A few thoughts before the New Year.
Seton Hall loses a game by a wide margin. Totally unacceptable regardless of how shorthanded they were. I do have to say I did not see the game but the box score tells the story.
I have always frowned on players just looking to stay on the court to boast stats, etc. In no way should any of Seton Hall's Guards had finished that blow out game with less than 4 fouls. Heck they all should have fouled out from clawing at everything in an attempt to get back into the game. For Harvey and Hazell to have less than 4 fouls, and Theodore to have 1, in a blow out game sends a message in my opinion. Says to me they were just on the court after a certain point attempting to score points or just play the game. Maybe I am wrong about this but NO ONE ON SHU SHOULD END A GAME LIKE THIS WITHOUT 4 FOULS AT LEAST! You should play hard until the final whistle blows. Guys playing safe defense in a game where they are down 30 is crazy!
Enough of this. SHU needs to pull it together and fast. Maybe Gonzo was greatly missed. But I think preparation plays a huge part in games such as these. Well lets see what happens next!
I Was thinking about a few guys around the area who continue to fly under the college coaching radar. Today I need to shout out Ron Neclerio of Cardoza HS in Queens NY.
We all see Ron running around 100 miles an hour coaching his team and promoting his players. Many think he is over the top with his actions. But honestly he is doing exactly what a REAL COACH should do. He pushes his players on the court and loves them off the court to the point he will do anything in his power to get his players into a good college and will talk about his players until he is blue in the face in an attempt to get them recognition and a scholarship. He has done it so well we cannot even keep track of the kids he has assisted. Its that many!
Coaching wise he remains one of the best HS Coaches in the entire tri-state area. He also is not scared to hire assistants with skills and personality. He welcomes excellence and proves it by hiring Robert Holford, ex Assistant at Providence, Hofstra, FDU, and Head Coach at NY Tech, St. Thomas Aquinas, Medgar Evers, and Hostos CC where he was National Junior College Coach of The Year. Ron did not even blink about hiring Robert.
Training and working out players? Ron Neclerio could be the best around. He along with Sandy P (sp) of Essex County NJ are guys who are considered two of the best along with the guy who does workouts in the Suffolk County area on Long Island.
This brings me to Why Ron is not on the college level. For a brief period I thought Ron needed just a bit of polish to step into the college ranks. How wrong I was. This guy is the needed ingredient for a program like St. Johns. I would be willing to bet he would have every single great HS player in the tri-state area considering a BE school he is associated with. It would be such an easy bet for me because I see how kids from all over are attracted to him. He is like a pied piper lol. Work wise he lives and sleeps basketball 24 hours a day.
I say have him put on a suit next year and put him on the sideline of an area BE or A10 team. Anything lower would be a waste of talent if you ask me.
My New Years Wish List
An Improved economy
Universal Health Care
Employment creation
All Area Schools end the season with a winning record
Bobby Holford, Ray Haskins, Ron Brown, and Julius Allen get recognized for the great skills they bring to the table on the college level.
FDU gets a marketing person in place in the near future to help improve crowds
St. Peters turns it around
NJIT wins a game or two or three
Rider gets its new gym
JR Inman has a great BE season at Rutgers
Mike Davis and Brandon Walters play better at SHU
Norm Roberts gets to a post season at St. Johns.
Norm Roberts gets a real contract extension
Fordham turns it around and gets better in A10
Teaneck HS wins the Group 3 North Championship
Jay Sofman and Javae Gilcrst get scholarships to D2 and D1 schools respectfully
Delaware gets to CAA Championship game
Bobby Gonzalez gets along with the SHU AD
Fred Hill and Bobby G hug after the next RU vs SHU game and the picture goes on the Star Ledgar sports front page.
St. Antony's plays a game against St. Benedict's in Boys Basketball
The Tournament of Champions in NJ changes format to bring in two extra teams eliminated in state tournaments, eliminating the two byes awarded higher seeded teams.
A Tournament of Champions field of St, Anthony's, St. Patrick's, St. Benedicts included with the winners of the various group tournaments.
A return of the old Doc Turner HS Classic at City College of NY bringing in teams from NJ, NY, Pa., Conn., Maryland, etc.
A new RU Arena and practice facility, or at least an improved RAC.
Selling My Home in Pa. for a good price (Just in case someone might be looking lol)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday Thoughts
Well tonight is a big game for Seton Hall University. They go into the Carrier Dome to play a Syracuse Team with very tough kids who can play. When a team combines the toughness with skill they become very dangerous. SHU does have a chance but I hate to say it but if The Hall had the guys sitting out it would be a heck of a physical and talent match-up.
Speaking of SHU. I said two years ago that both Rutgers and Seton Hall needed to get involved with Terrence Roderick from Allentown Pa. Terrence is a 6 ft 5 wing/point/slashing guard with GAME! Kid is a real winner and has toughness based on playing alot in Philly with Sam Rhines Teams on the AAU circuit and at a prep school run by Sam.
I remember talking to his Dad at a Allen HS game when his son was playing. Dad is originally from Newark NJ if I remember correctly and really wanted the NJ schools to recruit his son. So though Terrence grew up in Northern Pennsylvania, his roots are in Newark where he has alot of family. This would be a tremendous pick-up for Seton Hall because this kid makes folks around him better. I was stunned he did not go to a higher profile program in the first place.
Rutgers plays 3 tough games in a row. I think it is a great thing. It should be used as a recruiting tool especially after the soft pre conference schedule they played. And again I need to shout out Fred Hill for the tremendous job he did against North Carolina despite the final outcome. As I always say I only call it AS I (just me) see it. That's why this blog is called LFBallonHoops.
I need to pass on a name to all the mid major guys who visit this blog. Some of you can expect a call from me on this soon. Teaneck has a kid named Javae Gilcrest who is a very good mid major type point guard. In fact, with better exposure he could be a high major guy. According to many who have watched him, his ideal stats are 18 points and 15 assists. When I watched him he seemed to make everyone around him better. In fact I had heard alot about this kid who is a Queen of Peace transfer now playing for his home town HS team, Teaneck. Coaches need to call his coach, Curtis March at Teaneck HS ASAP. This kid could be special in the future.
Manhattan loses again. All I can say is wow! Hopefully they will get it going.
Did anyone else see the Younger Curry clips during the Davidson vs College of Charleston game? The younger Curry kid looked more fluid and athletic than his older brother. WOW! How did coaches miss two in a row. Oops I forgot it's about the ratings and he was only a 3 star HS player! I just hope he has a ESPN game soon. Curious to see if Mom and Dad are at his games also. Hard to make games when both sons are on separate teams.
Speaking of SHU. I said two years ago that both Rutgers and Seton Hall needed to get involved with Terrence Roderick from Allentown Pa. Terrence is a 6 ft 5 wing/point/slashing guard with GAME! Kid is a real winner and has toughness based on playing alot in Philly with Sam Rhines Teams on the AAU circuit and at a prep school run by Sam.
I remember talking to his Dad at a Allen HS game when his son was playing. Dad is originally from Newark NJ if I remember correctly and really wanted the NJ schools to recruit his son. So though Terrence grew up in Northern Pennsylvania, his roots are in Newark where he has alot of family. This would be a tremendous pick-up for Seton Hall because this kid makes folks around him better. I was stunned he did not go to a higher profile program in the first place.
