Tyshwan Edmondson Commits to Saint John’s Red Storm

Western Kentucky was hot for him, Eastern Kentucky was hot for him, but point guard/ shooting guard Tyshawn Tyshwan Edmondson chooses to take his game to the Big East.

Here’s a highlight reel where he hypes up the crowd… but where’s the passing, dog? More on Edmondson later.

UPDATE: The official release from red Storm Sports:

TyShwan Edmondson To Bolster St. John’s Basketball Backcourt In 2008-09

Norm Roberts inks second guard this week for the Red Storm men’s team.

April 30, 2008

Quincy Roberts To Join St. John’s On The Hardwood In 2008-09

QUEENS, N.Y. - St. John’s head men’s basketball coach Norm Roberts announced the signing of the second high school guard this week, TyShwan Edmondson (Hopkinsville, Ky.), to a national letter of intent to join the Red Storm for the 2008-09 season.

“TyShwan will give us great minutes at the point and solid minutes off the ball as well, because he is a quality scorer,” said Roberts. “He will help us on the defensive end with his length and quickness, and we are very excited to add him to our backcourt.”

Edmondson, a 6-4, 175-pound dynamic playmaking guard from University Heights Academy in Hopkinsville, Ky., is a lightning-quick floor leader with the ability to score in transition, create his own shot, score off his defense and set up his teammates. He comes from the same high school program as former St. John’s player Sergio Luyk (1991-95), who passed away recently in Spain.

“I am very excited to come to St. John’s,” said Edmondson. “This is a big step in my life, and I am ready to come in and work hard, to be the best that I can be.”

A first team all-state selection by the Louisville Courier-Journal and the Kentucky Herald Leader, and a second team honoree according to the Associated Press, Edmondson averaged 18.4 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.7 steals as a senior at UHA. He keyed the Blazers to a 30-5 record in 2007-08, leading UHA to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) District 8 and Region 2 championship, before reaching the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen in the large school state tournament and taking the title among the smaller schools in the Kentucky All “A” Tournament.

After being named the Kentucky All “A” Tournament’s most valuable player, Edmondson was selected to participate in the Kentucky-Ohio All-Star game, where he won the dunk contest and scored 14 points for his home state’s squad on April 13.

“St. John’s is getting a quality person that will represent the program well in the classroom, on campus and on the basketball court,” said UHA high school coach Randy McKoy. “His upside is tremendous. He was a great high school player in the state of Kentucky, and at the next level with a structured weight program, he will really excel.”

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Mike D’Antoni Fired From Suns. NY Fans Salivating At Fast Break Basketball.

I was just reading this bit about whether Steve Kerr would consider firing Suns’ Mike D’Antoni…

AND HE DID GET FIREDHe Might Have gotten fired.

D’Antoni, sources say, believes that the situation has been festering all season and that nothing would be accomplished in the meeting. Whatever the circumstances of his departure, it will probably be presented as as a rift between coach and GM, and to a large extent that’s true. But when Colangelo left for Toronto, mostly because he and Sarver were doomed not to coexist harmoniously, D’Antoni lost his biggest booster in the front office, as well as a friend. It’s what happens in the NBA and in all pro sports.

Over four full seasons D’Antoni racked up a 232-96 record, made the Western finals twice and changed the way that observers both in and out of the league thought about the game. Management might have some legitimate gripes about his defensive coaching, and remember that D’Antoni was a bigger booster of the trade for Shaquille O’Neal than Kerr was.

But Suns management now faces one extremely formidable challenge in l’affaire D’Antoni: finding someone better.

BUT WAIT… Drama. The Arizona Republic says that the firing is not so:

Suns General Manager Steve Kerr denied that report [that Mike D'Antoni would not return as coach of the Suns] early Wednesday.

“There’s no truth to that,” Kerr said. “I asked Mike when the story came out and he denied it. Mike’s our coach and has done a great job for four years. We’ll get together soon and talk about where this team can go from here.”

With two years and $8.5 million left on his contract, D’Antoni is unlikely to be fired. If he returns, it could be with concessions to change. But there is also the possibility that he leaves of his own accord, especially with a perceived lack of support - and interest from New York and Chicago, both of which have vacancies. There is also the chance Toronto President Bryan Colangelo fired Sam Mitchell to hire the coach he brought to Phoenix from Italy.

An article in this week’s Sports Illustrated will fan the flames. It paints a picture of a divide between the coaching staff and front office staff. It talks about D’Antoni resenting Suns General Manager Steve Kerr working out of San Diego and taking perceived shots at him in the press, and that Kerr thinks D’Antoni is too stubborn to accept Kerr’s suggestions, whether it be in strategy or personnel use.

