Justin Burrell on the line for 2
World, meet Justin Burrell a.k.a. the “Rim Punisher,” or “RP.” The 6′8″ 220 lb. New York native has bounced around from Middletown to Our Savior Lutheran to Bridgton Academy over the years. If you are on the HS scene inside you know who he is, but otherwise Burrell’s flown under the radar. RP will land at St. John’s U. in the fall and could be the big break that the Johnnies need to turn the program around. I know, that is a bold statement, but if you have seen this kid play this is all too clear…he’s a beast. His nickname could not fit him any better. He is a strong low post player who has a natural presence, and can use a plethora of moves to finish. Usually that means a spin, drop step, or an up-and-under followed by a ridiculously powerful dunk. I caught one of his games up at the Tri-State Classic last week and this kid was doing whatever he wanted whenever. I am looking forward to watching him develop as a player right here in NY.
Burrell was joined by another blue chip prospect, Lance Stephenson a.k.a. “Born Ready.” The two have played together with Tiny Morton’s Juice All-Stars and have good chemisty. Lance had a solid game, mixing his usual scoring with some tough D and great passing.
Skywalker catching a half-court oop from Lance
Born Ready slicing and dicing his way to the cup
Me & Bern rocking matching outfits (you know you did it on purpose….)
August 1st, 2007 at 1:41 am
Moses Townsend says:
It would be great to see St. John’s back in the mix with a strong program. I think Felipe Lopez cursed them or something…
August 1st, 2007 at 7:51 am
justin says:
They have had a string of terrible years. Hopefully that will turn around. In general we are seeing a lot of great metro area players stay close to home. You can credit that to the pitbull like recruiting style of Big East coaches like Fred Hill and Bobby Gonzalez. Like the Johnnies you need to keep an eye on Seton Hall and Rutgers. Both schools have had monster recruiting seasons and I don’t see it slowing down. As for Burrell I really feel he has the ability to turn them around.
August 1st, 2007 at 10:13 am
Chris says:
Norm Roberts is a great coach, and if this kid is what everyone is saying he is, it might just be the thing that can turn this program around. I have to agree. Are they going to win the national title next year? Not likely, but just getting to the dance would be great, especially with a Big East title under our belts..
Looks like I am going to be at the Garden/ Alumni Hall a lot this winter. I am excited!
August 1st, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
Walter Berry was the “Truth.” two-time college player of the year in the mid-’80s, he may well be the greatest st. john’s player ever. plus he did it hardbody on the street. now that’s a legend.
August 1st, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Chris says:
Bob (or anyone), do you think it was harder to be a college player of the year in the 80’s or in the present?
August 2nd, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Justin says:
Definitely present, hands down. Players are quicker, faster, stronger, and flat out better. These kids are exposed to such a high level of play and instruction at an early age. Once kids are tagged as potential players the opportunities put in front of them are ridiculous. This coupled by increased pay-days down the line have made the game hyper competitive.
August 2nd, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
i totally disagree, justin . . .
in the ’80s, more top level college age athletes were staying in school. in the last 15 years, early entry in to the draft or even skipping college all together has become normalized. if you were college player of the year, or even 1st team all-american in the ’70s and ’80s, that meant a hell of a lot more then that it does now. the overall talent pool was greater, plus the coaches were still mostly traditional and old school which meant individual stats were frowned on. to rise above all that you had to be the man. think about it . . . pistol pete’s NCAA scoring record has yet to be beaten after 40 years, and he didn’t even have a three point line.
August 4th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
chris says:
I think both of you make very valid points. It’s almost like you have to start comparing individual players from then and now to really take a step back and analyze the type of talent that existed then, and exists now. What would a player like Jordan or Isiah have done in 2002? What would a guy like Oden or Durant do in 1984? Are they simply products of the time in which they played, or can/would their talent transcend the time period, and shine regardless? Can you imagine Michael Jordan playing on NC team this decade? How loose would be be getting with today’s training and ideologies? Would Oden have a chance going up against Ewing?
It’s such a deep debate and convo and man I wish I had the time to sit down with guys like you and shoot the shit about this stuff.. I love college ball still to this day, but I can honestly say I hate the NBA. I watch, but it just don’t do it for me anymore. I hate to blame Shaq, cause I love watching him play, but I honestly believe that as he came into dominance, the league suffered and has progressively gotten worse.
Anyway, Peace guys..
August 6th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Davidc says:
Justin Burrell is a monster!