As a kid the St. Joseph's Hawks stole my heart, coach Dr. Jack Ramsey, with
guards Billy Hoy and Jimmy Lynam carried out effective fundamental basketball on
Hawk Hill and at the Palestra (University Pennsylvania). That brand of
basketball, at times, has been outstanding on 54th Street, especially recently
with stellar coach Phil Martelli (received another contract extension)leading
the charge. But, something has changed recently and it's starting to be
illustrated on the court. In fact, it will have a direct impact on the future of
this small Jesuit school, considering the economy and the cost of education.
One of the key elements for students looking at schools in the Philadelphia area
is social activities. At SJU, the basketball team brings the kids and fans
together binding the "Hawk will never die" mindset. In fact, I guarantee the
success of the basketball program has had a direct impact on the school's
admissions office. This factor maybe be starting to wrinkle, somewhat, as the
recruiting process has not been so favorable for Martelli (26-152-1) on the floor.
As we all know, recruiting is the most important element in big time college
athletics. Just check the rosters of the football programs down in Oklahoma,
Texas, Alabama, Florida, LSU and Southern California as that group brings four
and five star recruits into their schools consistently.
The St. Joe Hawks this season were ticketed by a number of local and national
experts as a possible NCAA tourney qualifier and top three A-10 unit. Overall,
the Hawks lost two quality starters from last season, but brought in a good
recruiting class (for a small school), including Bryant Irwin, a forward, Mr.
Basketball from West Virginia. No doubt the Hawks have effective lead guards to
run the offense, but in the Maui Invitational (this past week), it was evident,
long range shooting will be an issue. The transfer of Philly product D. J.
Rivera did not help. In the Jameer Nelson years the Hawks killed you from the
long stripe and NBA guard Delionte West was a major attacker from that angle. SJU has no answers, much like
the Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers, who lack the deep shooters to contend in games
they start slowly, the Hawks will need to develop their offense for successes in
conference.
If you're a Hawk fan, how can you complain? A winning SU mark of 22.4 games per
annum over the last five campaigns is quite an accomplishment for such a small
urban school, not in a BCS conference. Still when you have Mr. Basketball types
from Connecticut and West Virginia, one might question the current record 2-3
SU, and the direction Martelli is taking. But, before you bury this club,
remember 2 of the last 3 opponents were highly rated Texas and Alabama. Oh, I
should mention, for next season the Hawks have garnered three quality verbal
commitments for the basketball squad. The "Hawk is not dead" just taking a
little time to map out a new direction.
In sports-betting, we know that patterns are a key element in any winning
season, so one should be aware of programs that fly under the radar and look, not too friendly to the
pocketbook in the early season. SJU should be a major force on Las Vegas
Boulevard come A-10 play as some of the young depth will accure more playing
time. SJU faces Creigthon on December 6th and 'Nova on December 11th, those
encounters should tell us how much more about the Maui trip, and if it helped
develop a new winning chemistry on Hawk Hill.
