Under Buddy Ryan’s guidance, it sometimes seemed like St. John’s had more opportunities to score via defense rather than offense.
The Red Storm claimed the Big East regular season title for the first time since 1985, with Rick Pitino’s defense impressively ranking second in the nation by KenPom.com. They stood out in several categories: 10th in defensive field goal percentage (39.7%), ninth in forced turnovers (15.2) and 13th in blocks (5.2).
Opponents managed to score less than 66 points on average per game, with only one team reaching 82 points in regulation. The offense seemed off even before games started.
“Last year we were one of the top two defensive teams in the nation, but I don’t think this squad will replicate that,” Pitino remarked after a game against Alabama, where they allowed 100 points to a non-conference opponent for the first time since 2004. “I see two key reasons for this: we lack shot-blocking and we’re not particularly larger or more physical.”
“I believe this team is leaning more on offense than anything else… You can’t excel at everything, yet I think we can be a solid defensive unit.”
With only one starter coming back from last year’s defensive lineup, a significant turnaround seemed unlikely.
Nevertheless, the Hall of Fame coach challenged the group as they aim for the Final Four.
“To be a truly great team in the future, we must be more physical at every position,” Pitino expressed on Friday. “Currently, we’re a finesse team. I’m pleased with this squad and I’ve never seen a better attitude in any team I’ve coached, but they need to toughen up.”
The refreshed Red Storm are set to play William & Mary at Carnesecca Arena Saturday night.
Ranked No. 13, St. John’s (1-1) has a solid home record under Pitino, enjoying a 15-game winning streak on campus and remaining undefeated in Queens over the last six years. The Tribe (2-1) last defeated a ranked opponent way back in 1977.
With Iowa State and Baylor scheduled for the Thanksgiving week tournament in Las Vegas, Pitino highlighted the risk of underestimating a team he referred to as “Princeton on steroids,” which plays at one of the fastest paces in the nation and excels at exploiting three-second attempts, especially concerning St. John’s current lack of teamwork.
“Regardless of how it’s perceived, this team will push us to our limits,” Pitino emphasized. “[We’ve] got many guards who don’t blend well together yet, so preparations are key. That’s just how things go. The season is just starting, and they’re still getting to know one another.”
“I, [transfer] Portal. I appreciate paying players, but I dislike forming new teams yearly. I desire stability. This year poses challenges, but I anticipate next year being even tougher. It’s the nature of the game.”
Following a week of defensive practice, Bryce Hopkins stated, “You’ll definitely notice improvement in us.”
Zuby Ejiofor, the Big East preseason player of the year, understands the significance of this shift.
“If everyone commits to consistent stops, we could be remarkable,” Ejiofor asserted. “It takes time to reach our goals. Last year, defense was our trademark. It’s how we succeeded even when our shooting wasn’t on point.”
“Really, it’s about the right mindset above all.”
