What's happened
St. John's basketball coach Rick Pitino has missed out on key transfer target Xaivian Lee, who has committed to Florida. This follows the recent addition of Oziyah Sellers from Stanford, as the team seeks to fill gaps left by departing seniors. The Red Storm aims to build on a successful season.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Recruitment Strategy: St. John's is focusing on the transfer portal to enhance its roster after significant player departures.
- Recent Additions: The acquisition of Oziyah Sellers is a positive step, but losing Xaivian Lee to Florida highlights the competitive nature of college basketball transfers.
- Future Outlook: The Red Storm's success last season sets a high bar, and the team must continue to attract talent to maintain momentum.
Implications:
- Competitive Landscape: The decision of top players like Lee to join rival programs underscores the challenges St. John's faces in retaining and attracting talent.
- Coaching Impact: Pitino's reputation and recent successes may still attract other players, but consistent performance will be crucial for future recruitment.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, Rick Pitino's efforts to bolster St. John's roster have been met with mixed results. While the team successfully landed Oziyah Sellers, they lost out on Xaivian Lee, who opted for Florida instead. The Post notes that Lee's decision reflects the intense competition in the transfer market, where programs like Florida are also vying for top talent. This sentiment is echoed in another article from the same publisher, which highlights the challenges St. John's faces in maintaining its recent success amidst a rapidly changing landscape in college basketball.
How we got here
St. John's basketball has seen a resurgence under Rick Pitino, winning its first outright Big East regular-season title since 1985. The team is actively recruiting through the transfer portal to strengthen its roster after losing several key players.
Go deeper
- What other transfers is St. John's targeting?
- How will the team perform next season?
- What impact will these transfers have on the Big East?
Common question
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What Led to Rick Pitino Winning Coach of the Year?
Rick Pitino's recent recognition as co-winner of the AP Men's College Basketball Coach of the Year award has sparked interest in his coaching journey and the remarkable turnaround of St. John's basketball. This page explores the factors behind his success, the team's performance this season, and what this award means for the future of the program.
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How has Rick Pitino revitalized St. John's basketball?
Rick Pitino's leadership has brought a new energy to St. John's basketball, leading the team to its first outright Big East regular-season title since 1985. This turnaround has sparked interest and raised questions about the future of the program. Below, we explore key aspects of Pitino's impact and what it means for the team's trajectory.
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