It has been a season to remember for the Red Storm. But can St. John’s basketball cap it off when it matters most?
General Information:
Team:Â St. John’s
Location:Â Queens, N.Y.
Record:Â 30-4 (18-2)
Head Coach:Â Rick Pitino (37th season, 2nd at St. John’s)
What to know about St. John’s basketball:
Year two of Rick Pitino always seems to work well and make a difference at every stop he’s been at. But this time around, year two at St. John’s could deliver the Hall of Fame head coach another national championship.
The Johnnies have just four losses – by a combined SEVEN points. Yes, St. John’s basketball is truly just a few possessions away from being undefeated, and perhaps the best story in college basketball history. Still, it’s been a season to remember and one Red Storm fans want to continue going.
The Johnnies don’t go incredibly deep, but they still have a lot to throw at you. Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis is the scoring machine, leading the team with 18.4 points along with 7.2 rebounds. He’s joined by physical forward Zuby Ejiofor and physical guards Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, and Simeon Wilcher. This is a St. John’s basketball team that will want to wear you out for a full 40 minutes.
There are some concerns with the Red Storm. While they put the ball in the basket, they don’t do so at a high rate from three-point range, at just 30.4% as a team, one of the worst rates in the country. Free throw shooting has been another woe, leaving most of their buckets in the mid-range and close to the bucket.
But that’s where this team thrives. They attack the glass, play pressure defense, and won’t back down from anyone. St. John’s is the bully, whether it’s a cool story or not.
NCAA Tournament prediction for St. John’s basketball: Final Four exit
Seed: 2
It’s virtually impossible to make a good prediction on how far this team will go. On the one hand, the metrics don’t all match up, and if they get in an offensive game, it’s fair to say that the three-point shooting struggles could be the downfall.
On the other hand, Rick Pitino doesn’t care what you have to say. He has coached this team to an incredible record through the struggles and it’s safe to say a Hall of Famer can make up for the struggles and get this team to the promised land.
St. John’s starts with Omaha in round one and would play the winner of Kansas and Arkansas after that. This team could be upset in the first weekend if Bill Self or John Calipari comes out with a similar Hall of Fame gameplan. They could also ride the momentum all the way to San Antonio. It’s all up in the air, and it’s probably just how Pitino wants it.