No, Aaron Scott shook his head. Nothing has changed for him.
His confidence has not waned yet. He still believes in his ability to knock down shots, even though very few people are into him these days.
“My confidence right now is really high. I know I can make shots, and I've done that before countless games,” the St. John's senior forward said Monday, when the Johnnys play in Cincinnati on Tuesday night. He spoke while preparing to play against Xavier. “You’re going to fall. It’s a basketball game, there are good times and bad times.
“I'm not too depressed. It's just the game of basketball. Have fun. Shots don't fall – that's cool. Do something different to win the game. That's what I'm doing. It is.”
He accomplished that in Saturday's win over Butler. Scott led St. John's with seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals and was a plus-20 in 26 minutes played.
But offensively, it was a struggle for the 6-foot-8 rookie.
The team's best on-ball defender has scored in double figures in just two of the last 10 games.
He's made 8-of-41 3-pointers in that span. St. John's brought him in from North Texas for his defensive prowess and grit, as well as his ability to stretch the floor. A year ago, Scott shot 37 percent from deep. This season, that number has dropped to 26.9.
Teams are looking at Scott and forcing him from the 3-point line. As a result, shots were contested and attempts were reduced. Coach Rick Pitino wanted him to attack more to keep opponents honest.
“That's no excuse. Everyone gets scouted,” Scott said. “I have to move better to find my shots better. Find my open shots.”
“You have to move without the basketball, you have to get to the rim, you have to go to the foul line, you have to grab offensive rebounds, you have to get backdoor cuts instead of just relying on spot-ups,” Pitino said. I have to,” he said. …He's a veteran, Aaron, and I'm never worried about him. He gives you 100 percent. He needs to understand why he doesn't look the same. ”
Scott is clearly not alone.
St. John's has struggled to shoot threes for quite some time, making just 9 of 59 attempts in four league games, but still has a 3-1 overall record and a 12-3 record. I'm leaving it behind.
Scott believes it will be a turnaround, not just for him, but for everyone. During that time, poor shooting rarely held the team back.
“We're still winning,” Scott said. “I think people forget that we're still winning. It's impressive, but I'm not surprised. We've got a team of guys, a team full of hard workers. .No need to make 3s. [with] Offensive rebounds, drives, transitions. We've done everything else, so even if we miss a shot, it's okay. ”
Forward Zuby Ejiofor was named to the Big East Honor Roll for the fourth consecutive week.
Freshman guard Jaden Glover (wrist) is questionable to play against Xavier, according to officials.
He hasn't been able to practice for the past few days. He was injured before Saturday's win against Butler.
