St. John's Red Storms Set for Big Year Under Pitino
For the first time since returning to the college basketball scene under Chris Mullin's father, Rick Pitino, St. John's is primed to make some noise this season. The team will be led by a diverse and explosive lineup that is expected to score at all five positions.
The lack of a true number one option may pose an issue for opposing teams, but the Red Storm's collective talent makes them difficult to defend. Ejiofor, Hopkins, Sanon, Mitchell, and Jackson are just a few of the names that will be hearing their names called by fans across the country as they average at least 10 points per game.
Dylan Darling, a 6-1 lefty point guard, is expected to emerge in mid-January as the team's go-to player. Darling has shown toughness and poise throughout his college career, and with lessons learned from his father - a former NFL linebacker - he will be better equipped to handle the physicality of the game at the highest level.
However, there are still some concerns for the Red Storm. A trip to Las Vegas last November was marred by an uneven performance, which may portend similar struggles in The Bahamas this year. A two-game loss to Iowa State and a rematch against Michigan will be tough tests, especially given the team's youth and lack of experience.
One thing is clear, though: St. John's Red Storms are on the rise under Pitino, and with their talented roster and collective energy, they have the potential to make some noise in college basketball this season.
For the first time since returning to the college basketball scene under Chris Mullin's father, Rick Pitino, St. John's is primed to make some noise this season. The team will be led by a diverse and explosive lineup that is expected to score at all five positions.
The lack of a true number one option may pose an issue for opposing teams, but the Red Storm's collective talent makes them difficult to defend. Ejiofor, Hopkins, Sanon, Mitchell, and Jackson are just a few of the names that will be hearing their names called by fans across the country as they average at least 10 points per game.
Dylan Darling, a 6-1 lefty point guard, is expected to emerge in mid-January as the team's go-to player. Darling has shown toughness and poise throughout his college career, and with lessons learned from his father - a former NFL linebacker - he will be better equipped to handle the physicality of the game at the highest level.
However, there are still some concerns for the Red Storm. A trip to Las Vegas last November was marred by an uneven performance, which may portend similar struggles in The Bahamas this year. A two-game loss to Iowa State and a rematch against Michigan will be tough tests, especially given the team's youth and lack of experience.
One thing is clear, though: St. John's Red Storms are on the rise under Pitino, and with their talented roster and collective energy, they have the potential to make some noise in college basketball this season.