New York City is issuing a Red Storm warning to all boroughs as St. John’s lands among the top 10 in week 15 AP Poll for the first time in 25 years.
St. John’s Red Storm finds themselves back in the top 10 of the Associated Press Men’s Basketball Ranking for the first time since 2000. The Johnnies moved up three spots in the poll – from No. 12 to No. 9, after two ranked wins this past week.
The Red Storm secured first place in the Big East Conference after beating #12 Marquette at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. St. John’s then went on to win on the road over the #19 UConn on Friday. The defending back-to-back champion UConn Huskies have since been dropped from the rankings.
Survival of the Fittest
Immediately following their huge win over the Golden Eagles, SLAM (the American basketball Magazine), was waiting in Carnesecca Arena, their on campus arena in Queens, New York. SLAM will be doing a highlight on Head Coach Rick Pitino and the Johnnies.
The “St. John’s Trio” of RJ Luis Jr., Zuby Ejiofor, and Kadary Richmond will be featured on the cover with Coach Pitino for February’s edition of SLAM Magazine. The brand will also be launching a clothing line to promote them.
The first member of the trio, Junior and 6'7 Guard Luis Jr. was last week’s AP Men’s National Player of the Week. Last week, Luis Jr. put up 17 points vs. Marquette and 21 points against UConn. Second member of this trio, Junior and 6 '9 Power Forward Ejiofor is a physical force who exhibits versatility in his offensive approach. Finally, Richmond, New York’s own who has been “Kookin’ since Brooklyn:” The Senior 6' 6 Guard (and my favorite) has been a huge factor during St. John’s hot streak.
In his second season with the Red Storm, Coach Pitino has completely turned the program around. During the first episode of Vice TV’s new docuseries “Pitino: Red Storm Rising,” he spoke about the team athletes gaining confidence and that the best part about it all is that they have not even reached their fullest potential yet.
Last season, the Johnnies finished 20-13, fifth in the Big East, and missed the March Madness Tournament. This season, they are currently 21-4, first in their conference, and in play for a top three seed in the tournament.
This week’s ranking matches the last time the Johnnies were in the top 10 for the 1999-00 season. 2000 was also the last time they won the Big East Conference Title.
St. John’s is a relentless squad. Their offense isn’t the strongest, but they capitalize on their defense and an “old school in your face” basketball style of play. They are not a 3-point shooting team, standing with an accuracy below 30%. However, their numbers are significantly above average in assist-to-turnover-radio. They are able to capitalize on opponent turnovers and have good ball movement on the court.
The Johnnies have found themselves down by double-digit numbers five times this season but have come back to win each of those games. They are one of the strongest current second-half teams in college basketball.
St. John’s is projected to be a top four seed in the 2025 March Madness Tournament. They are 21-4 overall, 12-2 in conference play, and have not lost a game at home (15-0). They will look to add to their dominant run as they take on Uconn and Marquette for the second time this season.
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