Love our chance

[jajk]

to finish much higher than many are projecting next season . It is true that we are a losing a helluva lot of minutes , scoring and rebounding as many of those projecting us to finish seven , eight or nine are spouting . BUT we are returning four players in Darius , Steve, Yvon and Brandon who are players . What other MAAC team is returning four players who played significant minutes in winning a MAAC tourney and playing in an NCAA game . The answer is none . ( I realize that siena is doing so on the surface but those players did zilch in the tourneys and they proved this past season that the experience was meaningless for them . )

The qualities that I most appreciate about these four guys and assure that we will be competitive in almost every MAAC game is that they are tough and they have the talent and the desire to play D for forty . Fans of other MAAC teams will have many opportunities to whine again about the Peacocks' defense .The maturing of the four and their playing time this season will also lead to big jumps in their offensive capabilities .There is not a returning big in the MAAC that I like more than Darius in terms of the threat that he will pose on the offensive end . Yvon will slash and finish with the best in the league before his career is over . Steve has as much potential for all-around play out of the 2/3 slots as any returning MAAC player . I fully expect Brandon to lift his game on the offensive end after his first year of playing any significant minutes .

Fun facts about St. Peter's and Iona :

Jack Hill has more rebounds in an NCAA game than Optimus Prime does .

Kelsey Grant has more points and rebounds in an NCAA game than Optimus Prime has .

In the MAAC finals , Iona had all the advantages coming to the game . On the first day , we had beaten Loyola , the toughest team by far that the four contenders would face . The Gaels beat a soft team that had played the night before . On the second day we had to beat the number one seed on their court . Our guys did in an emotional game . Iona had an easy game against a team that had played a game that had finished at midnight and was totally undermanned due to injuries and a suspension . What better circumstances for the Gael players and fans who thought the NCAAs were their destiny . But ten minutes into the game , the Iona players looked like they did not know what hit them . Eight players hit them . Four of them will be back next year to do it again .

[oldtimer1]

jajk...I laugh at those idiots on the MAAC board who say our cupboard is bare and that we will be a PIG team next year. While it is way too early to speculate, we do have many of the pieces in place. The names you mentioned (Samuels, Raymond and Hall) already give us an above average backcout.Add Fulton and we may have the best and deepest backcout in the league. The wildcard is Chris Prescott. I've seen him play and while it will be very difficult to take Wesley's place (indeed a heresy) this kid does have that chance.

And don't forget about Chris Burke. The kid is a natural scorer who can drive, shoot and rebound...very underrated. The missing pieces arre of course, the "bigs". Who the staff gets (or does not) will determine if we will be top tier or mid-pack. Coster will also help and give depth up front.

Just look at some other teams. Canisius loses 4/5 starters with no replacements in sight. Siena returns so-so to poor players. Fairfield should be very good again but I have questions about Iona if Glover leaves. Without him they are mid-pack. With him, the team to beat. My question is will he leave? He's older (24 ?), just had a great year with some National recognition and prime for big bucks in Europe. What does he gain by staying and what risk does he take by not signing somewhere while he's a hot commodity? Have no idea but what he decides will be interesting.

[peacockblue]

Agree with oldtimer that it's way to early to speculate. However, the number that jumps out at me is we lose nearly 75% of our scoring for next year . The four players jajk mentions (along with Burke) were tremendous role players for us in our run to a MAAC Championship. It's yet to be seen if they can carry the team or play a bigger role when they are not the 4th or 5th options on the court. As for Brandon, he did a very good job for us in the role he was asked to play, but I don't see him doing much more than what he did this year- he missed the rim on both jump shots he took in MAAC/NCAA tournament. Not say he's not valuable, but no matter how many shots a player practices, sometimes he's just not a shooter (Akeem Gooding)

With the four seniors we are losing, we finished no higher than 4th in the regular season- we played our best basketball in March when it counted most so where we finished in the regular season doesn't matter in the big picture... but it's relevant for this argument. As jajk points out, Iona had a lot of advantages going into Monday night and we still beat them in probably the best game SPC has played in a decade- at the very least in the JD era. But putting Jack Hill or Kelsey Grant into the same sentence as Glover because they played garbage minutes in the NCAA tournament is silly. Your point is taken that we've been to an NCAA and these Iona players haven't, but I would rather return the majority of my starters when looking forward to next year. (The same argument was true for us going into this year.)

