Rick Pitino issues his hyped St. John’s squad a new challenge

There were times when it felt like Buddy Ryan was on the sideline, as if St. John’s had a better chance at creating points with its defense than its offense. 

During the Red Storm’s first outright regular-season Big East title since 1985, Rick Pitino’s defense impressed the eyes as much as the computers (rated second nationally on KenPom.com), ranking 10th in defensive field-goal percentage (39.7), ninth in turnovers forced (15.2) and 13th in blocks (5.2). 

Opponents averaged less than 66 points per game. Only one team scored as many as 82 points in regulation. Offenses lost rhythm before tip-off. 

“Last year we were one of the two best defensive teams in the nation [and] I don’t see this team becoming that,” said Pitino, coming off a 103-96 loss to Alabama that marked the program’s first time allowing 100 points to a non-conference opponent since 2004. “There’s two reasons why I don’t think we’re going to be an elite defensive team: We don’t have shot-blocking and we’re not overly physical and big. 

“I think this team relies more on its offensive potential than anything else … You can’t be great at everything, but I think we could become a good, solid defensive team.” 

Running it back became impossible with just one starter back from last season’s lockdown unit. 

But the Hall of Fame coach has issued a challenge to a group with Final Four aspirations. 

“We have to be more physical at every single position in order to become a great team down the road,” Pitino said Friday. “We are a finesse team right now. I’m very happy with this team. I don’t think I could see a better attitude on any team I’ve ever coached, but they have to become more physical.” 

The well-rested Red Storm return to action Saturday night against William & Mary at Carnesecca Arena.

No. 13 St. John’s (1-1) is unbeaten in Queens in the past six years, having won 15 straight games on campus under Pitino. The Tribe (2-1) won its most recent game against a ranked opponent in 1977. 

With a pair of power conference opponents (Iowa State, Baylor) lurking in a Thanksgiving week tournament in Las Vegas, Pitino stressed the danger of overlooking a team he described as “Princeton on steroids” — playing at the sixth-fastest tempo in the nation and ranking among the top 25 in 3s attempted — given St. John’s lacking chemistry. 

“I don’t care what you read about it, this team will give us all we can handle,” Pitino said. “[We] have to prepare for a lot with a lot of guards who don’t mesh too well together right now. That’s not a knock. That’s just life. It’s just early in the season. They don’t know each other. They’re learning each other.

“I like the [transfer] portal. I like paying the players, obviously I don’t like having a new team each year. I’d like some type of continuity. This year is tough. Next year will be much worse. It’s just the nature of the game.” 

A full week of practice focused on defense, prompting Bryce Hopkins to declare that “you’re definitely going to see a change in us” on Saturday. 

CHECK OUT THE LATEST BIG EAST STANDINGS AND ST. JOHN’S STATS

Zuby Ejiofor, the Big East Preseason Player of the Year, has seen what it could be. 

“Once everybody is really committed to getting stops consecutively, we’re going to be a really special team,” Ejiofor said. “It takes time to get to where you want to be. I’m telling the guys that defense was our calling card last year. That’s how we were able to be successful when we didn’t have the greatest of shooting nights. 

“It’s more of a mindset thing than anything.”