Daniela Abies Returns to Basketball at St. John’s

Redshirt junior forward Daniela Abies is getting a chance to revive her career at St. John’s.

After transferring from Wichita State, St. John’s was keen to bring Abies into their lineup for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Ultimately, though, she chose to go to Miami.

Unfortunately, her season was cut short by an injury after just eight games last December. Realizing her potential was still recognized by St. John’s coach Joe Tartamella, Abies re-entered the transfer portal.

“I regret not coming here first,” she confessed recently.

It’s been nine months since Abies last played. She was only cleared for basketball activities in August and is still adjusting to the team’s playing style.

Nevertheless, she’s optimistic about aiding the revamped Red Storm, especially after they struggled last season, finishing eighth in the Big East.

The St. John’s women’s basketball team kicks off their season on Monday with a 2 p.m. game against Le Moyne at Carnesecca Arena, showing a noticeable transformation from last year.

They’ll be missing key players like Rashe Dwyer, the 2024-25 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, and captain Vanya Mayo, both of whom graduated after last season.

However, Tartamella is bringing back six players, including guards Skye Owen and Jayla Donald.

“We rely on Skye and Jahlia to step up in communication and leadership roles,” Tartamella said. “Their performance will significantly impact our success, and if they falter, that could lead to some issues.”

The team has also acquired six newcomers, featuring four Division I transfers. Notable additions include sophomore guard Samya Wyatt, who was the Atlantic Sun Conference Newcomer of the Year, and junior guard Beautiful Waheed, a highly regarded recruit from Wabash Valley.

Practice sessions have been buzzing with energy, although establishing a cohesive unit with so many new faces will take time.

“I’m pleased with certain aspects,” Tartamella mentioned, entering his 14th season at St. John’s. “We believe we’ve improved from last year’s team, which had its shortcomings.”

After their opener, the Red Storm’s schedule becomes quite demanding. They’ll face Harvard, a team eyeing an NCAA Tournament spot, and Quinnipiac, which participated in the women’s basketball invitational last year.

St. John’s is also set to encounter two additional teams from the 2025 NCAA Tournament: Oklahoma State on November 19 in Queens and Georgia Tech during the Cayman Island Classic opener on November 28.

Tartamella indicated that the Red Storm aims to take on a tougher non-conference schedule to better prepare for the rigorous 20-game Big East challenge.

“I think it’s a fantastic chance to assess our standing, but we’ll face some real early tests,” he remarked, contrasting this year with last season’s initial schedule.

UConn, reigning champions and No. 1 in the Associated Press preseason poll, will be a strong contender in the Big East, leaving other teams fighting for favorable placements.

Last year, St. John’s ended up eighth in the standings with a disappointing 5-13 Big East record.

Yet, they were ranked 72nd in the NET rankings, buoyed by a solid 10-1 start.

Now, Tartamella is aiming higher this season.

“We were so close to reaching the postseason again, but fell short,” he reflected. “This group is eager to compete and aims for a top-half finish in the Big East.”