Dylan Dahlin’s Shooting Struggles Before Sweet 16

WASHINGTON — In the midst of St. John’s latest victory against Kansas, Dylan Dahlin’s amazing layup somewhat overshadowed his ongoing difficulties with shooting from beyond the arc.

The junior point guard has gone cold, missing his last 16 three-point attempts. Yet, Dahlin seems undeterred, expressing confidence in his ability to bounce back as his team prepares to face top-seeded Duke at Capital One Arena this Friday.

“I’ve been taking a lot of shots,” Dahlin remarked. “Hopefully, some of those will finally drop on Friday.”

He noted that his current shooting woes feel different from earlier in the season when he had trouble with his technique and shot trajectory. “At the start of the year, I think there were some mechanical issues with my arc,” he reflected. “Right now, I feel like I’m just missing shots, but that’s basketball. I keep telling myself and my coach, Rick Pitino, to keep shooting. I really hope the first one falls.”

Meanwhile, Duke’s point guard, Caleb Foster, has been sidelined since March 7 due to a broken foot. Coach John Scheyer mentioned that a decision regarding Foster’s ability to play will be made on game day. Foster had surgery shortly after his injury and practiced a bit on Wednesday, even engaging with teammates during part of Thursday’s open practice.

“I only go back when he gets hurt. He told me, ‘If I work hard every day, promise me you’ll let me wear this uniform again,’” said Scheyer. “He’s in a good position to potentially return on Friday.”

Without Foster in the lineup, Duke has been averaging 12 turnovers over the last five games, noticeably higher than their typical average of 10.5, with star forward Cameron Boozer taking on more ball-handling responsibilities.

Foster, who arrived at the arena using a scooter and clad in boots, did not meet with the media.

Additionally, several players from St. John’s 1998-99 Elite Eight team, the last to reach the tournament’s second weekend, are set to attend the upcoming game. Notable members include Tyrone Grant, Bootsy Thornton, Chudney Gray, Reggie Jesse, and Eric Barkley. There’s a possibility that Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly Ron Artest) may join them as well.