my HS Teammate and a very good player. I guess it is where Devon gets his ability lol. Unfortunately I feel Devon could not have chosen a worst destination for college. After watching him in The Eddie Griffin Challenge a few weeks ago I am even more convinced of this. Let me respectfully say why. This has less to do with basketball than with life after basketball. The NBA is not a guarantee for this kid. Nice player with great upside but hardly NBA at this time. Now if Craig Robinson is a great developer of talent, than maybe its the correct choice. But from what I understand and have seen, Craig has a very small resume when it comes to developing future professional basketball players. Now he might be able to get Devon to Wall Street after basketball. That's a great selling point. But I cannot believe a kid has to go a thousand miles away to gain future Wall Street connections. Heck, Iona College does better than most in regard to this with their great ex player corporate connections which could be the best in the area. Plus, Coach Robinson might just bolt after this season if Jerry Wainwright is let go at DePaul. Red, listen to your old buddy, take a better look at this. Oregon State is a great school, even though it rains most of the time. But do you want your son that far away based on the Coach being our wonderful Presidents brother in law? Honestly I am shocked at the signing. Thought Providence was barely leading Seton Hall for his services. Will this stand? Will he reopen? Is it a great fit there? I honestly thing St. Johns, and Seton Hall would have been great for him. Even Providence. Maybe Red will get a White House Appointment. But what ever Devon does we wish him well because he does have great potential and Oregon State plays in the Pac 10, which is a finesse conference as opposed to a rough and tumble conference.
Had a nice talk with Torrel Harris yesterday while driving through the mountains of Pennsylvania. Seems Tobias Harris really enjoyed his visit to West Virginia. Torrel says Huggins was outstanding during the visit. I asked about facilities, etc. Told me that the facilities were very good. But to me, and this is my opinion, West Virginia has the best coaching staff in the entire big east when you combine coaching and recruiting. I guess Tobias has a difficult choice between West Virginia, Tennessee, Louisville, Kentucky, Syracuse, and two more visits that are unofficial to Maryland and Georgia Tech. I think I know where he is leaning but it will be all over soon.
Quick thought about Tobias younger brother Tyler. Recruiters better remember the Harris phone number on Long Island. Tyler might just be better than Tobias when he graduates in 2012. From what I have seen and heard, he is a 6 ft 7 pure shooting lefty wing who could grow to 6 ft 11. Watch out!!!
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