The St. John's Red Storm are brewing a hot storm in Queens as they head into the winter break with momentum building. After a rocky start to the season, Coach Rick Pitino's squad has found their groove, winning 6 of their last 7 games and climbing up the Big East standings. Let's dive into the latest news and storylines surrounding the Red Storm:
Defense Takes Center Stage:
Forget flashy dunks and three-pointers, the Red Storm have been locking down opponents with a suffocating defense. Ranked 15th in the nation in defensive efficiency, St. John's is holding teams to an average of just 63.4 points per game. The stifling pressure and relentless hustle have become their calling card, led by the tenacious backcourt duo of Joel Soriano and Posh Alexander.
Soriano Soaring:
Junior forward Joel Soriano has been a revelation this season. Averaging 21.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, he's emerged as the team's undisputed leader and a frontrunner for Big East Player of the Year. His athleticism and relentless motor on the boards have made him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams.
Transfers Delivering:
Coach Pitino's decision to bring in experienced transfers is paying off handsomely. UConn transfer Nahiem Alleyne has provided much-needed scoring punch, while Penn transfer Jordan Dingle brings steady leadership and playmaking ability. These veterans have seamlessly integrated into the team culture and are key contributors to the Red Storm's recent success.
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Challenges Remain:
Despite the recent winning streak, the Red Storm still face hurdles to overcome. The Big East remains one of the toughest conferences in the country, and St. John's will need to maintain their defensive intensity and find consistent scoring threats beyond Soriano. Injuries to key players like RJ Luis have also thrown wrenches into the rotation, but the Red Storm have shown resilience in overcoming adversity.
Looking Ahead:
With the winter break approaching, the Red Storm have a chance to regroup and recharge. They'll return to action on December 30th against DePaul, then face a daunting stretch in January that includes matchups against Villanova, Marquette, and UConn. If they can continue their defensive dominance and get healthy, the Red Storm have the potential to make a real splash in the Big East and beyond.
Additional News and Notes:
- Freshman standout Simeon Wilcher, a former North Carolina commit, is expected to make a significant impact in the second half of the season.
- Coach Pitino received a B-grade in a recent mid-season coaching evaluation, with praise for his defensive adjustments and player development.
- The Red Storm are drawing impressive crowds at Carnesecca Arena, creating a raucous atmosphere that energizes the team.
