The Future of SHU WBB- Shadeen Samuels

[400SOAVE]

Tonight the Ossining HS girls basketball team won the NYS Federation championship. (That's the equivalent of the NJ Tournament of Champions.)

They have won four consecutive AA championships. (AA is the toughest division.) Ossining is ranked No. 1 in NYS.

Shadeen Samuels is a four-year star on that team and she's going to be Pirate. She has to be at least a 4-star recruit. I would not be surprised to see her start next season or at least get significant minutes.

With Samuels leading a strong recruiting class and some very good players returning, I think the Pirates will continue to improve.

Congratulations to Samuels.

Go Pirates!

 

[400SOAVE]

1. Ossining UFSD ‏@OssiningSchools 22s22 seconds ago
   The best of the best! #pride
   
   
   
   
   
   Samuels, in the middle, is the tournament MVP.

 

[shupat08]

Cannot wait for Shadeen Samuels.

 

[400SOAVE]

And let's not forget that Ossining freshman superstar Aubrey Griffin is the daughter of Pirate superstar, Adrian Griffin. I believe Bozzella has already offered her a scholarship.

 

[Pirate64]

Great news about Shadeen and her Ossining team. I believe she is a 4 star.

We have a good nucleus returning and at least 4 very good players coming is as freshmen.

While next year is a rebuilding year because we've lost all our starters , I think we'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[400SOAVE]

Here's an article and highlights

http://www.lohud.com/story/sports/h...016/03/19/ossining-girls-basketball/82014606/

BTW, the team they beat, LI Lutheran, is Taylor Byrne's HS.

 

[400SOAVE]

Another potential impact freshman is 5-10 AP All-Ohio Div. IV Co-Player of the Year, Deja Winters.

She averaged 27 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 5.7 APG and 2.7 blocks.

Winters and Samuels are two very skilled and high energy players. And, while not "centers," they both have size and power.

 

[400SOAVE]

And here's something completely crazy, in a very good way.

Perhaps the best shooter in the freshman class, Ali Fitzgerald, will be a walk-on!

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/videos/sports/high-school/2016/02/25/80929672/

 

[400SOAVE]

Great news about Shadeen and her Ossining team. I believe she is a 4 star.

We have a good nucleus returning and at least 4 very good players coming is as freshmen.

While next year is a rebuilding year because we've lost all our starters , I think we'll be pleasantly surprised.

64, don't forget that Gordon was a 31-game starter and is returning for her senior year.

She showed tremendous improvement this season in every category except free-throw shooting, in which she went down.

--Gordon went from 226 minutes to 712.
--1.6 PPG to 5.5
--.447 FGP to .546
--1.93 RPG to 6.75
--9 blocks to 74

We all read how hard she worked last summer to improve. And she did. I'm sure she will do the same this summer, especially with her offense, foot work, speed and quickness.

I just really admire people who work hard and get results. Gordon has come a long way, yet is not even close to reaching her potential.

The Pirates will need her and I'm happy she's coming back.

 

[hallgrad80]

Still need to add size to the roster as this year's class and last year's only has added one player over 6'0" in Byrne at 6'1" .

 

[shupat08]

Still need to add size to the roster as this year's class and last year's only has added one player over 6'0" in Byrne at 6'1" .

All the guards are bigger. Look at DePauls roster every starter is between 5'10 and 6'1. Interchangeable positions who can all handle and shoot is more important than adding 6'3+ players. IMHO.

 

[hallgrad80]

All the guards are bigger. Look at DePauls roster every starter is between 5'10 and 6'1. Interchangeable positions who can all handle and shoot is more important than adding 6'3+ players. IMHO.

Soory 08 I have to disagree. Just at the schools in WBB that are consistently in the top 10 like Baylor, UConn, Stanford , Tenn. etc they all have great size and quality backups with size and let's not forget that the last two Seton Hall women's team had really good size as well. I'm a firm believer that in both men's and women's BB teams with size have better success although there may be the exception as you point out.