With all that said, I think Prescott and Fulton will be the keys to next year- both are wildcards in my opinion. We've yet to see how Fulton's game translates to the college level and how much can be expected from a freshman? Prescott has a year of rust and put up below average numbers for a poor team before he transfered. I don't see Steve and Yvon being on the court at the same time a lot next year- I think we would give up too much in ball handling. I would think our run to the NCAA tournament gives us a much greater chance at landing a big that can play significant minutes for us next year but that is yet to be seen.

[JohnGalt]

Hate to dampen further the enthusiasm gernerated by the tourney win, but I believe we face a major challenge just reaching mid league next year. While the perimeter people back and new arrivals look promising, the obvious concern is with the front. Other than Conley, who will be relied upon to step up offensively and give at least 30 minutes, we have NO ONE that has shown or is in sight that can give us hope inside. Costner, if physically ready, is more comfortable outside, Tucker, if available, is untested and undersized, and Hill, if he is on the court more than 10 minutes, will give further confirmation that we have nothing more to offer inside. It may sound amusing to some, but as the roster now stands, Yvon Raymond could be masquerading as our power forward next year.

Prospects for the frequently mentioned but elusive, impact big, look poor. The Juco ranks are thin, and many of the those in the 6'6"-6'7" we generally target, have fallen to others. Most telling and especially significant in terms of our outlook for the next year is the impact any new big will have in his first year. We have had some good big men in the past that developed and contributed in varying degees over time. Names that come to mind are Roberts, Arrosa, Rogers, and even Morrison. All of whom made progress over time. The question I pose here, and a daunting one for us is; of the big men we have recruited in the past, how many have made a major impact in the first year? A troubling question and one that may plague us in the year ahead. All this, and with a coaching situation and its impact on recruitment currently under cloud.

Having again provided the damper, time to offer my congratulations and tribute to all the players and staff that made this a truly satisfying and memorable year. Your efforts and achievement far exceeded the expectations I had for you.

[njchampion]

From a person who has coached some of the best players to have come out of new jersey in the past several years. I to like the peacocks chances next year as long as they do get 1 or 2 big and and maybe a big wing.Conley will definitely be a force to deal with next year his offensive game has really elevated and defensively he just needs to stay out of foul trouble. Costner return if we remember from years ago should provide an extremely positive influence on the teams offense. Steve will continue to improve his game and his point production should increase with his work ethic, Yvon showed great strides from the offensive end this year and we know that defensively he will be solid, I also believe that Brandon will work on his ability to score and add something in that area next year ( just in case some people are not aware no one is born with a basketball in their hand which automatically turns them into a shooter it takes hard work and lots of practice) As oldtimer referred to at the beginning of the season the kids shot was actually pretty good when practice started who knows what happen after the season started and he sat for most of the non conference games. But look at the assist to t/o ratio,total # of assist compared to minutes(a leads to points) how differently the offense ran, the movement of the ball. Purdue-went in pulled within 9-11Pt's taken out with 2 minutes left team went in half time down 17 and he never put a point on the board maybe this is what he is asked to do just run the team. Blaise FFrench from my observation is a ball player however it seems as if he would be better suited playing in a scoring position, he can get to the basket and is a pretty good finisher . Jack Hill just needs to believe in himself along with working hard this summer on elevating his game the potential is there it just needs to be brought out. The freshman will be an important factor next year Chris has shown the ability to play at this level and I think acquired some significant experience along the way look for him to be a significant part of the puzzle. One thing people need to understand in sports is that role players must do what is asked of them in order to be a part of the whole. Next year this group along with Lamin and Chris Prescott will have to rely on themselves to score not the 4 seniors who were asked to do it all, there will be no more if I take a shot and miss will i come out the game or don't worry the 4 will take care of everything. I believe this group will rise to the occasion and if they get a significant big man they will surprise quite a few people including some board members. But for the time being lets just enjoy the teams accomplishments this year

[Peacock]

Speculating and FANhyping the returning does not make it factual. Performance will have to be shown including the incoming. Hard to see us down in the bottom four, and mid pack is most likely the case. Had one ardent fan predict a 5-6 win team. Disagreed. The real issue will revolve more around the coach than most of the worries here.

