The Red Storm's Rise: A New Season, A New Legacy
The journey to greatness is often more memorable than the destination, and the St. John's University men's basketball team is a testament to that.
We've all been there - fixated on the ending, forgetting the incredible path that led us there. Take, for instance, the iconic HBO series, "The Sopranos." An epic masterpiece, yet all we can talk about is that controversial finale. The same can be said for the St. John's basketball campaign of 2024-2025.
But here's where it gets interesting...
Last season, the Johnnies achieved an impressive 31-5 record, culminating in a memorable Big East Conference championship run. They earned the prestigious No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, a feat that hadn't been accomplished in 25 years. Despite a promising start, they fell short in the second round, leaving fans yearning for more, much like that enigmatic "Sopranos" finale.
However, this season, the Johnnies are back with a vengeance. Under the guidance of third-year head coach and basketball legend Rick Pitino, the team has undergone a significant transformation and is poised to dominate the Big East and the entire NCAA men's basketball landscape.
In its preseason top 25 poll, The Associated Press ranked St. John's an impressive No. 5, the highest ranking in the program's history. This is a significant milestone, especially considering the team's last appearance on this prestigious list was during the 1999-2000 season.
And this is the part most people miss...
The Johnnies' highest preseason ranking prior to this season was back in 1984-1985, when they were ranked No. 7. Led by the legendary Lou Carnesecca, that team, featuring St. John's icons Mark Jackson, Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, and Bill Wennington, achieved an impressive 31 wins, finished as Big East Conference championship runners-up, and advanced to the Final Four.
In today's ever-evolving college basketball landscape, with the transfer portal playing a significant role, the Johnnies will rely on just four returning players from last year's impressive roster. The standout among them is senior forward Zuby Ejiofor, an All-Big East selection and the reigning Big East Most Improved Player of the Year, who averaged an impressive 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season.
According to ESPN, St. John's has secured the top-rated transfer class, with five new players ranked within the top 100 of ESPN's transfers rankings. This group includes former McDonald's High School All-Americans Ian Jackson and Dillon Mitchell, former First Team All-Big East selection Bryce Hopkins, highly-rated high school recruit Joson Sanon, and sharp-shooter Oziyah Sellers.
A key question remains: Can this new squad adapt to the Big Apple's intense basketball culture?
Last year's St. John's team was nearly invincible at home, boasting a perfect 21-0 record, including an impressive 12-0 streak at the iconic Madison Square Garden. This season, the pressure is on for this new group to prove they can handle the expectations that come with being a preseason No. 5-ranked team.
In a system heavily influenced by the transfer portal, team chemistry will be a crucial factor. These players, who weren't teammates last year and come from diverse backgrounds, must quickly gel as a unit.
With Pitino, the Big East Coach of the Year, at the helm, the Johnnies are well-positioned for success. While the regular season is important, Pitino's eyes are set on a deeper postseason run through the NCAA Tournament.
The journey begins on October 18th with an exhibition game against Towson University. Let's hope this season's journey culminates in a satisfying ending, one that doesn't leave us pondering like that infamous "Sopranos" finale. Queens deserves a happy ending this time!
Will the Johnnies live up to their preseason ranking? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts on their chances? Feel free to share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