Rutgers plays 3 tough games in a row. I think it is a great thing. It should be used as a recruiting tool especially after the soft pre conference schedule they played. And again I need to shout out Fred Hill for the tremendous job he did against North Carolina despite the final outcome. As I always say I only call it AS I (just me) see it. That's why this blog is called LFBallonHoops.
I need to pass on a name to all the mid major guys who visit this blog. Some of you can expect a call from me on this soon. Teaneck has a kid named Javae Gilcrest who is a very good mid major type point guard. In fact, with better exposure he could be a high major guy. According to many who have watched him, his ideal stats are 18 points and 15 assists. When I watched him he seemed to make everyone around him better. In fact I had heard alot about this kid who is a Queen of Peace transfer now playing for his home town HS team, Teaneck. Coaches need to call his coach, Curtis March at Teaneck HS ASAP. This kid could be special in the future.
Manhattan loses again. All I can say is wow! Hopefully they will get it going.
Did anyone else see the Younger Curry clips during the Davidson vs College of Charleston game? The younger Curry kid looked more fluid and athletic than his older brother. WOW! How did coaches miss two in a row. Oops I forgot it's about the ratings and he was only a 3 star HS player! I just hope he has a ESPN game soon. Curious to see if Mom and Dad are at his games also. Hard to make games when both sons are on separate teams.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
RU and Area College Happenings
Well I just finished watching the Rutgers vs North Carolina game. I honestly was pretty impressed by what I saw from the Scarlet Knights. But it was definitely a tale of two programs with very different support and cast of characters.
I honestly feel Rutgers played this game very well and looked extremely well coached. I have to give credit where it is deserved. Fred Hill had his team prepared! They just did not have the power or talent to beat North Carolina, the number 1 team in America, on their home court. I would bet most teams in D1 basketball and even a few lower tier NBA teams would lose at the Dean Dome. So though it was not a moral victory, as many wish it to be, it was a great effort.
Let me just be a bit controversial again. I find it amusing how certain folks can do no wrong. I read on the RU board, which is a very good board I might add even though they get on my case, that Greg Echenique "Was A Man" on the court. What game were they watching? he had a nice solid freshmen type game and he shows flashes of potential. But 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 turn overs, and 5 fouls are hardly "Being A Man" on The Court type stats unless you mean man as in being of the Male persuasion. Nice player but come on call it for what it was, a nice effort!
Rutgers played well because they were well prepared and well coached on Sunday evening. They also played well because Anthony Farmer, JR Inman, and Corey Chandler played well. Those are the 3 guys who really will make a difference in BE games along with Mike Rosario, Greg Echenique, and The Big Fella who just needs to rebound and make layups and he will one day get paid well for playing the game. Rosario scored alot of points and had a good game. But it will get tougher as folks realize he rarely scores off the dribble. But again all the people mentioned were the difference in RU playing well despite the loss.
Other College Happenings
Looks as if St. Peters has a long road ahead based on a tougher than folks realize MAAC conference schedule. I can only imagine the crowds getting smaller and smaller in Jersey City for St. Peters games. Will the coaches survive? Would someone such as Bob Hurley want to coach there eventually based on it being Jersey City? Danny Hurley? Kevin Boyle? Not pushing current guys out, just wondering what would happen in the far or near future.
St. Joe's in Philly remains a favorite school of mine based on the great tradition and support they receive. They have a losing record but still draw 7500 to a game at the Palestra where they play home games this season while their on campus facility is being renovated and expanded. They were smart to increase seating by only 1000 to keep it tight and a true home court advantage.
St. Francis in Brooklyn has a real challenge with its D1 basketball team. I often wonder why schools like St. Francis and NJIT have D1 programs that they do not adequately fund. In fact I feel that way about most smaller D1 programs who draw 400 people to games and have no chance of ever winning a NCAA game. But in the case of St. Francis of Brooklyn, they also have no dorms, and kids at one time stayed at Bishop Ford HS in the building the Priests lived in. They took the subway to campus which is really a big building in Brooklyn Heights. But one of the huge mistakes made by Brooklyn Son and well connected Brian Nash, is him listening to the wrong folks and not hiring Robert Holford who could have gotten him coach and get very good players to help him win games at a place not normally attractive to area players.
Marist picks up Drummond. Great program for this young man. He should have a very good career at Marist. Funny thing about big guys is they can often have better careers at programs in smaller conferences while guards who are outstanding on one level will often be as outstanding on any level with confidence and playing time. On the other hand a guard that struggles at the highest level could also struggle at a lower level. Not saying they are not good players. Just saying just because you were at a BE program and transfer to a MAAC program because of a lack of playing time does not mean you will automatically start. Big guys yes based on strength factor. Guards no because guards are everywhere including D2, and D3, with game.
Fordham is 2 and 8 with a few St. Anthony kids on board. Wow! I really thought the Rams of Fordham would be better. But I am sure they will get it together and the future is still bright for them.
Folks are still down on St. Johns. But I honestly still think they are in position to make minor noise this season and much more in the future. Not sure what has happened to Rob Thomas, but if he ever regains his health, and gets his confidence up, he could be a huge factor for them. This kid was a person we all felt was a future star! Coach Roberts is hanging in there and I hope he gets an opportunity to continue what he has started. By the way, I continue to get great reviews about the renovated arena.
According to message boards my beloved Teaneck HS lost to Bergen Catholic Sunday evening. Though I am disappointed, I remain optimistic about Teaneck future. But it is easy to beat public high school teams when you can recruit kids from 10 towns and two states as many Private and Catholic schools do. Go Teaneck!
I honestly feel Rutgers played this game very well and looked extremely well coached. I have to give credit where it is deserved. Fred Hill had his team prepared! They just did not have the power or talent to beat North Carolina, the number 1 team in America, on their home court. I would bet most teams in D1 basketball and even a few lower tier NBA teams would lose at the Dean Dome. So though it was not a moral victory, as many wish it to be, it was a great effort.
Let me just be a bit controversial again. I find it amusing how certain folks can do no wrong. I read on the RU board, which is a very good board I might add even though they get on my case, that Greg Echenique "Was A Man" on the court. What game were they watching? he had a nice solid freshmen type game and he shows flashes of potential. But 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 turn overs, and 5 fouls are hardly "Being A Man" on The Court type stats unless you mean man as in being of the Male persuasion. Nice player but come on call it for what it was, a nice effort!
Rutgers played well because they were well prepared and well coached on Sunday evening. They also played well because Anthony Farmer, JR Inman, and Corey Chandler played well. Those are the 3 guys who really will make a difference in BE games along with Mike Rosario, Greg Echenique, and The Big Fella who just needs to rebound and make layups and he will one day get paid well for playing the game. Rosario scored alot of points and had a good game. But it will get tougher as folks realize he rarely scores off the dribble. But again all the people mentioned were the difference in RU playing well despite the loss.
Other College Happenings
Looks as if St. Peters has a long road ahead based on a tougher than folks realize MAAC conference schedule. I can only imagine the crowds getting smaller and smaller in Jersey City for St. Peters games. Will the coaches survive? Would someone such as Bob Hurley want to coach there eventually based on it being Jersey City? Danny Hurley? Kevin Boyle? Not pushing current guys out, just wondering what would happen in the far or near future.
