The St. John’s Red Storm appears to be a team on the right track under impressive Coach Mike Anderson. In 2019, after program legend Chris Mullin stepped down suddenly as coach, St. John’s faced a media frenzy over a replacement, and luckily, they found Anderson. He’s experienced and successful – 18 seasons as a head coach, 383–211 record, won 20+ 11 times, 9 NCAA Tournament appearances, and 1 of only 4 current Division 1 coaches with 15+ years of experience and no losing seasons.
Last season, Anderson installed his system known as “40 Minutes Of Hell.” It’s an up-tempo, fast-paced offense and high-pressure defense that wears teams down over 40 minutes and causes turnovers to ignite the offense. The learning curve was like a roller coaster ride as his new Red Storm players learned this new system, but by late February, it was clear the Johnnies had fully bought-in and were much improved. Right before the Covid shutdown in early March, St. John’s won 3 of last 4 games by beating #10 Creighton, Marquette and Georgetown and were one half away from beating Creighton again to head into the Big East Final Four, at the exact moment the season was sadly cancelled. This final run was sparked by a suffocating defense and better shooting.
Most of last year’s team returns, but the Red Storm needs leaders and scorers to emerge to replace LJ Figueroa and Mustapha Heron. The biggest weakness last season was outside shooting, and it remains a question mark.
The key to Anderson’s non-stop pressure is depth, and St. John’s has a solid rotation of 10 to 12 players ready to relentlessly run the floor. Solid returning starters Rasheem Dunn and Julian Champagnie seem ready to lead and play at a higher level. I expect a big step forward from Greg Williams, who was breaking out late last season. Star JUCO recruit Vince Cole can really score the ball. JUCO transfer Isiah Moore is an athletic big man impressing in practices who will add to a much improved front court with Marcellus Earlington, Josh Roberts and grad transfer Arnoldo Toro. David Caraher returns as nice role player. Top recruit Posh Alexander, a true NYC point guard, is a strong and aggressive distributor who will fit well into Anderson’s system.
The Red Storm already has a top defense, but it will take some time for the new players to jell on offense. Regardless, while preseason polls have St. John’s ranked towards the bottom of the Big East, I don’t agree. St. John’s defense will keep them in every game and with the improved depth, I expect the Johnnies to finish in the middle of the pack in the Big East and be the team that no one wants to face in the tournament at Madison Square Garden. I believe St. John’s will be a bubble team and can make the Big Dance.
Projected Starters:
F Julian Champagnie 6-7 SO
F Vince Cole 6-5 JR
C Josh Roberts 6-9 JR
G Rasheem Dunn 6-2 SR
G Greg Williams 6-3 JR
Rest of Rotation:
F Marcellus Earlington 6-6 JR
F-C Arnoldo Toro 6-8 SR
F-C Isiah Moore 6-11 JR
F David Caraher 6-6 JR
G Posh Alexander 5-11 FR
G Dylan Wusu 6-3 FR
G John McGriff 6-0 FR
(Note: Part 2 of this preview by St. John’s Twitter superfan Vin Ochani will be posted over the weekend).
Jim Maisano
CollegeHoopsChat@gmail.com