St. John’s 3-point shooting could be pivotal in how season shakes out
There was one statistic that stood out throughout the two Big East games. Depending on how you look at it, the one number that could make you believe more in St. John's or doubt Rick Pitino's team. It's a 3 point line. Despite being outscored by 21 points from beyond the arc, the Johnnies are […]
Spurs’ Julian Champagnie set for MSG return after St. John’s stardom
Christmas Day will be a different kind of homecoming for former St. John's star Julien Champagnie. For the first time since his college days, the Brooklyn native will be on the Garden floor in a key role. The 6-foot-8 Champagnie is having a breakout season with the Spurs, averaging 12.5 points and 5.1 rebounds on […]
Rick Pitino’s influence evident in St. John’s newfound identity
You can point out differences in the size of the positions. The increased athleticism will allow St. John's to play faster. Key players Simeon Wilcher, RJ Lewis, and Zuby Ejiofor return, and there is continuity. But the biggest difference between Rick Pitino's first St. John's team and his second six weeks later is what happens […]
St. John’s shocks Providence at the buzzer on Zuby Ejiofor’s clutch shot
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — About a month ago, I heard the buzzer, broke my heart, and spent Friday night in ecstasy. Zuby Ejiofor was in the middle of both dramatic finishes. His two missed free throws and a clock error gave St. John's a blowout win over Baylor in the Bahamas. St. John's Red Storm forward […]
St. John’s brutal night at free-throw line nearly cost them vs. Providence
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — St. John's can expect a ton of free throws in its next practice. On Friday night, the charity stripe almost cost the Johnny's a big win. In the game against Providence at Amica Mutual Pavilion, he made 11 of 26 from the line and won 72-70. St. John's Red Storm guard RJ […]
‘Relentless’ Zuby Ejiofor has proved himself as St. John’s best player
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — St. John's has more talented players than Zuby Ejiofor. We have more skilled players. There are players with higher upside potential. But through 11 games, there may not be a better player. Just ask Rick Pitino. In a recent press conference, he talked about Johnny's problems guarding teams playing without true big […]
Kadary Richmond showing signs of being the star St. John’s needs
A breathtaking sound filled the Carnesecca Arena. Cadary Richmond, St. John's valuable offseason addition who had yet to make a real impact as Johnny, had just airballed toward the free-throw line. It was a shocking moment for such an accomplished player. But he wasn't fazed by that and stole the ball on his next possession […]
St. John’s can make statement in looming Big East road tests
St. John's has mostly held serve so far. Johnny was winning the matches they expected him to, and usually in an empathetic way. Their nine wins have been by an average margin of 21.6 points. The two losses, against NCAA Tournament-bound teams Baylor and Georgia, were decided by a total of four points. They pass […]
St. John’s crushes DePaul for impressive win in Big East opener
Rick Pitino was right. The betting lines for this match were way off. St. John's should have been favored by more than 14.5 points. Of course, Pitino felt the spread was too high and predicted it would be an “all-out war” for the Johnnys against DePaul in Tuesday night's Big East opener. His players may […]
Deivon Smith shows remorse after St. John’s suspension
From suspension to starting lineup? Coach Rick Pitino said electric lead guard Davon Smith, who was benched 13:18 into the game against Georgia in the Bahamas and suspended for the next game after reacting poorly to a sit-in, could be. He said there was enough sex. Down in an extension of the aforementioned loss. Pitino […]