St. Joe's in Philly remains a favorite school of mine based on the great tradition and support they receive. They have a losing record but still draw 7500 to a game at the Palestra where they play home games this season while their on campus facility is being renovated and expanded. They were smart to increase seating by only 1000 to keep it tight and a true home court advantage.
St. Francis in Brooklyn has a real challenge with its D1 basketball team. I often wonder why schools like St. Francis and NJIT have D1 programs that they do not adequately fund. In fact I feel that way about most smaller D1 programs who draw 400 people to games and have no chance of ever winning a NCAA game. But in the case of St. Francis of Brooklyn, they also have no dorms, and kids at one time stayed at Bishop Ford HS in the building the Priests lived in. They took the subway to campus which is really a big building in Brooklyn Heights. But one of the huge mistakes made by Brooklyn Son and well connected Brian Nash, is him listening to the wrong folks and not hiring Robert Holford who could have gotten him coach and get very good players to help him win games at a place not normally attractive to area players.
Marist picks up Drummond. Great program for this young man. He should have a very good career at Marist. Funny thing about big guys is they can often have better careers at programs in smaller conferences while guards who are outstanding on one level will often be as outstanding on any level with confidence and playing time. On the other hand a guard that struggles at the highest level could also struggle at a lower level. Not saying they are not good players. Just saying just because you were at a BE program and transfer to a MAAC program because of a lack of playing time does not mean you will automatically start. Big guys yes based on strength factor. Guards no because guards are everywhere including D2, and D3, with game.
Fordham is 2 and 8 with a few St. Anthony kids on board. Wow! I really thought the Rams of Fordham would be better. But I am sure they will get it together and the future is still bright for them.
Folks are still down on St. Johns. But I honestly still think they are in position to make minor noise this season and much more in the future. Not sure what has happened to Rob Thomas, but if he ever regains his health, and gets his confidence up, he could be a huge factor for them. This kid was a person we all felt was a future star! Coach Roberts is hanging in there and I hope he gets an opportunity to continue what he has started. By the way, I continue to get great reviews about the renovated arena.
According to message boards my beloved Teaneck HS lost to Bergen Catholic Sunday evening. Though I am disappointed, I remain optimistic about Teaneck future. But it is easy to beat public high school teams when you can recruit kids from 10 towns and two states as many Private and Catholic schools do. Go Teaneck!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thoughts and Refections
Well today is a new day and time for aa new topic. Today I have chosen to recognize a great person from a town I lived in a few years ago.
One if the great things about having your own blog is you get to chose topics to write about. Today I have decided to talk about Teaneck, New Jersey. Teaneck is a wonderful town that has always (along with Montclare NJ) been a blue print for diversity. Teaneck was the first school district to voluntarily integrate the school system many years before it was considered the thing to do. As you drive through this beautiful town of tree lined streets and nice homes, you might notice that there is not really a "Bad Part." Now there are some parts more desirable than others, but nowhere is there a section that would be off limits. Just a nice place to raise kids with wonderful sports opportunities in every sport from baseball to soccer.
I write about Teaneck after attending my first Teaneck basketball game in over 4 years. I have been very down about this HS program I really love. The program talent had fallen off based on people in the town strongly encouraging kids to attend the area Catholic high schools as opposed to attending Teaneck HS. Years ago young 7th and 8th graders dreamed of playing at Teaneck for Coach Curtis March. Funny thing is many of the kids who choose to attend area Catholic schools were not wanted at those schools until the coaches saw the writing on the wall when Englewood, Teaneck, and Hackensack beat up on those schools on a regular basis. Now they are wanted with open arms. Well at least doors were open. But the kids at the Catholic schools and Public schools always respected each other. It was others keeping the doors closed.
Well on my way home from Connecticut I had to drive on route 287 which leads to route 80 and my home. I spoke with John Cano who really follows North Jersey hoops when he is not working at his full-time job as a Producer at NBA Entertainment. He informed me Teaneck was playing in the Indian Hills Holiday Tournament that day. I decided to take in the action and watch Teaneck. Walking into that Indian Hills gym really brought back memories.
I arrived after Englewood had lost to St. Joe's Regional. Boy times have changed. I still remember when St. Joe's was an automatic W for area teams. Than it was Teaneck taking the court against Passaic Tech. I was extremely impressed with what I saw. I saw two very good teams with strong guard play as Teaneck won a very exciting and close game. Both teams were uniformed with matching sneakers, warm-ups, etc. I Loved It! Plus both teams had talent.
But what I loved about Teaneck was the way they played. They were extremely un-selfish and moved the ball around to open players. Great shooters and passers with 2 or 3 who could be D1 players with exposure. One such player was Javae Gilcrest (I know I am spelling his name wrong and his Mom will kill me lol). This kid transferred back to his hometown HS, Teaneck, from Queen of Peace HS. I am telling you, this guy has game! Funny thing is you never know who knows who. I was just at a huge event in Pa. with his Mom 2 months ago. She came right up and asked what I was doing at the game. After explaining some history she asked me to spread the word about her son and the other players on the team. I told her I would and I am always keep my word.
Well this team is similar to a team years ago that featured Adie Edwards, Kasib Powell, and Marcel Williams. That team won the Group 4 Championship and could be one of the best teams with no one over 6 ft 4 in the states history. This team is very similar. I am sure they will lose a game or 2 or 3. But they still have a great chance of getting to the state finals in Group 3 based on terrific guard play from 4 to 6 guards. I just wonder what might have been the case if other Teaneck kids had stayed home as opposed to attending Patterson Catholic, St. Benedicts, St. Patrick's, Blair, etc. Just shows the talent coming out of that middle class town without a true hood lol.
The basketball is really good because of community involvement and the RODDA Rec Center with two great gyms and a youth league that is as good as any on the East Coast. This program has sent many kids to D1 and D2 basketball via Teaneck HS, and now some of the Catholic High Schools. The town and rec league even has NBA connections with ex player Tony Campbell, current NBA All Star David West (Who was on a Teaneck team so talented he was a bench player as a sophomore), NJ Nets Coach Lawrence Frank (Who played but I would bet also kept books in league), NBA Commissioner David Stern, and superstar agent Andy Miller. Teaneck has a rich history and now it seems they are back on track for a very productive season. I look forward to watching them play Bergen Catholic at Indian Hills on Sunday. Should be a very good game regardless of the final score.
With all this Teaneck reflecting I really need to acknowledge a person who meant so much to ALL the kids in Teaneck. He coached every sport with area youth. He was there for all the kids often driving at the speed of light to get home and work with his two sons. I am referring to Mr. Ralph Constantine. Ralph and his Wife Rita always were perfect role models for parents raising kids. They did wonderful things and the results speak for itself. One son graduated from Harvard University and the other son graduated from William Patterson. Both are outstanding human beings who are making a huge difference in society just as Ralph raised then to do. In fact Brandon, his youngest son is a area basketball coach who coaches on the college level if I remember correctly.
