Re: 2018 Recruiting Class Could Be The Best Yet
Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2017 3:30 pm
GumbyDamnit! wrote:MullinMayhem wrote:Rumors circulating that 4 star guard Luther Muhammad (long said to be a near lock for St. John's) is now almost a sure thing for Ohio State after his visit. If we don't get this kid it will be extremely painful. It just always seems major talents in other states tend to stay home much more than our local players in the NYC metro area. If we don't get him and have a bad season with LoVett likely leaving after this year and Ponds on his way out soon, it can get brutal fast. Lavin's ultimate downfall was underperforming with very talented teams and inconsistent recruiting (1 great cycle then a few awful ones won't cut it). If we lose Muhammad and we have a rough season, I fear I will get that vibe from the Lavin era again. Hope I'm wrong.
I think at some point St. John's needs to reevaluate the types of players that they are recruiting. Just looking at the roster SJU always seems to have so much turnover. It constantly seems they are "a year away," and then someone leaves early or transfers out, and the timeline gets pushed out another year. I think Mullin could be better served chasing high character 3* guys that will stay four years. Get some veteran leadership and build a foundation for a program. Or as with Simon and Clark, maybe the transfer route is the way to go for those 4* kids who leave NY and want to return after a year out west, south or midwest. Creighton seems to be doing quite well with transfers. There are far worse options, for kids wanting to move up in class or return home, than playing in the BE at MSG.
It's always gonna be that way when a program is in flux, and even more so in this day in age. There's enough talent on this year's team to win and put the "year away" montage on the back burner. They lack overall depth, but how many teams actually play 10 players anyway? Typically, team's go about 8 deep at the most. St. John's have enough personnel to go about 8 or even 9 deep.
The only thing I'll say is the staff needs to cast a wider net on the recruiting front. That way you put yourself in position to land other viable options when or if you miss out on your initial targets.