St. John’s media day was a whirlwind, full of big talk about the team’s high expectations and prized freshman Rysheed Jordan’s potential.
Overshadowed during the afternoon were a few notable points:
Max Hooper has joined the Red Storm, too
Jordan and forward Orlando Sanchez were the two additions everyone was talking about on Thursday, but the argument can be made Hooper will be the most important one.
St. John’s struggled in the half-court much of last season, bogged down by its lack of shooters and poor court spacing. Hooper, a Harvard transfer known for his long-distance marksmanship, should immediately remedy that ill. In the team’s trip to Europe in August, Hooper hit 10 3-pointers in one exhibition contest. The Red Storm rarely hit that many shots from beyond the arc in a week last season.
“Teams were zoning us [last year] because we couldn’t make shots,” Hooper said. “I feel like when I see a zone, my eyes light up. I could see the role that’s definitely needed and I can fill.”
D’Angelo Harrison fielded questions with poise
After coach Steve Lavin, Harrison was the star of the day. At one point, he was surrounded by 12 media members, all wanting to know what he learned from his suspension for last season’s final six games and his subsequent trip home to the Houston area after the spring semester. Harrison spent two months there receiving anger-management counseling at the treatment and recovery center founded by John Lucas, a former NBA guard.
Harrison was thoughtful, reflective and insightful as he was peppered with questions about his return to the team, his role and how he has changed. He didn’t make any guarantees — about his personal improvements or the team’s goals. At one point, Harrison did say, “We’ll make the tournament.” When asked whether that was a guarantee, he set the record straight. It was a hope, not a promise. He’s come a long way from the kid who once predicted a Final Four appearance.
More important to Lavin and St. John’s fans, of course, is his behavior, a recurring issue in his first two seasons. Harrison said he’s matured. He seemed different on Thursday, saying all the right things. Harrison said he would embrace the role of a team leader, but it would take time to determine whether he can reclaim it. Time will tell, but it was a positive first day.
“His attitude [has changed], not even on the court,” sophomore forward JaKarr Sampson said. “The way he treats people. We’ve been having scrimmages, with refs in here. When they make a bad call, you don’t see him complain anymore. It’s a whole different vibe in here.”
Harrison seemed genuinely happy Thursday, happy to be back with his teammates and be able to take part in the media session, which certainly was a question mark in March.
The mood was confident, not cocky
For all the hopeful talk the day produced — from reaching the NCAA Tournament to winning the Big East title — there were no grandiose predictions. It doesn’t make for great copy, but it did depict an older, wiser and more experienced team that understands it will be judged by its actions, not its words. There was certainly a “we know we’re good” vibe from the St. John’s players, but the Red Storm also know they haven’t accomplished anything yet, and the clock is ticking.
There is a sense of urgency.
“With team, we have to [win],” junior guard Jamal Branch said. “If we don’t make the tournament, it’s just a waste.”