I was stunned to find out Ralph passed away to a better life. All I could do is reflect on what I remember about him. I remember a strong man who raised his kids right. He also took time to raise alot of other town kids in his own way. He never turned his back on anyone needing help. He coached little league baseball, helped in biddy basketball, was a strong advocate at the HS, and even at one time ran the township little league baseball program and made sure all kids were treated fairly.
As a hot headed parent, he was always a voice of reason for me. In fact I was a true idiot on many occasions and was almost legendary in Bergen County lol. I have learned from my mistakes and one of the people who made me see what I was doing wrong was Ralph Constantine. I think back to when our kids were 7th graders and learning the game. I think back about how Ralph said to me at my home as we discussed the options both my son and his son Brandon had for high school (and they were recruited), "Our Kids need To Be At Teaneck HS because that's the real world and a great school with wonderful diversity!" Because of this, they enrolled and had A GREAT ACADEMIC and Athletic experience.
Honestly I think I was a great dad to my son. But when it came to dads, Ralph was MVP of all dads and all the rest of us did not even qualify for 3rd team all league in comparison to him. Gosh I wished I could have told him what he meant to me and my son before he passed. Rest in peace Ralph. You did your thing and can feel proud of the great job you have done.
One if the great things about having your own blog is you get to chose topics to write about. Today I have decided to talk about Teaneck, New Jersey. Teaneck is a wonderful town that has always (along with Montclare NJ) been a blue print for diversity. Teaneck was the first school district to voluntarily integrate the school system many years before it was considered the thing to do. As you drive through this beautiful town of tree lined streets and nice homes, you might notice that there is not really a "Bad Part." Now there are some parts more desirable than others, but nowhere is there a section that would be off limits. Just a nice place to raise kids with wonderful sports opportunities in every sport from baseball to soccer.
I write about Teaneck after attending my first Teaneck basketball game in over 4 years. I have been very down about this HS program I really love. The program talent had fallen off based on people in the town strongly encouraging kids to attend the area Catholic high schools as opposed to attending Teaneck HS. Years ago young 7th and 8th graders dreamed of playing at Teaneck for Coach Curtis March. Funny thing is many of the kids who choose to attend area Catholic schools were not wanted at those schools until the coaches saw the writing on the wall when Englewood, Teaneck, and Hackensack beat up on those schools on a regular basis. Now they are wanted with open arms. Well at least doors were open. But the kids at the Catholic schools and Public schools always respected each other. It was others keeping the doors closed.
Well on my way home from Connecticut I had to drive on route 287 which leads to route 80 and my home. I spoke with John Cano who really follows North Jersey hoops when he is not working at his full-time job as a Producer at NBA Entertainment. He informed me Teaneck was playing in the Indian Hills Holiday Tournament that day. I decided to take in the action and watch Teaneck. Walking into that Indian Hills gym really brought back memories.
I arrived after Englewood had lost to St. Joe's Regional. Boy times have changed. I still remember when St. Joe's was an automatic W for area teams. Than it was Teaneck taking the court against Passaic Tech. I was extremely impressed with what I saw. I saw two very good teams with strong guard play as Teaneck won a very exciting and close game. Both teams were uniformed with matching sneakers, warm-ups, etc. I Loved It! Plus both teams had talent.
But what I loved about Teaneck was the way they played. They were extremely un-selfish and moved the ball around to open players. Great shooters and passers with 2 or 3 who could be D1 players with exposure. One such player was Javae Gilcrest (I know I am spelling his name wrong and his Mom will kill me lol). This kid transferred back to his hometown HS, Teaneck, from Queen of Peace HS. I am telling you, this guy has game! Funny thing is you never know who knows who. I was just at a huge event in Pa. with his Mom 2 months ago. She came right up and asked what I was doing at the game. After explaining some history she asked me to spread the word about her son and the other players on the team. I told her I would and I am always keep my word.
Well this team is similar to a team years ago that featured Adie Edwards, Kasib Powell, and Marcel Williams. That team won the Group 4 Championship and could be one of the best teams with no one over 6 ft 4 in the states history. This team is very similar. I am sure they will lose a game or 2 or 3. But they still have a great chance of getting to the state finals in Group 3 based on terrific guard play from 4 to 6 guards. I just wonder what might have been the case if other Teaneck kids had stayed home as opposed to attending Patterson Catholic, St. Benedicts, St. Patrick's, Blair, etc. Just shows the talent coming out of that middle class town without a true hood lol.
The basketball is really good because of community involvement and the RODDA Rec Center with two great gyms and a youth league that is as good as any on the East Coast. This program has sent many kids to D1 and D2 basketball via Teaneck HS, and now some of the Catholic High Schools. The town and rec league even has NBA connections with ex player Tony Campbell, current NBA All Star David West (Who was on a Teaneck team so talented he was a bench player as a sophomore), NJ Nets Coach Lawrence Frank (Who played but I would bet also kept books in league), NBA Commissioner David Stern, and superstar agent Andy Miller. Teaneck has a rich history and now it seems they are back on track for a very productive season. I look forward to watching them play Bergen Catholic at Indian Hills on Sunday. Should be a very good game regardless of the final score.
With all this Teaneck reflecting I really need to acknowledge a person who meant so much to ALL the kids in Teaneck. He coached every sport with area youth. He was there for all the kids often driving at the speed of light to get home and work with his two sons. I am referring to Mr. Ralph Constantine. Ralph and his Wife Rita always were perfect role models for parents raising kids. They did wonderful things and the results speak for itself. One son graduated from Harvard University and the other son graduated from William Patterson. Both are outstanding human beings who are making a huge difference in society just as Ralph raised then to do. In fact Brandon, his youngest son is a area basketball coach who coaches on the college level if I remember correctly.
I was stunned to find out Ralph passed away to a better life. All I could do is reflect on what I remember about him. I remember a strong man who raised his kids right. He also took time to raise alot of other town kids in his own way. He never turned his back on anyone needing help. He coached little league baseball, helped in biddy basketball, was a strong advocate at the HS, and even at one time ran the township little league baseball program and made sure all kids were treated fairly.
As a hot headed parent, he was always a voice of reason for me. In fact I was a true idiot on many occasions and was almost legendary in Bergen County lol. I have learned from my mistakes and one of the people who made me see what I was doing wrong was Ralph Constantine. I think back to when our kids were 7th graders and learning the game. I think back about how Ralph said to me at my home as we discussed the options both my son and his son Brandon had for high school (and they were recruited), "Our Kids need To Be At Teaneck HS because that's the real world and a great school with wonderful diversity!" Because of this, they enrolled and had A GREAT ACADEMIC and Athletic experience.
Honestly I think I was a great dad to my son. But when it came to dads, Ralph was MVP of all dads and all the rest of us did not even qualify for 3rd team all league in comparison to him. Gosh I wished I could have told him what he meant to me and my son before he passed. Rest in peace Ralph. You did your thing and can feel proud of the great job you have done.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong
I start today's post with a statement that ANYONE WHO CANNOT TAKE THE HEAT OF ME BEING CRITICAL NEEDS TO CLICK OFF THIS BLOG RIGHT NOW!
