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The best part of sports is the predicting - guessing who's going to be the man and being right at the end of the year.
The college basketball season begins for St. John's against Detroit on Tuesday afternoon. Before the games kick off, the Rumble takes a look at who the Red Storm's leaders will be in 2011-12.
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SCORING: D`Angelo Harrison
PREDICTION: Harrison led the Red Storm last season with 17 points and looks to do continue the scoring barrage this season. With his new role as point guard, Harrison will have the ball in his hands more giving him the chance to create a shot for himself. He hasn't seen action during preseason play, but don't take that as a reason to think he won't come out firing against Detroit -- a team Harrison said at St. John's media day his team and him desperately want a win against after their loss last season.
ASSISTS: D`Angelo Harrison
PREDICTION: This may come as a surprise but don't be shocked. Harrison worked this offseason with John Lucas learning the point guard position. With his new high-flying teammate JaKarr Sampson and big finishers down low Chris Obekpa and Orlando Sanchez, Harrison will have a lot of scoring options to choose from.
REBOUNDING: Chris Obekpa
PREDICTION: This is exactly what the freshman from Our Savior New American was brought to do. He has shown that he can get boards already in his first two preseason games (21 in total) and will continue doing that for the Red Storm. When the ball hits the rim, it seems to have a magnetic response to Obekpa's hands. With God`sgift Achiuwa possibly being red shirted, Obekpa will have to be a prominent force in the paint.
SHOT BLOCKING: Chris Obekpa
PREDICTION: Just like rebounding, blocking is second nature to Obekpa. He does a great job reading plays as they are about to happen as well as timing his blocks to a tee. In both of St. John's exhibition matchup's, he recorded 7 blocks. Need I say more?
ASSIST/TURNOVER RATIO: Jamal Branch
PREDICTION: Branch will miss the fall semester of the Red Storm season due to transfer rules but when he comes back, expect him to be the point guard they have been waiting for. Even though Harrison may lead the team in assists, Branch will be the best ratio guy. He is very skilled and precise with his passes and a great awareness to know when and where a defender will be before he makes his pass.
3-POINT PERCENTAGE: Marc-Antoine Bourgault
PREDICTION: The Monroe College transfer was brought over to hit 3's on a consistent basis. Bougault will be the catch-and-shoot perimeter player St. John's needs to keep defenses honest. Last year the team had Harrison as the only real threat, but now Marco Bougault will give the Red Storm a born shooter waiting to wreak havoc outside the arc.
DUNKS: JaKarr Sampson
PREDICTION: This might sound like a ridiculous category to have but can you blame me? From Sampson, to Christian Jones as well as Sir`Dominic Pointer and Amir Garrett, the high-flying wing options St. John's has will put a highlight reel dunk contest for fans to watch. The question is, who will get the most dunks. Give me Sampson with 50.
STEALS: Sir`Dominic Pointer
PREDICTION: Nobody on the roster forces turnovers better than this guy. A terror to opposing ball handlers, Pointer makes the players he guards give up the ball quickly before he pickpockets them. With quick hands as well as timing, look for Pointer to average the 2.5 steals per game he predicted for himself at media day.
ESPN TOP 10 MOMENTS: JaKarr Sampson
PREDICTION: Sampson's speed is incredible to watch, and even better when he gets a lane to the basket. Centers and forwards better watch for him when he's coming down the lane or they will find themselves on a poster and on the receiving end of an ESPN Top 10 play. I'll give Sampson 3 top plays this year on the World Wide Leader of Sports.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAYER: Christian Jones
PREDICTION: Christian Jones is no bench warmer. In his two exhibition games, Jones averaged 12.5 points to go along with seven rebounds. He's a massive body on the inside who will be a force down low defensively and offensively. Everyone will be looking at JaKarr to stand out the most, but that's the obvious pick. When it comes down to who will impress people because they had no idea he could play, Christian Jones will be that guy.
[MOBILE USERS: Use this link to participate in the St. John's Predicted Leader Board poll.]
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