New York City is buzzing with excitement as Rick Pitino continues to redefine the trajectory of the St. John’s Red Storm during his second year at the helm. Recently, they showcased their potential by defeating the two-time defending champions, the UConn Huskies, with a decisive score of 89-75. In a thrilling match at Madison Square Garden, the Red Storm initially sprinted to a 22-point advantage, only to watch it dwindle to single digits. However, the team’s resilience shone through when Zuby Ejiofor stepped up in a huddle to rally his teammates, firmly stating, “We don’t wilt. We’ve been there before.”
St. John’s Historic Comeback
This remarkable turnaround highlights a stark contrast to the struggles faced just a year earlier, whereby St. John’s suffered a home defeat against Seton Hall, leaving Pitino despondent. The coach described that season as “the most unenjoyable experience” and lamented the lack of toughness within his squad. Fast forward to now, and the Red Storm have clinched its first outright regular-season title since 1985, positioning themselves as serious contenders for a Final Four spot.
Despite previous attempts to resurrect the program, the current season feels notably different. Having climbed to a national ranking of sixth—its highest since the days of Lou Carnesecca—St. John’s embodies the gritty spirit of New York basketball. Key players like Kadary Richmond, a Brooklyn native, have led with intensity and skill, with Pitino orchestrating this revival from the sidelines.
The Pitino Impact
In an earlier assessment, Pitino expressed concern over the defensive capabilities of his roster. He noted the challenge of transforming offensive stars into capable defenders. Last season, St. John’s faltered defensively, allowing over one point per possession in numerous games. However, this year’s squad has vastly improved; they’ve toughened up defensively under Pitino’s vision, establishing themselves as the top defensive team in the Big East.
Associate head coach Steve Masiello revealed that in their rush to build a competitive team, certain defensive essentials were overlooked. Their offseason focus has since shifted toward acquiring players with size and athleticism from the transfer portal, adding depth to the defense.
Defensive Excellence
The results are evident on the court; St. John’s has transformed into a defensive powerhouse, leading in multiple metrics, including field goal percentage allowed and turnovers forced. The Red Storm are adept at scoring off turnovers, exemplified by their 24 points against UConn.
Coaches across opposing teams recognize the formidable challenge posed by St. John’s defense. UConn’s Dan Hurley articulated the concern regarding the Red Storm’s intense pressure and positional versatility, noting, “They remind me of Houston… defensively and on the glass.”
Yet, while St. John’s excels defensively, questions linger regarding their offensive consistency—an area that must improve as they eye potential championship aspirations. The team ranks low in several shooting categories but has shown signs of recovery in recent games, making double-digit three-pointers in contests against Villanova and DePaul.
Looking Ahead
As the NCAA tournament approaches, the question remains whether St. John’s can balance its elite defense with a more potent offense. Pitino’s history indicates potential, recalling his past squads that overcame poor shooting to achieve success. The coaching staff is optimistic about improving offensive production in time for March Madness.
As the Red Storm’s winning ways continue, the excitement around their resurgence is palpable. With Pitino’s guidance, St. John’s seeks to reconcile its storied history with a new chapter of success, aiming for its first NCAA tournament win since 2000—a feat that fans have eagerly awaited for two decades.