Now that I am left with the folks who really want to hear what I have to say let me start by saying I am so disappointed when I see kids put their trust in a university and a system and give there all only to be criticized in private and humiliated in public. I am so upset with what is happening at Rutgers. It is to the point that I am not sure what I can say when a few folks with kids being recruited ask my opinion on the program. Here is what is pissing me off.
JR Inman, Anthony Farmer, and Jeron Griffin all made a pact years ago to attend college in the state where they played HS basketball. Believe it or not they had other options yet they decided to invest in the State University of New Jersey. They were laughed at for that decision by many other players in the state. They faced great peer pressure about attending Rutgers. Yet they enrolled with the hope of being a part of a new beginning. Well this is a great case to show kids what loyalty will provide. It is a great case to me as a person who has pushed and pushed for kids to stay local as opposed to going away. How wrong I might have been.
The treatment received by Anthony Farmer, JR Inman, and even Jeron Griffin is
nothing short of embarrassing and wrong! This is the way I feel and if folks wish to disagree, and I know they will because Freddy can do no wrong at Rutgers as a NJ Son, they have a right to their opinion. But in this case it is so obvious what is happening. The treatment of these kids in regard to playing time, shots, ball touches, and treatment is almost criminal and straight out of the Movie "Blue Chips" minus the physical treatment the high level recruit received at the hands of the big walk-on the coach sent to beat on him during a one on one drill in an attempt to get him to quit.
Funny part is all 3 kids, along with Corey Chandler were considered the future at Rutgers at some point. They all could have transferred yet none did. They hung around believing in Fred Hill much more than he seems to believe in them. Are they perfect? No! Are they young men still in need of development and guidance? Yes! Is this happening? No!
Does anyone actually feel Mike Coburn, and Earl Pettis are better than Inman and Farmer? Heck no and we who follow basketball know they both were recruited based on getting some decent players with some sort of name. Mike Coburn did not have alot of options. If he did I am not sure he would have chose Rutgers. He was at a game years back to see Pitt because they had a HS teammate of his. I am sure he did not have the options that Farmer had. Yet Farmer is his back-up? Mike is a solid player and an asset to RU. But farmer he is not! Pettis was a bench player at his prep school. Not a bad player, just a solid kid who should be getting 12 minutes at the BE level at a school like RU. Yet he plays over JR Inman who has averaged double figures over the past 3 years? Please! And if anyone believes JR is this bad apple they are so mistaken. He might have made a mistake or two and maybe 3 by attending Rutgers, but he is far from a bad seed or apple. Chandler? No need to even comment about his career at RU thus far. He took major abuse by attending Rutgers. He did it with more options than ANYONE on the RU roster. He loved FHJ and his State University. Now he backs up guys he clearly is better than.
I look at the minutes the four of them played against NJIT and became very upset. This was a game not only for the highly rated freshmen, but a game to get these guys on track for the BE season. yet they play behind these kids and barely get touches.
Now I am a TRUE DANNY and BOB HURLEY Fan. Trust me! But I will also say I have watched them enough to know they are not easily fooled. And if folks think that by kissing the butts of players from St. Ben's and St. Anthony's will make them become Rutgers feeder schools they are wrong. These guys are watching what is happening as much as anyone else. So are other coaches I know. And they are watching how players can go from double figure guys to bench guys as Seniors. I can only imagine what is being said by RU coaches when this comes up in home and school visits. I have been in such visits in the past years with various college coaches.
Why should anyone believe in a program that takes starters who had at the least honorable mention all BE potential and bury them on the bench making them lose confidence and the desire to compete and play? When a kid starts for 3 years and than get his time cut in half with very little encouragement it speaks volumes. Funny thing they were all warned this might happen. I knew JR was going to have a senior year like this. But now it is too late for the FIG class. I guess the kids that transferred saw the writing on the wall.
Now allow me to be clear about one thing. I am not saying Rosario and Greg E are not good players. They are. But I also think they arrived with privileges from day 1. I also think they chose the right school for their freshmen year because anything can happen in years 2,3, and 4 as you can see with FIG. They also chose RU because they knew they would get playing time THEY WOULD NOT have gotten at Duke or similar programs. Smart of them!
I also want to talk about Griffin shaking his head about entering the game against NJIT. He was wrong but I understand. He has been relegated to the bench and against the worst team in D1 was humiliated by the playing time he was going to get. Wrong, wrong, wrong of the RU coaching staff's part. It is the old what have you done for me lately syndrome.
Well the BE season and the NC game are upon us. Rutgers has a good record to date after playing one of the worst and easiest pre conference schedules in the history of the Big East. Looks good at this point. Here is what looks bad. Player development, home attendance, commitment to excellence, and putting team in position to have excuses for up-coming loses based on YOUNG PLAYERS! Smooth!
Well as I mentioned FIG is done after this season. Wonder what type of reception they will receive on Senior Night? Will folks applaud or continue to hurl insults as they do now forgetting the commitment these 3 kids on track to graduate made when they choose RU! We will see and in the meantime when folks find fault they should always remember and attempt to see what is going on mentally with these kids. A true sad situation camouflaged by a win loss record that does not paint an accurate picture of the program.
Lastly. This is not as much a criticism of coaching and recruiting. It is more about human behavior and the treatment of young men. Believe it or not I have always been a supporter of Fred Hill Jr. But I am now just so disappointed in his behavior towards kids who are part of his program. I am stunned at what has happened despite the won and loss record!
Now that I am left with the folks who really want to hear what I have to say let me start by saying I am so disappointed when I see kids put their trust in a university and a system and give there all only to be criticized in private and humiliated in public. I am so upset with what is happening at Rutgers. It is to the point that I am not sure what I can say when a few folks with kids being recruited ask my opinion on the program. Here is what is pissing me off.
JR Inman, Anthony Farmer, and Jeron Griffin all made a pact years ago to attend college in the state where they played HS basketball. Believe it or not they had other options yet they decided to invest in the State University of New Jersey. They were laughed at for that decision by many other players in the state. They faced great peer pressure about attending Rutgers. Yet they enrolled with the hope of being a part of a new beginning. Well this is a great case to show kids what loyalty will provide. It is a great case to me as a person who has pushed and pushed for kids to stay local as opposed to going away. How wrong I might have been.
The treatment received by Anthony Farmer, JR Inman, and even Jeron Griffin is
nothing short of embarrassing and wrong! This is the way I feel and if folks wish to disagree, and I know they will because Freddy can do no wrong at Rutgers as a NJ Son, they have a right to their opinion. But in this case it is so obvious what is happening. The treatment of these kids in regard to playing time, shots, ball touches, and treatment is almost criminal and straight out of the Movie "Blue Chips" minus the physical treatment the high level recruit received at the hands of the big walk-on the coach sent to beat on him during a one on one drill in an attempt to get him to quit.
Funny part is all 3 kids, along with Corey Chandler were considered the future at Rutgers at some point. They all could have transferred yet none did. They hung around believing in Fred Hill much more than he seems to believe in them. Are they perfect? No! Are they young men still in need of development and guidance? Yes! Is this happening? No!
