The pivotal moment for St. John’s that transformed everything for Bryce Hopkins

St. John’s University Finds Momentum After Struggles

The loss to Providence on January 3 seemed to mark a significant shift in the season for St. John’s University, leading to an impressive six-game winning streak.

This change appears particularly evident in Bryce Hopkins.

“That game really didn’t reflect my style of play at all. After it, I genuinely feel like something clicked,” the senior forward shared on Tuesday. This was just before the 25th-ranked Johnnies were set to face Butler at the Garden on Wednesday. “Once that was behind me, I focused on just playing with ease. There was a lot of hype around that game, given the fans and everything.”

Since facing his former team, Hopkins has transformed his performance. When he transferred to St. John’s in the spring, he was highly anticipated. Over the last six games, he boasts a plus-75 record, which is among the best on the team. His stats show an average of 15.3 points with 47.8 percent shooting, alongside 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

Notably, the 6-foot-7 forward has excelled in the second half of games, stepping up when it matters most. This was particularly clear in the recent comeback win against Xavier.

During those crucial final 20 minutes, he scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds. In the pivotal game against Villanova on January 18, he had another strong second half, contributing 13 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

“When the game was in the balance, he wanted the ball and drove to the basket,” noted coach Rick Pitino. “He’s continued to be a great asset for our team.”

Earlier in the season, St. John’s struggled in tight matches, holding leads in the second half of their five losses. However, they’ve recently clinched three straight narrow victories, with Hopkins playing a central role. There’s also been discussion about who would be the team’s closer, and Hopkins feels he can take on that responsibility.

“I think some people have that clutch gene, and I might have a bit of that myself,” he remarked. “In tough situations, staying calm is essential. If you can keep your cool, everything else tends to fall into place.”

A significant factor in this turnaround has been the revamped starting lineup. Pitino moved Joeson Sannon to the bench in favor of Dillon Mitchell. Over these six games, Mitchell has thrived in the point forward role, contributing as a defender as well as an offensive creator, which has benefited Hopkins as well.

“Dillon is a fantastic player, bringing intensity and the knack for creating plays,” Hopkins mentioned. “We complement each other really well. I’m able to space the court while he attacks the basket. It’s a good dynamic.”

There are various elements influencing Hopkins’ resurgence. It’s worth noting that this is his first complete season since the 2022-23 year. He suffered an ACL tear on January 3, 2024, limiting him to just three games last season. Adjusting to a new coach and teammates may have also played a role in his development.