Now I just don't see Dunne going anywhere. Have no problem with him going on any interviews. In fact since the season just ended for him on Friday, any REAL interviews should happen this week or next. Being considered is meaningless. As of now the only job he even has on "sources" lists is Monmouth and even there he is not a front runner. Stranger things happen but the competition is fierce for any D1 job. Being talked too is one thing, being in the final interviews is another

Despite the Magic Mystery Tour in Bridgeport, a coach is measured on much more for the investment that will be made. I just don't think his current resume is strong enough to take a risk at many schools. He would need a few more successful years. Most outsiders hype him because of the ill perception of SPC as a program. How many times did you listen to the history given. People quote a salary and I doubt they are even close. When one sees the effort put out by the school in support of the team at Bridgeport and the NCAA you need to wonder if this was spontaneous or really coming off a longer planned attention to the program. Elliot I am sure has given some pretty decent upgrades behind the scene and I would not be surprised that most underestimate Dunne's salary or what SPC might counter offer. For those who project doom, I think Dunne will be here next year to our benifit. There is another factor few seem to take into account. Most successful coaches are transitory family men, absorbed completely in their jobs. Packing up the kids and Mom for the nomad existence that ensues for most the coaches may not be in his best interest. Moving to Monmouth will not effect him in that area but it still creates new dynamics. Figgy projected Towson which I also considered a strong candidate, but his name does not show up there and I would think they look for some one with more Baltimore area contacts. At this stage I doubt the BUCKS will be there to entice him, but that is predicated on his perceived support from the current administration.

So in conclusion, Dunne will be back, we will have decent PG after five seasons, and two bigs will show up, one freshman and one JUCO.

[JohnGalt]

Hope the bigs will do more than "show up". Would be more encouraged if we were hearing more than about a city kid with baggage, or two 6'11" projects. Be careful on the hope for Fulton, he will be good but will need time to adjust.

Oh, in case one has forgotten to add, nice job Mr. Dunne despite his lack of investment and those who have underestimated our resources.

[oldtimer1]

Have to agree with almost everything njchampion posted (although I do think that some shooters have a natural touch while others don't). My only advantage is that I get to see more of these guys outside of game competition. I have said many times you can take my observations or leave them. Just trying to be helpful for those who want more information. Here are some impressions:

1) Blaise Ffrench - shoots what we use to call in the od days a "heavy ball". It just rattles around the rim when it hits. That said Blaise has a great deal of variety to his game. Blaise can handle as well or better than any we have. Has a very good first step to the basket (can beat his man off the dribble), can elevate, finish or distribute. It will be interesting to see if he can forget this year. If anyone doubts the above remember that JD had him penciled in to be our starting point guard . That decision was just not on reputation alone but after over a month of practices.


2) Chris Prescott - want to be very careful here because practice does not always translate into the real thing. All I can say is that Chris has a shot every bit as good as Wesley. How he plays defense, rebounds for a guard (one of Wesley's strengths), or takes his man off the dribble is something I have no idea and will be waiting to see.


3) Chris Burke - could be a pleasant surprise. Has a good shot but not great, drives extremely well to the basket, moves in motion without the ball and can rebound. Looks bigger than his listed 6'4" to me. He should definitely be in a short rotation. He is a scorer...something which we are lacking.

4) Jack Hill - Perhaps JD's only failing. IMO should have been given more time to develop early in his career. Many view him as a stiff but I believe that he could be a valuable role player ( 10 min. per game as mentioned above). Tallest player (6'8") on the team and one of the best leapers. He will get rebounds. Bad hands offensively but could give someone a blow defensively. Remember the Rutgers game two years ago when he looked pretty good against their bigs for the little time he was on the court? This is the one player I hope plays a lot of Summer ball and develops into a valuable back-up. He knows the system (like Costner) and what is expected of him. Cannot count on him contributing given his current game but he still has some assets that could be a factor.


4) Jordon Costner - he's been around all year and JD seems to like the young man. Can't speak for JD but I think he trusts Costner to be on the floor and do the right thing. Possible starter early on but as Burke develops think I like his potential better.