Does anyone actually feel Mike Coburn, and Earl Pettis are better than Inman and Farmer? Heck no and we who follow basketball know they both were recruited based on getting some decent players with some sort of name. Mike Coburn did not have alot of options. If he did I am not sure he would have chose Rutgers. He was at a game years back to see Pitt because they had a HS teammate of his. I am sure he did not have the options that Farmer had. Yet Farmer is his back-up? Mike is a solid player and an asset to RU. But farmer he is not! Pettis was a bench player at his prep school. Not a bad player, just a solid kid who should be getting 12 minutes at the BE level at a school like RU. Yet he plays over JR Inman who has averaged double figures over the past 3 years? Please! And if anyone believes JR is this bad apple they are so mistaken. He might have made a mistake or two and maybe 3 by attending Rutgers, but he is far from a bad seed or apple. Chandler? No need to even comment about his career at RU thus far. He took major abuse by attending Rutgers. He did it with more options than ANYONE on the RU roster. He loved FHJ and his State University. Now he backs up guys he clearly is better than.
I look at the minutes the four of them played against NJIT and became very upset. This was a game not only for the highly rated freshmen, but a game to get these guys on track for the BE season. yet they play behind these kids and barely get touches.
Now I am a TRUE DANNY and BOB HURLEY Fan. Trust me! But I will also say I have watched them enough to know they are not easily fooled. And if folks think that by kissing the butts of players from St. Ben's and St. Anthony's will make them become Rutgers feeder schools they are wrong. These guys are watching what is happening as much as anyone else. So are other coaches I know. And they are watching how players can go from double figure guys to bench guys as Seniors. I can only imagine what is being said by RU coaches when this comes up in home and school visits. I have been in such visits in the past years with various college coaches.
Why should anyone believe in a program that takes starters who had at the least honorable mention all BE potential and bury them on the bench making them lose confidence and the desire to compete and play? When a kid starts for 3 years and than get his time cut in half with very little encouragement it speaks volumes. Funny thing they were all warned this might happen. I knew JR was going to have a senior year like this. But now it is too late for the FIG class. I guess the kids that transferred saw the writing on the wall.
Now allow me to be clear about one thing. I am not saying Rosario and Greg E are not good players. They are. But I also think they arrived with privileges from day 1. I also think they chose the right school for their freshmen year because anything can happen in years 2,3, and 4 as you can see with FIG. They also chose RU because they knew they would get playing time THEY WOULD NOT have gotten at Duke or similar programs. Smart of them!
I also want to talk about Griffin shaking his head about entering the game against NJIT. He was wrong but I understand. He has been relegated to the bench and against the worst team in D1 was humiliated by the playing time he was going to get. Wrong, wrong, wrong of the RU coaching staff's part. It is the old what have you done for me lately syndrome.
Well the BE season and the NC game are upon us. Rutgers has a good record to date after playing one of the worst and easiest pre conference schedules in the history of the Big East. Looks good at this point. Here is what looks bad. Player development, home attendance, commitment to excellence, and putting team in position to have excuses for up-coming loses based on YOUNG PLAYERS! Smooth!
Well as I mentioned FIG is done after this season. Wonder what type of reception they will receive on Senior Night? Will folks applaud or continue to hurl insults as they do now forgetting the commitment these 3 kids on track to graduate made when they choose RU! We will see and in the meantime when folks find fault they should always remember and attempt to see what is going on mentally with these kids. A true sad situation camouflaged by a win loss record that does not paint an accurate picture of the program.
Lastly. This is not as much a criticism of coaching and recruiting. It is more about human behavior and the treatment of young men. Believe it or not I have always been a supporter of Fred Hill Jr. But I am now just so disappointed in his behavior towards kids who are part of his program. I am stunned at what has happened despite the won and loss record!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
My Thoughts 2 Days Before Christmas
Many will disagree but that is the story of my life. I am one very misunderstood guy....... at least to me lol.
But here are my thoughts on a few items locally.
Seton Hall Loses to James Madison
This was a hard game for Seton Hall because playing away at a Mid Major program can be tough. My question is why did they even schedule this game ? But the harm is done and the Hall has now lost two games to teams they should have beat on paper. But at least we know who James Madison University is. Who are they? JMU is the university located in Ralph Sampson's home town. JMU is the university you see on your way down to Charlotte NC or Georgia. JMU is the place where the old Future Stars Basketball Camp was held each summer. But best of all, JMU is the ex D2 school that became good some years ago with very aggressive recruiting and a place where local NJ Legend Ken Culuko (sp) from Mahwah NJ choose over St. Johns, RU, and SHU.
James Madison has history, but still should not beat SHU. Everyone shares in this defeat. The person who scheduled a big city BE Team for an away game at a mid major. The coaching staff for not getting it done. Yes they have to take some blame. The kids on the team for not getting it done on the court. Yes it is another bad loss but not the end of the world. Who besides the selection committee will remember the loses against IUPUI and James Madison at the end of the season? Well I guess many who read the boards and follow college basketball!
But honestly, this season at SHU is only the pre season for next year. I know fans want to win now! And they should as should the team and coaches. but with a short bench, and three impact players sitting out, next year will be the no excuse season for everyone. SHU wins both IUPUI and JMU games by double figures with the players sitting out.
lastly on SHU. Everyone knows about the AD and Basketball conflicts at SHU. I have even heard one prominent local basketball person who has the ear of a few HS stars say he would not send a kid to SHU based on the turmoil he thinks is on the campus. He also mentions lack of big men developing as a reason not to encourage kids to consider the school. But same guy said he would not send kids to Rutgers either based on issues I will not even get into on here. At least at this time or until they piss me off lol.
SHU will never be all they can with the internal conflicts happening that discourages kids from considering school there. Rutgers with a new AD coming could shake things up quite a bit as well. This season has turned into quite a story in regards to the future of both programs.
Area Mid Major Programs
A few coaching friends of mine who read this blog asked why I rarely discuss the smaller D1 programs in the area. So here goes a quick overview of a few.
As I look at them I really see they are way down. Will Manhattan ever get it together? Is the HC more of a recruiter than a HC? By the way I am talking about Manhattan lol. What's the deal with Iona? Where are the alums who helped past coaches get it done? Or is it just the market is so bad on Wall Street they have no time. But I remember Iona being a great place to attend and the games in the 3200 seat gym were special. How about Fordham? I think Derrick Whittinberg (sp) could have gotten bigger jobs after last season. Wonder if he has any regrets. Great guy who will get it done at Fordham. What has happened to Tom Picorra? Remember him? he was the guy SHU wanted badly based on Jay Wright's success at Villanova. Many figured he would leave Hofstra and make SHU a power similar to the job Jay has done. Tom is still a good coach and continues to do a solid if not spectacular job at Hofstra. Marist seems to have a good one in Chuckie Martin who has always been a players coach. Loved watching him pat kids on the back and encourage them during the blowout loss to SJU in the Holiday Festival at The Garden. FDU has a great coach in Tom Green and a great Assistant in Ron Brown. But it is hard when a college has zero marketing in an area that should have thousands of fans coming to games. It is so odd watching these guys in past years play in front of 250 people. And they were pretty good and very well coached. When I lived in the area it was a great place for me to watch games. LIU will never ever get the magic back. They could hire John Calipari and Rick Pitino together and it would not be as great as it was when Ray Haskins was the coach there. In fact, the new gym should be called Ray Haskins Court because he built it along with his than assistant Julius Allen. Ray gave opportunities to many including small sports companies trying to do business on the college level. LI WHO?
