The wait is over! St. John's University is buzzing with excitement as the highly anticipated college basketball season kicks off, and the team is poised to make a splash in the first AP preseason poll. But is this hype justified?
The St. John's Red Storm is gearing up for a thrilling season, with their first game on November 3rd against Quinnipiac. However, the real excitement begins with the AP rankings release on Monday, where the team is expected to be ranked in the top 10. This would be a historic moment, as the last time St. John's started a season in the national rankings was an impressive 26 years ago!
Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino is leading the charge in his third season, and the anticipation is palpable. Pitino believes the team's true test will come against Michigan and Alabama, stating that their performance in these games will reveal their true potential. But here's where it gets controversial—is it fair to judge a team's entire season based on a few early games?
The Red Storm has bolstered its roster with talented transfers, including Ian Jackson, Oziyah Sellers, Bryce Hopkins, and Joson Sanon, addressing their previous shooting woes. With these additions and a strong returning lineup, St. John's is ready to build on last season's success, where they reached the AP rankings and secured a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament before an early exit.
The upcoming schedule is challenging, featuring powerhouses like Alabama, Kentucky, and Iowa State. This could either propel St. John's to the top or lead to a disappointing fall. And this is the part most people miss—the fine line between a successful season and a letdown.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on St. John's to see if they can maintain their ranking throughout. Will they live up to the hype? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: this season promises to be a rollercoaster ride for the Red Storm and their passionate fans.