Sources confirmed an SI anecdote that Kerr and D’Antoni had an early November argument in which Kerr suggested that the Suns feature post-up plays for Amaré Stoudemire more often. That incited D’Antoni, who set off a shouting match that included him saying, “Don’t tell me how to coach offense.”

Someone call the Knicks. MAKE THIS MAN AN OFFER. NOW. A BIG ONE. If there are reports about a dude being fired, he’s probably not on good terms and can be brought to NY. The coach is not worth the number 1 draft pick (in exchange for D’Antoni’s services and the #15 pick…) but… hm… if the Knicks don’t get a top-5 pick, I think I’d trade that pick for D’Antoni. Imagine Nate Robinson and Jamal Crawford and David Lee in that system. Imagine the free agents who would want to come to New York. Imagine the buzz in Madison Square Garden.

I am salivating.

There’s a Fire Steve Kerr site already.

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Obama plays Basketball With the UNC Tar Heels

I think Obama loafed a little on defense, but he works to get open. Uses screens well, willing to pass. For a 46 year old man, I’d give him a B+.

From the AP:

The Democratic presidential candidate played hoops with the University of North Carolina team on Tuesday, a Final Four squad that cut the 46-year-old some slack.

“These guys move very fast,” puffed Obama, as he raced up and down the court with the much younger and much bigger college players, many of whom dwarfed the 6-foot-2 Obama.

The Illinois senator is a workout enthusiast, and basketball is his chosen game. He decided to open his day with the Tar Heels, including star Tyler Hansbrough, a 6-foot-9 All-American who spent part of his morning guarding Obama.

At one point, Obama slipped past Hansbrough for a layup, which rimmed out. Ever the realist, Obama recognized what had happened.

“Hansbrough went easy on me,” Obama said. “I thought I had it.”

Obama often plays pickup basketball games with local backers. He toured the Tar Heel sports complex with Coach Roy Williams, and conceded he had moved up a notch.

“Let me tell you, these guys are big and fast,” said Obama, catching his breath on the sidelines. In his March NCAA tournament picks, Obama selected North Carolina, but the Tar Heels lost to eventual champion Kansas in the semifinals.

Though the players, who were relishing banging on each other, gave Obama his shots, he was unable to score. At one point he dished off a nifty, behind the back pass that nearly set up an assist.

Neither side kept score.

Tyshawn Taylor to Kansas

It’s official, Taylor has committed to Kansas and will hear the Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk:

“I’m the only player who can say he’s going from the high school national championship team to the college championship team. I think it’s pretty cool I can say that,” Taylor said Tuesday after orally committing to KU over Georgia Tech.

That is pretty cool. Look at this recruiting class:

2008 KU recruiting class

Tyshawn Taylor - 6-3, 160, G, Jersey City, N.J. (St. Anthony’s HS)

Tyrone Appleton – 6-3, 195, G, Gary, Ind. (Harmony Prep/Midland (Texas) College)

Mario Little – 6-5, 210, G/F, Chicago, Ill. (Washington HS/Chipola (Fla.) CC)

Marcus Morris – 6-8 1/2, 220, F, Philadelphia, Pa. (Prep Charter HS/APEX Academy (N.J.))

Markieff Morris – 6-10, 230, F/C, Philadelphia, Pa. (Prep Charter HS/APEX Academy (N.J.))

Travis Releford – 6-5, G/F, Roeland Park, Kan. (Roeland Park Miege HS)

Quintrell Thomas – 6-8, 235, F, Elizabeth, N.J. (Saint Patrick HS)

Two Jersey City players, two Philly players (granted, they are twins); I hope in a year’s time some more of these players come to Queens. Though really, I can see why players and students want to leave home for a little bit and join a champion…

Quincy Roberts is Officially a Member of the Red Storm

April 29, 2008

QUEENS, N.Y. - St. John’s head men’s basketball coach Norm Roberts announced the signing of high school guard Quincy Roberts (Harrisburg, Pa.) to a national letter of intent to play for the Red Storm, beginning in the 2008-09 season.

“We’re excited about Quincy joining our basketball family and our University,” said Roberts, entering his fifth year at the helm of the Red Storm. “He comes from a culture of success, on and off the court, and his versatility will really help him contribute immediately to our backcourt. Quincy’s personality and leadership qualities will enable him to mix well with our guys and our campus community.”

Roberts, a 6-5, 190-pound all-state standout from Harrisburg High School in the state capital of Pennsylvania, is a combination guard with outstanding scoring, ballhandling and playmaking abilities. A versatile athlete, Roberts led the Cougars to state tournament semifinal appearances as a sophomore and junior, and helped Harrisburg combine for a 73-16 record across his final three seasons.