Lets turn to St. Peters or shall I call it St. Anthony's JV? Sorry!!! But that's a joke in some basketball circles because St. Peters is the 2nd most popular team in Jersey City. They need to get it done by next season or you might see a few guys looking for positions at SHU again. How about Rider and the New Field house they are building? Are they? Seems I saw the plans about 6 years ago. Monmouth will always be solid but this year they seem a bit down. Great place to attend based on being near beaches and the shore. Every weekend in spring is spring break.
Quick story about fan support at games and HS interest level. I still remember coaching at Westchester Community College years ago after I finished grad school. We had a game at Glouster Community College in South Jersey. The coach was Fang Mitchell who went on to Coppin University. Well the prelim game was Camden against somebody. We walked in and the gym was jam packed. About 2500 people. Our kids got psyched as they watched the game waiting to take the court. Milt Wagner and Billy Thompson were the Camden stars. Well we went to the locker room to change and our kids were eager to get it done in front of such a large crowd. Well as they ran to take the court we noticed the gym went from 2500 to 26 people. They all left after the Camden game. Shows how popular HS basketball can be in the Garden State.
But here are my thoughts on a few items locally.
Seton Hall Loses to James Madison
This was a hard game for Seton Hall because playing away at a Mid Major program can be tough. My question is why did they even schedule this game ? But the harm is done and the Hall has now lost two games to teams they should have beat on paper. But at least we know who James Madison University is. Who are they? JMU is the university located in Ralph Sampson's home town. JMU is the university you see on your way down to Charlotte NC or Georgia. JMU is the place where the old Future Stars Basketball Camp was held each summer. But best of all, JMU is the ex D2 school that became good some years ago with very aggressive recruiting and a place where local NJ Legend Ken Culuko (sp) from Mahwah NJ choose over St. Johns, RU, and SHU.
James Madison has history, but still should not beat SHU. Everyone shares in this defeat. The person who scheduled a big city BE Team for an away game at a mid major. The coaching staff for not getting it done. Yes they have to take some blame. The kids on the team for not getting it done on the court. Yes it is another bad loss but not the end of the world. Who besides the selection committee will remember the loses against IUPUI and James Madison at the end of the season? Well I guess many who read the boards and follow college basketball!
But honestly, this season at SHU is only the pre season for next year. I know fans want to win now! And they should as should the team and coaches. but with a short bench, and three impact players sitting out, next year will be the no excuse season for everyone. SHU wins both IUPUI and JMU games by double figures with the players sitting out.
lastly on SHU. Everyone knows about the AD and Basketball conflicts at SHU. I have even heard one prominent local basketball person who has the ear of a few HS stars say he would not send a kid to SHU based on the turmoil he thinks is on the campus. He also mentions lack of big men developing as a reason not to encourage kids to consider the school. But same guy said he would not send kids to Rutgers either based on issues I will not even get into on here. At least at this time or until they piss me off lol.
SHU will never be all they can with the internal conflicts happening that discourages kids from considering school there. Rutgers with a new AD coming could shake things up quite a bit as well. This season has turned into quite a story in regards to the future of both programs.
Area Mid Major Programs
A few coaching friends of mine who read this blog asked why I rarely discuss the smaller D1 programs in the area. So here goes a quick overview of a few.
As I look at them I really see they are way down. Will Manhattan ever get it together? Is the HC more of a recruiter than a HC? By the way I am talking about Manhattan lol. What's the deal with Iona? Where are the alums who helped past coaches get it done? Or is it just the market is so bad on Wall Street they have no time. But I remember Iona being a great place to attend and the games in the 3200 seat gym were special. How about Fordham? I think Derrick Whittinberg (sp) could have gotten bigger jobs after last season. Wonder if he has any regrets. Great guy who will get it done at Fordham. What has happened to Tom Picorra? Remember him? he was the guy SHU wanted badly based on Jay Wright's success at Villanova. Many figured he would leave Hofstra and make SHU a power similar to the job Jay has done. Tom is still a good coach and continues to do a solid if not spectacular job at Hofstra. Marist seems to have a good one in Chuckie Martin who has always been a players coach. Loved watching him pat kids on the back and encourage them during the blowout loss to SJU in the Holiday Festival at The Garden. FDU has a great coach in Tom Green and a great Assistant in Ron Brown. But it is hard when a college has zero marketing in an area that should have thousands of fans coming to games. It is so odd watching these guys in past years play in front of 250 people. And they were pretty good and very well coached. When I lived in the area it was a great place for me to watch games. LIU will never ever get the magic back. They could hire John Calipari and Rick Pitino together and it would not be as great as it was when Ray Haskins was the coach there. In fact, the new gym should be called Ray Haskins Court because he built it along with his than assistant Julius Allen. Ray gave opportunities to many including small sports companies trying to do business on the college level. LI WHO?
Lets turn to St. Peters or shall I call it St. Anthony's JV? Sorry!!! But that's a joke in some basketball circles because St. Peters is the 2nd most popular team in Jersey City. They need to get it done by next season or you might see a few guys looking for positions at SHU again. How about Rider and the New Field house they are building? Are they? Seems I saw the plans about 6 years ago. Monmouth will always be solid but this year they seem a bit down. Great place to attend based on being near beaches and the shore. Every weekend in spring is spring break.
Quick story about fan support at games and HS interest level. I still remember coaching at Westchester Community College years ago after I finished grad school. We had a game at Glouster Community College in South Jersey. The coach was Fang Mitchell who went on to Coppin University. Well the prelim game was Camden against somebody. We walked in and the gym was jam packed. About 2500 people. Our kids got psyched as they watched the game waiting to take the court. Milt Wagner and Billy Thompson were the Camden stars. Well we went to the locker room to change and our kids were eager to get it done in front of such a large crowd. Well as they ran to take the court we noticed the gym went from 2500 to 26 people. They all left after the Camden game. Shows how popular HS basketball can be in the Garden State.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Wow!!!
I have always said I am an equal opportunity guy and say it only as I SEE IT! Well what happened to Seton Hall University on Saturday at HOME? How does any Big East Team, with top 125 ranked players who are heavy recruited nationally lose to a team with top 400 nationally recruited players? Are you kidding me? Did IUPUI actually feel they would win prior to the first few minutes of the game? I doubt it! They were just looking forward to playing a BE team to enhance their schedule. After all it is very attractive FOR LOW D1 programs to have BE, ACC, PAC 10 and SEC teams on the schedule. They often shy away from Big 10 teams because they usually are way to physical for a low D1 school such as St. Peters to compete with.
What the heck happened? Was it the technical fouls? Coaching? Players? Maybe the IUPUI team was just a better team? OK let me stop on that bogus note. The technical fouls were foolish, especially the warm-up one by Mike Davis. The rule says no dunking in warm-ups. Follow the rule! But as most will say, games are lost over a 40 minute period and single plays or incidents rarely cause loses.
How about the coaching. Well even coaches have off nights and I am not sure this happened because I was not there. But it is the responsibility of the Head Coach and his Assistants to have the team prepared to play and compete hard every game. It is his responsibility to put the team in position to win. Not sure if this happened from the stories, message boards, and stat lines.