 

[shupat08]

This current roster we had 6'4, 6'3, 6'2, 6'2 and 6'0 and it didn't allow us to beat STJ, and we split with DePaul (1/2) and Nova (1/2) who all have interchangeable parts and 4 or 5 shooters on the court.

 

[hallgrad80]

This current roster we had 6'4, 6'3, 6'2, 6'2 and 6'0 and it didn't allow us to beat STJ, and we split with DePaul (1/2) and Nova (1/2) who all have interchangeable parts and 4 or 5 shooters on the court.

DePaul's roster includes 2 players who are 6'2" ; two players who are 6'3"; 1 player at 6'4" ; and 1 player at 6'5" .
What it comes down to is I believe you have a better chance to win with size and I value having size highly and you look at the value of having size differently but that's ok there's nothing wrong with having different opinions and discussing those differing views in a respectful way.

 

[Pirate64]

Good give an take on WBB guys.

Could somebody tell more about Ali Fitzgerald. Why is she a walk-on?

Other Questions looking ahead: :

Any news about Inman and Egan's recoveries?

And Martha Kuderer seems to be getting more playing time. Also , Clare Lindbergh seems to have a great attitude and is active when she's in there. What do you think we can expect of them next year?

 

[garyshu71]

Size is valuable when you have a match up problem. So is speed and quickness . And the three point shooting and rebounders. Same as with the men. You need the whole ball of wax. i thinkTony is really building a great program and every year will continue to improve, bit by bit. And what a great guy he is. And his staff is super.

 

[hallgrad80]

Good give an take on WBB guys.

Could somebody tell more about Ali Fitzgerald. Why is she a walk-on?

Other Questions looking ahead: :

Any news about Inman and Egan's recoveries?

And Martha Kuderer seems to be getting more playing time. Also , Clare Lindbergh seems to have a great attitude and is active when she's in there. What do you think we can expect of them next year?

I have the same question about Ali. I have some recollection that when there was a post on this Board about her coming to SH it said she used the last ship we had available .

 

[400SOAVE]

80, I think most programs from time to time use redshirts and walk-ons as a way to work the roster from year to year.

As for bigs, sure it would be great to land more size. But I'll take a 5-10 killer who comes in with skills and who gives 100 percent effort over a big who might believe that hustle is optional and who might take two-years or longer to pay some dividends.

I really like next season's team. And if Inman and Egan can recover and get minutes, the Pirates will do much better than a rebuilding season.

I'll say it again, I believe the incoming freshman mean business. They're not coming here to F around and walk onto the court dragging with the bad body language.

The returning players will be challenged. They're winners so they'll respond. Smith, Byrne, Kuderer and Lundberg have shown what they're capable of. (Remember that Byrne and Kuderer missed several games late in the season due to illness.) We already mentioned Gordon. Jackson? How good is she? We'll see.

I believe next season's team will be the hardest working team and the most talented team since the Sweet 16 team. Just look at the high school history of all those players. They come from winning programs.

UConn is not UConn merely because of the players. There's probably not one team in the country that has a more demanding coach or that practices harder. And they respond. Those players literally sprint onto the court at the beginning of each game and before the second half.

 

[400SOAVE]

I forgot to mention Molyneaux who is listed at 6-2. She's only a redshirt freshman and she looks like she could develop into a player who can be significant contributor in the middle

 

[hallgrad80]

80, I think most programs from time to time use redshirts and walk-ons as a way to work the roster from year to year.

As for bigs, sure it would be great to land more size. But I'll take a 5-10 killer who comes in with skills and who gives 100 percent effort over a big who might believe that hustle is optional and who might take two-years or longer to pay some dividends.

I really like next season's team. And if Inman and Egan can recover and get minutes, the Pirates will do much better than a rebuilding season.

I'll say it again, I believe the incoming freshman mean business. They're not coming here to F around and walk onto the court dragging with the bad body language.