Roberts averaged 18.5 points per game, 6.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists during his senior campaign to notch a third-straight Mid-Penn all-conference selection, earning first team honors, and was named to the Harrisburg Patriot-News Big 15. A dual-sport athlete, Roberts’ leadership qualities also translated to the gridiron, where he competed as a quarterback and wide receiver for the Harrisburg H.S. football team.

“I’m very excited to be headed to St. John’s,” said Roberts, who also recently participated in the Florida vs. USA Senior Showcase in Orlando, Fla. “The coaching staff made me feel very comfortable, and it is a great situation for me to play in New York City and the BIG EAST Conference.”

“Quincy will be a great fit at St. John’s because of his versatility,” said Roberts’ high school basketball coach, Kirk Smallwood. “As a senior he played wherever we needed him to, but he’ll play a more natural position at the No. 1 and No. 2 guard spots at St. John’s.”

Side note: I love how the official Red Storm site is covering up the bad news and the mess around the team on the main site by showing Coach Roberts interviewed by attractive women. [I grabbed the pics just in case they change sometime soon.]

“Don’t look at the coach… look at the pretty faces.”

A Quick Mets Note About a T Shirt

Some of the other shirts are cool, but this Son Heir shirt:

is factually misleading.

The “Ya Gotta Believe” quote came from Tug McGraw in 1973, probably making fun of owner Chairman M. Donald Grant’s pep talk to the Mets team that was 6th in the East Division standings at the time. Those Mets improved from 61-71 to a wildly mediocre 82-79, but knocked of the Cincinnati Reds’ Big Red Machine and played the Oakland A’s hard, losing in 7.

“Ya Gotta Believe” still applies, but the shirt is slants toward revising history.

Recruiting Update: Quincy Roberts

Johnny Jungle breaks the news that guard Quincy Roberts from Harrisburg, PA, is going to sign his letter of intent with St. John’s this afternoon. The Red Storm have three more scholarships available. Photo below is from Tornado Alley Hoops.

StJ Transfer Update: Mike Cavataio

Mike Cavataio is going to Holy Cross. I expect to see him in the NCAA Tournament; the kid can play.

Recruiting Update: Bobby Maze + Jonathan Mitchell

Bobby Maze

Junior College recruit Bobby Maze is supposed to be making a visit to the St. John’s campus, possibly this weekend. Some notes on Mr. Maze:

- Years ago, Bobby Maze was mentioned in the NY Times expose on prep schools that are basketball fronts/ diploma mills (i.e., no or few classes), saying he went to Lutheran Christian, a high school that didn’t require him to attend classes that was also investigated by the Washington Post;

- The he went to the Patterson School in North Carolina, to work on his attitude and get eligible. Though that school has also been suspected of being a diploma mill; though they received their NCAA visit and were cleared;

- Went to Oklahoma but was kicked out:

….Sources close to the program said that Maze’s freshman season was marked by immaturity and poor decisions, and that pattern continued into the first weeks of OU’s offseason.

As one source put it: “Bobby was given opportunities here, not just an opportunity.”

Sources said Maze’s problems were never legal and rarely academic. Rather, they reportedly involved practice habits and overall attitude.

- Moved on to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, starred on the community college level, dished out a lot of assists, was named a Junior College All-American and accepted a scholarship to play for Gary Williams at Maryland, but…

- Possibly may not have been able to get into Maryland academically, (or was squeezed out by another JUCO player)* and still has a few more credit hours to finish at the CC in Kansas.

Question: is this guy going to qualify if St. John’s basketball staff can land him? If he does, I hope he has his head on straight, that’s quite a vagabond’s journey. I believe in redemption as much as anyone, but I don’t want the Red Storm to bring in another Grady Reynolds.

Update: Maze does not have a visit scheduled to St. John’s; he’ll be checking out Cincinnati first and then Kentucky.

Jonathan Mitchell

Meanwhile, Florida transfer Jonathan Mitchell won’t be coming to St. John’s. From Zagsblog:

Herb Mitchell, Jonathan’s uncle, left a message Friday morning for St. John’s head coach Norm Roberts telling him that Jonathan was no longer considering the Red Storm.

“Jon called me (Thursday) night to talk and he just said, ‘I’m not really feeling St. John’s,’” Herb said Friday. “There’s some things going on with the coaching situation and the uncertainty of whether Coach Roberts is going to be there or not. (Jonathan’s) got to get it right, and if he makes that decision to go there and Coach Roberts is not there, he’s sitting out a year and then he’s back to square one again.”

Ouch. Of course the recruits know the program is in flux.

