Get ready for an exciting basketball season with St. John's University! The team, under the guidance of legendary coach Rick Pitino, is gearing up for a potential Final Four run. But here's the twist: Pitino is making some bold moves, and one of them involves a starting lineup shake-up that has everyone talking.
Last season, Pitino showcased his motivational magic, transforming a St. John's team with shooting struggles into Big East Tournament champions with a 31-5 record. Now, with an even more promising squad, including a top-rated group of transfers, St. John's is ranked No. 5 nationally and is a clear favorite for the Final Four. But Pitino isn't resting on his laurels.
In a recent media day, Pitino dropped a bombshell by announcing that Dillon Mitchell will be joining the starting lineup, replacing Bryce Hopkins. This move has raised eyebrows, as Hopkins, a former all-Big East first-teamer, was expected to be a starter. Pitino explained that he's seeking more from Hopkins, aiming for greatness and passion.
"I'm not satisfied with 'good' or 'solid,'" Pitino said. "I want to see that 'Mamba' mentality in every player. Once Hopkins embraces that mindset, he'll be one of the best in the country." Pitino, with his seven Final Four appearances, knows what it takes to reach the pinnacle, and he believes Hopkins holds the key.
And this is the part most people miss: Pitino isn't just about winning; he's about developing players. He wants his team to focus on the present and not get caught up in the hype. The players, like Ejiofor, understand the stakes: "It's our last year, so it's Final Four or bust." Hopkins adds, "We have the talent and depth to do something special, but we must stay focused."
When asked about the Final Four talk, Pitino clarified, "Being a Final Four contender is the goal of every top program. We must focus on our defense and offense to get there." Hopkins admitted that being benched has motivated him to step up his game. He's determined to prove his worth and become an even better player than before.
St. John's will face their first test against Towson, a team predicted to win their conference. But the real challenge comes the following week against No. 7 Michigan. Pitino has accelerated team development, prioritizing the collective over individual skills, especially with tough early-season opponents.
"We'll learn a lot about ourselves in these exhibition games," Pitino said. "It's an exciting time, and we hope we're on the right track."
In other news, Kelvin Odih, a 6-4 freshman guard, has returned to practice after a pectoral injury. Odih, who has been pushing for playing time, attributed the injury to overdoing it in the weight room. His return is a boost for the Storm's depth.
Get ready for an action-packed season with St. John's! Who do you think will shine in this starting lineup? Will St. John's make it to the Final Four? Let's discuss in the comments!
