INDIANAPOLIS — Jordan Dingle knew the expectations and wasn’t hiding from them.
This season at St. John’s hasn’t gone as planned for him.
“I know I’ve probably let a lot of people down with my performance so far,” said the graduating senior, who was second in the nation in scoring a season ago. “I really didn’t want to let anyone down. I feel terrible about it. But when you doubt yourself, it really doesn’t make sense. I’ve been a player at various levels for a long time, currently in the NBA. I’ve played with the guys and I’ve proven that I can do it.”
The narrative is slowly changing, at least recently, with Penn’s transfer.
He’s coming off a great week, exactly the kind of week we expected him to have.
In two games against Georgetown and No. 13 Creighton, he averaged 20 points and made 16 of 26 from the field, filling the shooting guard spot the Johnnys needed.
Dingle credits the encouragement from his teammates and coaches as the key to his rise, with words from associate head coach Steve Masiello in particular that stuck with him.
“I hope he doesn’t get mad at me for saying this. Coach Masiello said things like sharks don’t climb trees and squirrels don’t swim,” he said, averaging a career-low 11.1 points and 3 points. Dingle, who shot 29.6 points a game, looked back with a laugh. “Do what you have to do. Be a shark and go swimming. Be a squirrel and climb a tree. Don’t try to do anything outside of yourself. That’s what I tell myself. That’s what I’ve always done. Instead of trying to make a lot of home run plays, do the simple things that I know how to do well. That’s a good mantra to tell yourself.”
In other words, play your game.
Stop overthinking. Stop worrying about making mistakes.
do what you have to do.
It seems to have worked. Dingle, a 6-foot-3 guard from Valley Stream, New York, came up big in Creighton’s win after scoring a season-high 22 points at Georgetown.
He had the game’s two biggest baskets, two jumpers that sparked a game-clinching 15-4 run late in the second half.
The second half was a struggle for St. John’s (16-12, 8-9).
They trailed several times after halftime and lost winnable games to No. 5 Marquette, Providence and Seton Hall during a period in which they lost eight of 10 games.
It’s not Sunday.
Manager Rick Pitino implored his players to ignore the scoreboard and attack with a lead. Don’t play to lose, play to win.
“I think there was a big fear of not wanting to make a mistake. Obviously, a lot of us are new to St. John’s and the majority are new to Coach Pitino,” Dingle said. “Part of the reason is that [Daniss Jenkins] He’s a great leader for us, that’s he’s never forgiven [making a mistake] He’s having a great season because of that. But all great athletes say they need good short-term memory. If you miss the last seven shots, you have to assume that the next shot will definitely go in.
“You don’t have to worry about the mistake you just made.”
This win breathes life into the St. John’s NCAA Tournament, but there is no room for failure.
They must win their final three games of the regular season, starting with Wednesday’s game against Butler, and do some damage in the Big East Tournament.
But last week gave the Johnnys and their fans reason to believe that maybe this season can get back on track after that long slump.
There is still time for this team to achieve its goals.
Dingle decided that his game could definitely help in that pursuit.
