MBK Sleeper Team of the Month: St. John’s
As the season inches closer to conference tournaments and March Madness, one team has quietly emerged as a legitimate contender—St. John’s.
The Red Storm have gained attention for their strong recent performances. Once overlooked in the AP preseason poll, they are now firmly in the Big East title race. Initially, Marquette and UConn were seen as the conference’s top teams, but St. John’s is making a compelling case to be in that conversation.
Pitino’s Impact
Rick Pitino, one of the most accomplished coaches in NCAA history, took over St. John’s in March 2023. In his 36-year collegiate coaching career, he has compiled an 854-306 record, led five different schools to 23 NCAA Tournament berths, and reached seven Final Fours. Notably, he remains the only coach to win national titles at two different schools (Kentucky in 1996 and Louisville in 2013).
Pitino has already transformed the Red Storm, leading a roster with 12 newcomers to a 20-win season and their first BIG EAST Tournament quarterfinal appearance since 2000. His coaching pedigree includes successful stints at Louisville, Kentucky, Providence, and Iona, where he guided the Gaels to three consecutive postseason appearances. Pitino has also coached in the NBA with the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, as well as internationally with Puerto Rico’s national team and Panathinaikos B.C.
St. John’s on the Rise
Currently sitting atop the Big East and ranked 12th in the AP Poll, St. John’s is proving itself as a legitimate threat. Their key wins include victories over Kansas State, Providence, Xavier, and Marquette. The Red Storm hold a 20-3 record, riding a nine-game winning streak. This marks their best start since the 1985-86 season under legendary coach Lou Carnesecca.
Offensive Standouts
The Red Storm’s offense is fueled by dribble-drive playmaking, led by RJ Luis Jr. and Kadary Richmond.
RJ Luis Jr. has been a dynamic playmaker, using his quickness to penetrate defenses and create scoring opportunities. He averages 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds and shoots 45% from the field.
Kadary Richmond provides experience and efficiency, excelling in tight spaces. The Brooklyn native is averaging 12.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and shooting 50% from the field.
Lockdown Defense
Defensively, St. John’s has been dominant. Since December 31, they’ve allowed just 61.4 points per game. Pitino’s defensive schemes are disrupting opponents’ offensive sets, reminiscent of the approach Dan Hurley’s UConn squad used en route to last year’s national title. The team’s improved effort and discipline on defense have played a major role in their success.
What’s Next?
After defeating top-ranked Marquette, St. John’s heads to Omaha this Saturday for a crucial matchup against Creighton. They’ll look to avoid a season sweep after a narrow loss in their last meeting, where Creighton’s Steven Ashworth scored 18 points.
St. John’s is no longer just a sleeper pick—they’re a team on the rise, and the rest of college basketball should take notice.
