St. John’s season ended abruptly last year after a shocking exclusion from the NCAA Tournament. The Johnnies, who lost to UConn by 5 in their final game of the season, subsequently declined an invitation to the NIT Tournament. Instead, Pitino and Company got busy hitting the transfer portal.
And they delivered. Some analysts are ranking the Johnnies amongst the preseason top 25 as of the time of writing this (see here and here). St. John’s added key pieces to a depleted roster, including former Seton Hall star G Kadary Richmond, former Utah star PG Deivon Smith, F Aaron Scott, and PF/C Vincent Iwuchukwu.
But the offseason moves haven’t stopped there. Coach Rick Pitino has been busy assembling a respectable schedule of non-conference games. Let’s take a look at the schedule so far
November 13 – Wagner @ Carnessecca
Not much to say about this one. Hopefully a blowout. But respect to the boys from Staten Island for making the tournament last year.
November 17 – New Mexico @ MSG
I’ll be at this game. I wouldn’t miss the Battle of the Pitinos. The New Mexico Lobos, coached by Rick Pitino’s son Richard Pitino, were a fan favorite among bracketeers before being bounced in the first round of last year’s NCAA Tournament. They are currently sitting at number 45 in Jon Rothstein’s top 45 and will be a good gut check for the Johnnies heading into the Baha Mar tournament.
November 21 & 22 – Baha Mar
This should be an interesting test for the Johnnies. Despite Virginia becoming public enemy number one after their performance in the tournament last season, the ACC is always a tough conference and I am sure the Cavaliers will be at least half decent. Baylor and Tennessee were both great teams last year, with the Vols making it to the Elite 8. And though the loss of star F Dalton Knecht will hurt them, the Vols are still looking at a top 25 ranking preseason. And the Baylor Bears are looking even better – frequently showing up in the top 10.
November 24, December 7 & 11 – Georgia, KState, Bryant
The Georgia Bulldogs are sitting at number 42 in the Rothstein 45. The Kansas State Wildcats have been good in the past few years, with an Elite 8 appearance in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. If former Creighton F Arthur Kaluma’s NBA Draft hopes don’t pan out and he ends up back in Manhattan, Kansas, KState could be a decent matchup. Since it’s very possible the Johnnies drop at least one in the Baha Mar Tournament, I think squeezing these three in could give us some momentum heading into conference play.
This schedule is not yet final and/or complete, and I am looking forward to seeing who Pitino and Co. schedule next.
