Behind the scenes of Dillon Mitchell’s move into the St. John’s starting lineup and why it’s working so well

As St. John’s has turned a corner over the past five games, ripping off five wins in a row to begin to resemble the team everyone was so high on in the preseason, there has been one major change that can explain this current surge: the addition of Dillon Mitchell into the starting lineup.

The Johnnies’ defensive rebounding has improved, their offensive rhythm has taken a step forward, and they have looked far better in big moments late in games.

A lot of that can be credited to Mitchell’s expanded role. The do-it-all, 6-foot-8 forward seemingly always makes the right play, providing stability that can at times be lacking without a traditional point guard among the St. John’s starters.

If all of this sounds familiar, it should. It’s what was repeatedly said about Kadary Richmond a year ago.