When you’re facing a Mike Anderson team, you know what you’re getting.
You’re facing a team that will force pace by pressing on defense and an offense that will push even when it doesn’t have numbers.
Anderson is a “40 minutes of minutes” disciple in an era where the game is faster than era. That, along with the fact that, the transition three pointer is a legitimate weapon, and you understand why the philosophy doesn’t bring the fear that it once was.
St. John’s brings back a lot of experience.
Senior big man, Joel Soriano leads the team in scoring and rebounding. Soriano is a great example of a player that has truly developed in the college basketball setting.
At Fordham, Soriano was more of a project on offense who was a good rebounder but not a dominant rebounder. After two years there, Soriano transferred to St. John’s and in his first year in the Big East, he was a career low in rebounding but that’s changed this season.
Not only can the Red Storm throw the ball into the paint to Soriano but he’s committed himself to the boards and it’s paid off. Soriano has career-highs in points (15.3) and rebounds (12.6).
Two portal pick-ups has also helped Anderson’s squad. David Jones (DePaul) and Andre Curbelo (Illinois) are perfect for Anderson’s system.
Anderson can boast that he’s never had a losing record and, no, I don’t conditionalize it by looking at the Covid schedule. It’s an incredible feat in today’s college basketball especially at St. John’s.
The flip side is, Anderson hasn’t made the tournament with the Red Storm.
Will year 4 be the charm?
St. John’s has started the season 11-1 (1-0 Big East) after a neutral court 93-79 win over Florida State.
Take a close look at the non-conference schedule and there’s not much there.
Iowa State is the only quality opponent on the non-conference schedule and that produced a 71-60 loss.
Sr. John’s Quad Record:
Quad 1: 0-1
Quad 2: 0-0
Quad 3: 3-0
Quad 4: 8-0
That puts pressure on the Red Storm to get head-turning wins in a Big East that’s off to a slow start.
St. John’s won their Big East opener but that came against DePaul. The upcoming to Villanova will provide a litmus test for Anderson’s bunch.
The Wildcats got off to a slow start but the return of Cam Whitmore gives Kyle Neptune’s bunch a much needed offensive punch.
St. John’s finishes the month with a home game against Xavier and a trip to Seton Hall.
The schedule gives St. John’s the opportunity to start off fast in the Big East, something that’s needed considering the non-conference produced no significant wins.