5) Tucker - not into knocking players but if he contributes, it would surprise me.

[eport]

Current update on Markese Tucker is nothing but positive. All indications are that he will be playing next season. Heard he has grown a little and is up to 6'6". Granted he is an unproven Freshman, but he's a year older and has been hitting the weight room. He's a wide body and a banger inside. He may be a pleasant surprise next year.

[jajk]

There was certainly nothing about our tourney win this year that invoved the unknown or sleight of hand . It did involve the talent and desire of our players . It is factual . It is not fanhyping . It is on the record . It was a mystery only to those many on other MAAC boards and a few here who stressed again and again the flaws of our players . It involves a mystery only to those who totally undervalue the defensive aspect to winning basketball . It is a mystery only to those who totally undervalue the contribution that the willingness to play for forty minutes makes to winning .

You can be sure that this type of poster will do that again this season . They seem to take joy in such endeavors . You can spot them a mile away . They post almost invariably about the shortcomings of our players and of other posters . Only they know what it is truly important for the Peacock program .

A big part of starting this thread was to BEGIN a discussion about next season . Our players and our program deserve it . Tha Peacocks are the defending MAAC champions . They accomplished that in grand style when most of the situational advantages belonged with Iona and FF . We are not big in numbers as posters but we can be big in supporting the progam even if the views about the players and program differ .

The post stressed the how much that I think of our four players who return with significant and meaningful minutes under their belts . It stressed their contributions to this year's success , and how many from other MAAC schools are underrating their potential for next season . It did not mean to understate the import of Jack , Chris , Jordan , Lamin , Chris and hopefully a big or two to the program's success next season .

But make no mistake about it , the core four are not role players . While they may have not been the first or second option this year , they all proved at times to be key in Peacock wins . I hope that Lamin is the exciting and winning player that we all expect . I hope that JD or his successor absolutely committ to developing him as a point guard . But he will not be our first point guard in five years . Brandon was and is a point guard . No speculation or hyping here for anyone who watched the Peacocks play this year and understands the point guard position .

FF , Iona , Rider and Loyola all return a solid group of players . ( In fact , other than the Griffs , the rest of the MAAC teams have a good group of returnees. ) . But assessing their returnees and assigning them one , two and three finishes and our guys a bottom tier finish is hogwash . Our top four has the proven talent to play with the best four coming back for any of those teams . It will not be automatic . All four must use the offseason to get physically stronger and to continue to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses , but given that they will play with any returning group in the MAAC .

[oldtimer1]

Well said, jajk. Not one sentence to disagree with. Bottom line is that the cupboard is not bare but still has a lot of filling up to do.

[JohnGalt]

I'm sure no disrespect intended toward the players........................just mystical as applied to the coaching.

[Peacock]

One thing I can give jajk credit for, is an inability to read. The post was about next season and you go off on the tournament. The Magic Mystery Tour was a reference that few expected us to win, and only those who truly thought that expose the weaknesses of their responses. It was also a foundation for activity on a potential of Dunne's coaching move.

In addition the FANhyping was in reference to the superlatives made about the returning players. They still have much to prove and I only advised to wait. Hearing about how great everyone is the sure sign of an unknowing poster. That is it but in your godly manner you read all sorts on non-sequitors into the post. By the way significant minutes only means some players had to play or do you miss that point. Wonder what your statements were before Dunne's first season where four starters (Two All MAAC selection) with significant minutes returned.

The one thing you can take from your post is that you are the mirror image of the deranged and non-thinking that characterizes the Siena, Fairfield and Iona factions.

[Peacock]

Mar 22, 2011 12:48:27 GMT -5 JohnGalt said:

Oh, in case one has forgotten to add, nice job Mr. Dunne despite his lack of investment and those who have underestimated our resources.

I recognize your Alzheimer's, but let me remind you that you are the main protagonist in the no resource argument against SPC. Have you turned or do you still feel a coach can't do it.

Also please explain the phrase "lack of investment" as I am not you are trying to put your words into the mouths of others.

[Peacock]

"One theory is that if St. Peter’s coach John Dunne were to leave that school for Manhattan or Monmouth, Boyle could step into the St. Peter’s job." Zags Blog

First I heard Dunne being associated with Manhattan