Another week is in the books! St. John’s first game of the season at Madison Square Garden provided an early glimpse into what the Red Storm could be this season. Maybe (well probably) Steve Lavin’s team won’t score 1.50 points per possession during an entire game again this season, but if all the pieces are clicking the team is supremely talented. What other teams and players excelled this week?
Team of the Week: St. John’s – As mentioned above the Red Storm just dominated their game against Fordham on Saturday at MSG. St. John’s had its best effective field goal percentage and offensive rebounding percentage of the season and dropped 103 points in 69 possessions. The break was working especially effectively and no lineup seemed to stop the Red Storm from scoring. The only St. John’s player without an offensive rating above 100 was Max Hooper, who went 1-3 from the field and scored 3 points. It was a total team effort.
Honorable Mentions: Rider (2-0 MAAC weekend), Iona (same), Manhattan (same)
Player of the Week: Sean Armand, Iona – The opening of MAAC play brought out the best in Armand averaged 27.0 points and 5.0 assists to lead the Gaels to a 2-0 start in MAAC play with wins over Marist and Fairfield. What’s super impressive right now about Armand’s stat line isn’t his excellent three-point shooting (44.4%), but the fact that the 6’5″ guard is shooting 64.4% on two-point attempts. Armand ranks 53rd nationally in effective field goal percentage according to KenPom. He’s been on a tear lately, scoring at least 20 points in every game during Iona’s four-game winning streak.
Honorable Mentions: Orlando Sanchez (St. John’s), Eugene Teague (Seton Hall), Anthony Myles (Rider), Jason Brickman (LIU)
Rookie of the Week: Spencer Weisz, Princeton – In a 22-point win over Fairleigh Dickinson Weisz got some extended playing time (37 minutes) and took advantage of it going for 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. He’s shooting an absolutely bonkers 78.6% from twos on the season (though just 14 attempts) and 50% from three (20 attempts). That adds up to eight best effective field goal percentage in the nation at 76.5%. Also impressive? While listed at 6’4″ Weisz has blocked six shots already this season. Princeton may be the best team in New Jersey and Weisz is part of the reason why.
Honorable Mentions: Jamall Robinson (Hofstra), Jimmie Taylor (Rider)
NYC Buckets Archive 
Very good selection for ROW. Spencer Weisz is the first freshman starter for the Tigers since Douglas Davis, who graduated trailing only Bill Bradley on the career scoring list. A New Jersey native, he plays with the savvy of a veteran. His numbers speak for themselves. Pressed into playing 37 minutes due to the suspensions of two starters Weisz gave the Tigers a real spark when most needed. Not much reporting on the Tigers’ disciplinary move. We’re all hoping there won’t be anything to report.
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