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September 3rd,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
St. John’s
Red Storm
Overall Rank:
#69
Conference
Rank: #10 Big East
2005-06:
12-15, 5-11, 13th (t)
2005-06
postseason: none
Coach Norm
Roberts needed a few years to turn around the
St. John’s
program. Heading into year three, expectations are rightfully
higher and, while Red Storm fans can happily look to the future,
the present won’t be too bad either.
Who’s Out:
The
Johnnies only lose a few roleplayers from last years 5-11
squad. The most important is Cedric Jackson, who started ten
games before opting to transfer. Fellow guard Jermaine Maybank
is looking for a new school after graduating from St. John’s
with one year of eligibility remaining. Forwards Phil Missere
and Ryan Williams were in the regular rotation during their
senior campaigns and provided some quality minutes off of the
bench.
Who’s In:
Good things
are happening again with the recruiting in Jamaica, New York.
This is a solid class that has tons of shooters ready to come in
and make an impact. Junior College transfer Avery Patterson
averaged over 20 points per game at Iowa Western Community
College last year and is expected to provide a smooth shooting
spark off of the bench. Derwin Kitchen is an explosive combo
guard who will be fun to watch for years to come. Larry Wright
will have to wait his turn on the wing, but he has a great shot
and the Michigander has the skills to help out St. John’s in the
future. While the outside shooting aspect of the game is
covered for a few years, it is the incoming power forwards that
have fans most excited. Qa’rraan Calhoun can play either
forward spot at 6-7 and 220 pounds. He is a magnificent
athlete, a solid post defender and a great shot blocker. The
ball handling and outside shot could use a little improvement to
be effective on the wing, but don’t be surprised if that doesn’t
take very long to happen. At 6-6, Rob Thomas is undersized for
a power forward, but he has proven to be extremely useful in the
paint. Thomas can step out and hit the jumper and is a fine
rebounder. Academic issues leave his eligibility for the
2006-2007 season in question, but if able to play, Thomas will
be a fine addition to the frontcourt.
Who to Watch:
When
healthy, Daryll Hill is a proven scorer. Two years ago he
averaged 20.7 points per game and, in limited action last year,
the 6-0 senior averaged 12.2 points. The backcourt leader needs
to be healthy to keep things under control on the perimeter,
although there is talent surrounding Hill if he needs to spend
some more time on the sidelines. Point guard Eugene Lawrence
averaged 9.3 points and 4.9 assists last year and sophomore
Ricky Torres showed some promise as a freshman.
Final
Projection:
Anthony Mason
Jr., Lamont Hamilton and Aaron Spears are an experienced and
underappreciated starting group of frontcourt players. With
depth like Tomas Jasiulionis available, the
frontcourt could turn into the team’s strength. There is no
reason to believe this team won’t make the Big East tournament
and the NIT. A few lucky bounces and we could be looking at a
squad that will have something to watch for on Selection Sunday.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected
Starting Five:
Eugene Lawrence,
Junior, Guard, 9.3 points per game
Daryll Hill,
Senior, Guard, 12.2 points per game
Anthony Mason,
Jr., Sophomore, Forward, 8.4 points per game
Lamont Hamilton,
Senior, Forward, 12.6 points per game
Aaron Spears,
Senior, Center, 7.2 points per game
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