BY JOSEPH STASZEWSKI
Justin Burrell needs to get used to posting double-doubles.
The St. John’s freshman had the first of his career against Sacred Heart on Wednesday night. He had 15 points and 11 rebounds, 10 and 8 of those came in the first half.
“I was not aware until we were walking up the tunnel,” Burrell said. “It does feel great, but I am happier with the win.”
If his is going to get his team more victories, he will need to produce more nights like Wednesday. With the departure of Lamont Hamilton, Burrell is thrust into the role of team’s best inside player. He struggled scoring in the post the few times he touched the ball there in the second half, but made quality moves. Dele Coker and Sean Evans did a superb job rebounding, but they are not the combination of strength, size and athleticism that Burrell is. He used those attributes to grab rebounds and earn put backs among crowds of Sacred Heart defenders. Burrell did a little lobbying for a call with the referees at times.
“We talk about it all the time, but he’s young,” Roberts said. “You can be a senior and you can lobby for a call too. He’s just got to learn to get back in transition quicker and he’ll do that. The way he played tonight he can lobby at least one or two times.”
If he continues to play that way, he may not have too.
Comments (3)
Is this team going to be competitive again? Jarvis devastated the program, has the re building finally turned a corner?
They can be competitive, but they will not turn the corner this season unless the freshman grow up quickly. Look how much UConn struggled last year with a team of young All-Americans. There is a lot of the talent and athletic ability on this roster and fans should at least be able to come and watch a more exciting style of basketball. The first real tests for St. John's are Niagra and Miami. Talk to me again after those game and my answer may change a bit.
Thanks for doing this blog. It enhances your coverage of local college hoops.