St. John’s lost three starters from a team that went 7-9 last year. Anthony Mason and Eugene Lawrence are the only returning starters and they combined for 19 points a game. This looks like a team in trouble this year.

Frontcourt - Anthony Mason (11.9ppg, 5.9rpg) comes back at power forward for the Red Storm. After that there is little. Tomas Jasiulionis (2.9ppg, 1.9rpg) should be the starter at center. Finding a replacement for Lamont Hamilton will not be easy. His 13 points and seven rebounds a game will be missed. Freshmen Justin Burrell (6-8), Dele Coker (6-10), and Sean Evans (6-8) will have to step up right away. GRADE - C-

Backcourt - Eugene Lawrence (7.2ppg, 5.6apg) is the lone returner in the backcourt. He led the BE in assists but the Storm needs points. Larry Wright (4.0ppg, 1.1rpg) will inherit the SG position. Rob Thomas, who missed all of last year might fit in at SF. Malik Boothe (5-9) will push for playing time in the backcourt. Both Thomas and Boothe are freshmen. D.J. Kennedy, another frosh, might move into the rotation at SG or SF. Mike Cavataio and Paris Horne are also freshmen backups. GRADE - C-

Depth - As already mentioned, the Red Storm have a lot of freshman talent but none of it is proven. As seen at UConn last year, even outstanding freshmen have to earn their Big East stripes. Although the bench looks to have some potential, seasoned veterans will be coming off benches of their opponents. GRADE - D+

Outlook - The Red Storm will struggle to make the tourney in New York in March. If the freshmen come through they might equal their 7-9 record of last year, but that seems a bit lofty. Norm Roberts will have to do the coaching job of a lifetime to approach last year’s success. GRADE - C- 

Categories: Commentary, St. John's, Coach O
No Comments »