Among the reasons why highly-touted Seton Hall transfer Kadary Richmond chose St. John’s, at the top of his list was Rick Pitino’s history of developing players, especially his players’ jump shots. It was an achievement that contributed to improvement.
At 6-foot-6, Richmond’s only weakness is his long-distance jumper.
Last season, the All-Big East first-team selection shot just 27 percent from deep.
He is a career 33.7 percent 3-point shooter.
Improving in this area would greatly improve a lead guard’s chances in the NBA.
“I’ve always believed that if you’re a very good foul shooter, you can be a great jump shooter. We’re going to work on that right away,” Pitino told the Post. “Donovan Mitchell appeared. [Louisville] He left with a great jump shot, even though his jump shot was very poor. Terry Rozier came in with an average jump shot and left with a great jump shot. I said to him, “Cadderly, you’re going to leave with a great jump shot.” I hope he plays for the New York Knicks someday.
“I feel like he’s a unique talent, one of the best passers I’ve ever seen, and a very intelligent basketball player. He was very polite in every step of the game by Shaheen Holloway. has been guided by.”
Richmond is coming off the best season of his career, shooting 80.7 percent from free throws.
He is a career free throw shooter with a 75.4% percentage.
So he has the foundation to work from.
The Brooklyn native never attempted more than 1.8 3s per game in a season.
Pitino expects that to change this year.
“He’s got decent form,” Pitino said. “You know what he’s not? He’s not a spot-up shooter, and he’s got to learn that. He’s got to learn to find out.”
An NBA scout, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the problem with Richmond’s jumper was its inconsistency, which kept him from being drafted.
If that improves, things will change.
“They’re going to have to get serious about it,” the scout said. “But I think Rick’s player development structure will be very good for him.”
One of the stories that has followed Richmond from his first stay at Syracuse to his three years at Seton Hall is that he doesn’t always bring it to practice, only turns it on when the game lights come on. That is to do.
That doesn’t seem to bother Coach Pitino, who values his players putting in the extra effort.
“I said, ‘Cadaly, first of all, if you’re going to come here, I want you to understand that you’re going to have player development sessions every day,'” Pitino said. “If you don’t love the game and you don’t love getting better, why would you consider St. John’s? He said, ‘I’m committed, Coach.’ When I broached the subject, his comment was, “I agree.” ”