The returning players will be challenged. They're winners so they'll respond. Smith, Byrne, Kuderer and Lundberg have shown what they're capable of. (Remember that Byrne and Kuderer missed several games late in the season due to illness.) We already mentioned Gordon. Jackson? How good is she? We'll see.

I believe next season's team will be the hardest working team and the most talented team since the Sweet 16 team. Just look at the high school history of all those players. They come from winning programs.

UConn is not UConn merely because of the players. There's probably not one team in the country that has a more demanding coach or that practices harder. And they respond. Those players literally sprint onto the court at the beginning of each game and before the second half.

400
I hope you're right about everything you're saying but remember freshman are freshman and as we saw with the men's team there's a big adjustment from HS to college.

 

[400SOAVE]

Yes, 80. That's correct.

I'm not saying the freshmen and sophomores will carry the team. I'm saying that enough of them are good enough to play and to contribute to a winning team.

 

[Halldan1]

Good give an take on WBB guys.

Could somebody tell more about Ali Fitzgerald. Why is she a walk-on?

Other Questions looking ahead: :

Any news about Inman and Egan's recoveries?

And Martha Kuderer seems to be getting more playing time. Also , Clare Lindbergh seems to have a great attitude and is active when she's in there. What do you think we can expect of them next year?

Just spoke to Tony B.

He will be doing a season ending interview with the Trove after the FF. He'll also profile each signed recruit.

 

[shupat08]

That girl on Duquesne out rebounded every big SHU player. She was only 5'10.

 

[shupat08]

And to change this convo a bit. Who do we think is in our starting lineup next year?

I'll say... TT (PG), JaQuan Jackson (SG), Shadeen (Wing), Taylor Byrne (PF) and Gordon (C).

 

[hallgrad80]

And to change this convo a bit. Who do we think is in our starting lineup next year?

I'll say... TT (PG), JaQuan Jackson (SG), Shadeen (Wing), Taylor Byrne (PF) and Gordon (C).

That may be the way it works out but I think Tony will make it a wide open competition as this may be his least experienced team in a while with a lot of time available up and down the roster. The two players I think are a lock to start are Byrne and Gordon as to the other three slots I think they're more wide open but TT and Jackson are the leaders heading into next season and I see the wing as wide open.

 

[Pirate64]

If Martha K. works hard perhaps she could start. Claire Lundberg could also surprise. Both play G/F positions.

Will be interesting to watch. We need players who respond and play smart. .

 

[shupat08]

If Martha K. works hard perhaps she could start. Claire Lundberg could also surprise. Both play G/F positions.

Will be interesting to watch.

Chuck we have differing opinions on one of those players.

Fwiw, I still think Claire comes off the bench as a stretch 4 for us in the future.

 

[hallgrad80]

Any way you look at it this will be a very young team. If 08 is right, and there is a good chance he is, then we would start one senior in Gordon, a junior in Jackson, two sophs in Byrne and TT and a freshman in Shadeen, a dramatic change from the last two years with senior dominated starters.

 

[Pirate64]

Marquette- which beat us twice was a freshmen laden squad I think. So there is hope fora very goos season.

Chuck we have differing opinions on one of those players.

Fwiw, I still think Claire comes off the bench as a stretch 4 for us in the future.

Chuck we have differing opinions on one of those players.

Fwiw, I still think Claire comes off the bench as a stretch 4 for us in the future.

Pat- I'll go with your opinion . You were there all season while I was on the injured list. Have a relaxing week Paddy me boy.

 

[400SOAVE]

I love that Bozzella was on WSOU tonight. Win or lose, he's there to communicate with fans.

He could not hide the disappointment and struggled to hide his displeasure and disgust. He promised that a mental meltdown like we saw the last two games would not happen again.

Asked when the staff would start to plan for next season, he said it started on the bus ride home from UConn. The first meeting with players to plan for next season is tomorrow. Good for them.

