St. John’s Reflects on Past Year Before Thrilling Season
As St. John’s prepared for what many believe will be a standout season, the school took a moment to look back at the previous year.
A video recap featured the team’s impressive achievements, including clinching both the Big East regular season and postseason titles. The four players returning this year—Zubi Ejifor, Ruben Prey, Lefteris Liotopoulos, and Sadiq Ibine Ayo—celebrated with diamond-encrusted rings.
Head coach Rick Pitino addressed the enthusiastic crowd at Carnesecca Arena. “Our main goal is the national championship,” he stated, setting the tone for the season ahead.
On opening night, the Red Storm, who finished fifth the previous season, looked formidable. Their frontcourt, featuring Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, and Dillon Mitchell, proved to be a dominant force.
With impressive long-range shots, the team showcased their skills, achieving a commanding 108-74 victory over MAAC champion Quinnipiac.
Interestingly, just days before the game, Pitino joked with Bobcats coach Tom Pecora, expressing a desire to delay the game since he felt his new team wasn’t ready yet. Turns out, he was mistaken.
St. John’s came out strong, taking control early by scoring 19 of the first 24 points. Dillon Mitchell particularly shined in the first half, scoring eight points, including two spectacular dunks.
The team shot a remarkable 57 percent from the field, racking up an impressive 54 points in the first half alone. They continued to build on that after the break, leading at one point by 23-4 and eventually extending their advantage to 47 points.
Several players had notable performances. Mitchell led the team with 18 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Ejiofor, the preseason Big East Player of the Year, contributed 17 points and six rebounds, effectively limiting reigning MAAC Player of the Year Amari Monroe to just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Meanwhile, sophomores Ian Jackson and Joeson Sannon teamed up to score 29 points and hit four 3-pointers collectively. It was a promising start that hinted at what could be a thrilling season ahead for the Red Storm.