Now the players. College basketball players need to have a sense of pride. They are on scholarship to play basketball and for that they do not have to work to pay tuition, room and board, and books. They also receive tons of free gear, get to travel, and play the game they love in nice arenas for the most part. All they have to do is stay focused. I am not sure that happened yesterday. From the stats it looks to me that the players were not focused. That is one of the reasons for the technical foul in warm-ups. If I was a gambling man, which I am not, I would bet some of the players had something totally different on their mind the Friday night, a night that should have been used preparing for the Saturday game. How does Eugene Harvey, who has borderline pro potential, and Walters have stat lines like they did? If I did not know better I would think they were with some coeds the night before. But I am sure that could not have happened because they most likely stayed as a team at a hotel nearby preparing for the game. Well at least I hope they do this. But even then, funny things happen lol. Maybe they just stayed up all night in the hotel talking hoops because they were excited about playing a team like IUPUI at the Pru Center. But the bottom line is THEY SHOULD HAVE WON THIS GAME and all games against low D1 competition. NO EXCUSES!
Now the competition. I would think there are enough local schools to play against. Why bring in that Midwestern power IUPUI? What does a win against them do anyway? It is a no win situation. If you win you were supposed to win. If you lose it looks like the end of the world. Loses against teams like Fordham, Hofstra, Penn, St. Joes, Drexal, Iona, Siena, etc. would be much easier to swallow. Why not play those teams out of conference? But IUPUI? Give me a break! By the way who are they really and what does IUPUI stand for?
Coaching? I guess it is time to start looking for a new coach? PLEASE STOP! It is one game and not the end of the world! SHU and RU are good to go for the next few years with the coaches they have in place as Head Coaches. I think Bobby has SHU on the right track as does FHJ, especially if he listens to Danny Nee. I honestly feel no one out there could do a better job at SHU and RU than they will in TIME. I look back at the firing of Fran Frachillo (sp) at St. Johns. I am positive that right now St. Johns would be a nationally ranked team selling out at home and the Garden if Fran was still the coach. Sometimes we tend to cut our noses to spite our faces. Bobby and and coaches like FHJ deserve time because they are great fits who just need to grow into the positions they have a bit more. But now let me say a few things about FHJ.
I see Rutgers won big yesterday against Bryant College. A great academic institution in New England. Good for them. But again why this game? What a BS opponent! But RU did win.
Now looking at the box score It looks like it was another line-up change. Those who were there would know better than me but I always thought the first 5 guys listed were the starters. Now if this was the case I have to wonder why they went back to the younger starters, especially against such weak comp. UMMMMMMMMMM? Wonder if anyone complained lol?
This also would have been a great game to work on getting the big fella lots of touches down low. I could never understand why coaches do not utilize these type of games to work with players struggling. Those needing more confidence, down low work, shooting, etc. What often happens is guys just play for stats. Memp to Rutgers: This game should not even take place and player stats sgainst a D2 team turning into D1 are not impressive. Get those numbers against Georgetown, UConn, Louisville, and Syracuse. Heck get those numbers against Providence, ND, and South Florida.
I still think as an outsider looking in that JR Inman, The Big Fella, and Corey Chandler need playing time, touches, and shots for RU to be productive in the BE season. But maybe RU just wants to go with the youth movement and that would also make fans accept another losing season much easier.
What the heck happened? Was it the technical fouls? Coaching? Players? Maybe the IUPUI team was just a better team? OK let me stop on that bogus note. The technical fouls were foolish, especially the warm-up one by Mike Davis. The rule says no dunking in warm-ups. Follow the rule! But as most will say, games are lost over a 40 minute period and single plays or incidents rarely cause loses.
How about the coaching. Well even coaches have off nights and I am not sure this happened because I was not there. But it is the responsibility of the Head Coach and his Assistants to have the team prepared to play and compete hard every game. It is his responsibility to put the team in position to win. Not sure if this happened from the stories, message boards, and stat lines.
Now the players. College basketball players need to have a sense of pride. They are on scholarship to play basketball and for that they do not have to work to pay tuition, room and board, and books. They also receive tons of free gear, get to travel, and play the game they love in nice arenas for the most part. All they have to do is stay focused. I am not sure that happened yesterday. From the stats it looks to me that the players were not focused. That is one of the reasons for the technical foul in warm-ups. If I was a gambling man, which I am not, I would bet some of the players had something totally different on their mind the Friday night, a night that should have been used preparing for the Saturday game. How does Eugene Harvey, who has borderline pro potential, and Walters have stat lines like they did? If I did not know better I would think they were with some coeds the night before. But I am sure that could not have happened because they most likely stayed as a team at a hotel nearby preparing for the game. Well at least I hope they do this. But even then, funny things happen lol. Maybe they just stayed up all night in the hotel talking hoops because they were excited about playing a team like IUPUI at the Pru Center. But the bottom line is THEY SHOULD HAVE WON THIS GAME and all games against low D1 competition. NO EXCUSES!
Now the competition. I would think there are enough local schools to play against. Why bring in that Midwestern power IUPUI? What does a win against them do anyway? It is a no win situation. If you win you were supposed to win. If you lose it looks like the end of the world. Loses against teams like Fordham, Hofstra, Penn, St. Joes, Drexal, Iona, Siena, etc. would be much easier to swallow. Why not play those teams out of conference? But IUPUI? Give me a break! By the way who are they really and what does IUPUI stand for?
Coaching? I guess it is time to start looking for a new coach? PLEASE STOP! It is one game and not the end of the world! SHU and RU are good to go for the next few years with the coaches they have in place as Head Coaches. I think Bobby has SHU on the right track as does FHJ, especially if he listens to Danny Nee. I honestly feel no one out there could do a better job at SHU and RU than they will in TIME. I look back at the firing of Fran Frachillo (sp) at St. Johns. I am positive that right now St. Johns would be a nationally ranked team selling out at home and the Garden if Fran was still the coach. Sometimes we tend to cut our noses to spite our faces. Bobby and and coaches like FHJ deserve time because they are great fits who just need to grow into the positions they have a bit more. But now let me say a few things about FHJ.
I see Rutgers won big yesterday against Bryant College. A great academic institution in New England. Good for them. But again why this game? What a BS opponent! But RU did win.
Now looking at the box score It looks like it was another line-up change. Those who were there would know better than me but I always thought the first 5 guys listed were the starters. Now if this was the case I have to wonder why they went back to the younger starters, especially against such weak comp. UMMMMMMMMMM? Wonder if anyone complained lol?
This also would have been a great game to work on getting the big fella lots of touches down low. I could never understand why coaches do not utilize these type of games to work with players struggling. Those needing more confidence, down low work, shooting, etc. What often happens is guys just play for stats. Memp to Rutgers: This game should not even take place and player stats sgainst a D2 team turning into D1 are not impressive. Get those numbers against Georgetown, UConn, Louisville, and Syracuse. Heck get those numbers against Providence, ND, and South Florida.
I still think as an outsider looking in that JR Inman, The Big Fella, and Corey Chandler need playing time, touches, and shots for RU to be productive in the BE season. But maybe RU just wants to go with the youth movement and that would also make fans accept another losing season much easier.
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