Imagine a legendary coach like Rick Pitino, the man who's led teams to seven Final Fours, shaking up his roster right before the season kicks off—could this be the spark that propels St. John's to glory, or a risky gamble that divides fans? Let's dive into the buzz surrounding St. John's basketball team and explore how Pitino's latest decisions are setting the stage for what could be an unforgettable year.
Last season, Rick Pitino proved he's a genius when it comes to motivating his players. Despite St. John's struggles with shooting, he shifted the focus to dominating rebounds and playing airtight defense, which helped the Red Storm clinch the Big East Tournament title and wrap up with a stellar 31-5 record. He truly maximized every ounce of potential from that squad. Now, with a new group of highly touted transfers joining the mix—as rated by 247sports.com—St. John's enters the season as the No. 5-ranked team in the nation, drawing comparisons to Final Four contenders from outsiders. Yet, Pitino isn't resting on his laurels; he's still pushing and prodding his players to elevate their game.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is benching a star like Bryce Hopkins the bold move that unlocks greatness, or could it fracture team chemistry before the season even starts? The Red Storm kicks off their preseason tune-up with two exhibition games, starting Saturday at Carnesecca Arena against Towson. During their on-campus media day on Thursday, Pitino stunned everyone by announcing he'd insert Dillon Mitchell into the starting lineup, bumping out Bryce Hopkins and pairing him with Zuby Ejiofor, Osiyah Sellers, Ian Jackson, and Joson Sanon. Hopkins, a 6-foot-7 forward who earned All-Big East First Team honors at Providence in the 2022-23 season (that's a prestigious award recognizing the top player at his position in the Big East conference) but was sidelined by a knee injury that limited him to just 17 games over the last two years, seemed like a surefire starter after transferring. Pitino brushed off concerns by noting that lineups can shift frequently, but it's clear he's seeking more from Hopkins—something beyond the steady, reliable play he's shown so far.
"He's delivered 'good' and 'solid' performances all summer and into now," Pitino explained. "But I'm aiming for greatness and passion. Once he taps into that 'Mamba' mentality—named after Kobe Bryant's relentless drive—that we're instilling in every player and across the team, I believe we'll witness one of the premier talents in college basketball." For those new to the game, the 'Mamba' mentality refers to an unyielding commitment to excellence, inspired by the legendary Kobe Bryant, pushing athletes to go beyond their limits. Pitino, with his wealth of experience reaching seven Final Fours, is convinced that unlocking Hopkins' full potential is key to achieving those lofty heights. He tends to deflect questions about the team's championship aspirations, emphasizing the need to focus on the here and now. The players, too, echo this sentiment, always adding that success in the moment is non-negotiable.
"With this being our senior year for many of us, it's all about chasing a Final Four—or even a national title," said Zuby Ejiofor, highlighting that over half the roster could depart via graduation or the NBA Draft. "We've got the talent and depth to make something extraordinary happen," added Hopkins. "Our aim is to advance deep into the NCAA Tournament, ideally to the Final Four in March or April. But Coach keeps us grounded, reminding us to concentrate on daily improvements." When pressed on Final Four ambitions, Pitino responded thoughtfully: "Every top program dreams of being a Final Four contender. To get there, we've got to excel on both ends of the court—defense and offense. I haven't hyped us as a Final Four team; instead, I've focused on the fundamentals required to become one."
Hopkins admitted that being benched has ignited a fire in him. "I suppose I need to chat with Coach and figure out what extra steps I can take," he shared. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes." He also expressed confidence in surpassing his previous All-Big East performance, noting how the game feels more manageable now. Having shed weight from 230 pounds three years ago to a leaner, more athletic 220, he's gained better stamina and agility, which could translate to dominating plays on the court.
And this is the part most people miss: How these early lineup decisions might shape the team's psyche against tougher competition. Towson, predicted to win the Coastal Athletic Association by their own coaches in a preseason poll, serves as the Red Storm's initial challenge. But the real test comes next Saturday in an exhibition against No. 7 Michigan at Madison Square Garden. With three nationally ranked opponents in their first six regular-season games, Pitino has prioritized team-building over individual highlights to speed up development.
"We'll learn a bit more this Saturday and even more against Michigan," Pitino said with excitement. "These are thrilling times, and we're hopeful we're on the right path."
On a related note, Kelvin Odih is back in action after missing nearly two weeks due to a pectoral injury. The 6-foot-4 freshman guard, who's been vying for rotation minutes since joining the team this summer, described it as a "strain in the upper pec" and attributed it to overdoing weightlifting. His return strengthens the squad's depth.
This roster shuffle by Pitino raises intriguing questions: Is pushing players like Hopkins to embody a 'Mamba' mentality the ultimate coaching strategy, or does it risk alienating talented athletes? Could starting Dillon Mitchell early pay off in a big way, or might it backfire? What do you think—does benching a proven performer like Hopkins build resilience, or could it lead to resentment? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a different take on how coaches should motivate their teams! After all, in the high-stakes world of college basketball, every decision can tip the scales toward triumph or turmoil.
By Roger Rubin
Roger Rubin rejoined Newsday in 2018 to cover high schools, colleges, and baseball after two decades at the Daily News. As a Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he's reported on 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.