He talked positively about the prospects of the returning players and the recruits.

Based on his interview and what we know publicly here's my starting lineup. I'm not including Jackson because I don't know much about her. (Due to their injuries, Inman and Egan are big question marks.) I'm also assuming, and hoping, those ominous Tweets do not mean that somebody has left the program.

So here's my five:

PG- Smith
2G- Samuels
C- Gordon
F- Byrne
F- Winters

This, of course, could be affected as players develop and improve in the off-season.

 

[shupat08]

Not good tweets from 2 assistant coaches.

 

[Halldan1]

And to change this convo a bit. Who do we think is in our starting lineup next year?

I'll say... TT (PG), JaQuan Jackson (SG), Shadeen (Wing), Taylor Byrne (PF) and Gordon (C).

Too soon to say as SHU could be getting a commitment from a player with the potential to be a force on the starting team.

 

[shupat08]

Too soon to say as SHU could be getting a commitment from a player with the potential to be a force on the starting team.

Pretty sure I know the position you are talking about... No idea the player(s) we are looking at though.

Good to hear.

 

[buzzershot]

80, I think most programs from time to time use redshirts and walk-ons as a way to work the roster from year to year.

As for bigs, sure it would be great to land more size. But I'll take a 5-10 killer who comes in with skills and who gives 100 percent effort over a big who might believe that hustle is optional and who might take two-years or longer to pay some dividends.

I really like next season's team. And if Inman and Egan can recover and get minutes, the Pirates will do much better than a rebuilding season.

I'll say it again, I believe the incoming freshman mean business. They're not coming here to F around and walk onto the court dragging with the bad body language.

The returning players will be challenged. They're winners so they'll respond. Smith, Byrne, Kuderer and Lundberg have shown what they're capable of. (Remember that Byrne and Kuderer missed several games late in the season due to illness.) We already mentioned Gordon. Jackson? How good is she? We'll see.

I believe next season's team will be the hardest working team and the most talented team since the Sweet 16 team. Just look at the high school history of all those players. They come from winning programs.

UConn is not UConn merely because of the players. There's probably not one team in the country that has a more demanding coach or that practices harder. And they respond. Those players literally sprint onto the court at the beginning of each game and before the second half.

400 - Very good post. Re Jackson a few of us saw her during a practice session recently and were very pleased. She is very quick, a very good 2 guard and works very well with TT at the point. They are very close friends and you can see that on the court..

 

[NYC Pirate]

I think Shadeen is the only one who i'd say is going to start at this
point. I'd open every other position for competition. Sounds like the roster
will change by addition in a good way as far as one more player coming into
the mix that is not accounted for.

Many of the gals coming back have solid skills. I believe the one area that many of the returning gals have to improve is ball handling. Sounds like
a good group of recruits coming in plus the injured and redshirted players returning.

 

[Halldan1]

Tara Inman, yes.

Kat Egan, doubtful. Two bad knee injuries have probably derailed her BB career.

 

[Halldan1]

SHU W Basketball ‏@SHUWBB 1h1 hour ago


How about a record? @AleeshaPowe11's 43.2% mark from 3-point range this year was the BEST in SHU history. #HALLin

 

[Halldan1]

Lauren DeFalco ‏@LaUrEn_DeFaLcO 1h1 hour ago

No one deserves it more than @AleeshaPowe11! Hard work pays off! Going to miss this kid more than anything!!

 

[shupat08]

CONGRATS ALEESHA!!

Many of our favorite on the team. The way. She carried herself and played was a treat for this year. Wish we had her here for longer.

I've said this on the trove and to many people in person but I don't think I've ever posted this on the freeboard.

Aleesha should have been the one to step up as our leader on the court and in the locker room this year.

However, as we know many times situations do not work out how they're supposed to for one reason or another.

 

[Pirate64]

Please- someone tell me about Aly Fitzgerald.