* Tyree Evans, who Bob Huggins turned down for the Cincinnati program; Evans was accused of statutory rape along with some other players, but plead to a lesser charge of assault and battery. Note that apparently, Huggy Bear still wanted to bring Evans to K-State in 2006.

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StJ08 Year In Review Part XIII: Rob Thomas

Part 0: Opening | Part I: Team stats | Part II: Boothe | Part III: Burrell | Part IV: Cavataio (Good Luck to You) | Part V: Coker | Part VI: Evans | Part VII: Horne | Part VIII: Jasiulionis | Part IX: Kennedy | Part X: Lawrence | Part XI: Mason Jr | Part XII: Wright (Good luck to you)

Rob Thomas

(stats taken from BigEast.org, Statsheet, Ken Pomeroy’s Basketball Prospectus, and my own calculations)

2007-2008: Freshman
Position: Forward
Height: 6-6
Weight: 235 lbs
Age: 21 (05/28/1986)
Home: New York, NY

In December, the St. John’s team got what it thought would be a boost- the return of Rob Thomas to the basketball team. Return? He’d never really been there. Thomas was a 2006 recruit (meaning that that whole class has NOT left the program) but a partial qualifier, due to his grades and spotty academic record. As most of us know, that record isn’t due to simple slacking off, but as this New York Times profile hits on, the man could barely read, was homeless at times, and is dyslexic.

The one place the “Norm Roberts does thing the right way” narrative really applies is in a case like this. After Thomas was accepted as eligible to play college basketball a few weeks into the fall semester of 2006, Coach Roberts had him enroll later in the year; and as a partial qualifier, Thomas wouldn’t be eligible to play until mid-December 2008 (after the first semester was finished).

Then, of course, Rob ripped up his right knee in a pick up game in the April of 2007 in an injury with a projected recovery time of 8-12 months. But he came back to play in December. Even then, Coach Roberts dialed down expectations of how much Thomas would play; I would have thought that with the team tanking and in need of a scorer, he would consider giving Thomas more playing time.

Coach Roberts did not. I think that’s laudable, unless this means that Thomas is in the fabled doghouse. Admittedly, Thomas looked to be laboring at times going up the court, and seemed somewhat earthbound and perhaps not ready. Is that what his game will look like next year? If so, can he be effective, given minutes?

Rob showed flashes of talent that would make Sean Evans a little more expendable, such as an actual touch on offense shots, and a nose for the ball on defense. His stat lines from the 3 games where he played 10 or more minutes (note that the Connecticut game was about 37 minutes of garbage time):

* Tulane: 13 minutes, 8 points, 1-5 field goals, 1-2 3point fg, 5-6 free throws, 5 rebounds, 2 fouls.

* Cincinnati: 12 mins, 4 pts, 2-4 fg, 0-1 3p fg, 0-1 ft, 4 reb, 0 fouls, 1 steal, 2 turnovers.

* U Conn: 10 mins, 6 pts, 2-4 fg, 1-1 3p fg, 0-1 ft, 4 reb, 1 foul, 2 turnovers, 1 steal.

I don’t know how much you can read from Thomas’ 6 minutes per game, but we can have fun with small sample sizes:

At the rate he scores, Thomas would be putting 14.3 points/ 40 minutes, a scoring rate less than only Anthony Mason Jr. and Larry Wright. With respect to rebounds, he’d be pulling down 8.6 boards per game, more than Kennedy and Burrell and less than Coker and Cavataio. He would only foul 3.6 times a game. He would also never assist on a basket or ever block a shot.

As we all know, extrapolating Rob’s stats to 40 minutes as if they will translate linearly is just silly; fatigue would get at him and he’d likely not hit these numbers. But looking at rate stats to see that someone has a proclivity for part of the game is an interesting exercise. Just like Larry Wright was a pretty solid shooter in 2006-07, Coker does get after rebounds, as does did Cavataio.

And watching Rob Thomas was watching a guy who seems like he is a scorer even in his reduced state. He has some moves on the inside, has a little jump shot, and is willing to take the three-point shot. Thomas, in his 27 attempts on the year, shot 48%, and they weren’t of the lucky deep shot variety. And he boxed out and got good position for rebounds. He seemed to get to good spaces on the floor, holding out hope that he’ll prove to have an excellent basketball IQ, something this team sorely needs. Here’s hoping his summer recovery and conditioning goes very well; the team will need him to provide another offensive and rebounding presence in the post to take pressure off of Justin Burrell. At the very least, he will be a component of the forward rotation, and thankfully, one who doesn’t seem foreign to scoring.

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More stats, click on “read the rest of this entry” below.