St. John’s Big East Media Day odds & ends

As we head into the thick of exhibitions and fall practices, here is a recap of our Big East Media Day coverage:

Commissioner Val Ackerman had nice things to say about the continued strength of the Big East, pointing out viewership growth, NCAA bids and facility improvements.

The coaches voted St. John’s as sixth in the league; but with only four points separating the Johnnies, Marquette and the Butler Bulldogs. The middle of the league will be competitive.

St. John’s landed two players on the second team All Big East: Marcus LoVett and Shamorie Ponds. Can the Red Storm get another player on an all-league team? Maybe, with players like Bashir Ahmed who could make a serious impact.

On the women’s side, despite four years of 20-win seasons and an All Big East player in Akina Wellere, the coaches chose Joe Tartamella’s squad to finish seventh in the league.

St. John’s has talent, sure. But some serious improvements need to be made for the Red Storm’s men’s team to make the NCAA Tournament.

With two seniors, though, the Johnnies might finally be experienced enough to make postseason play.

One of the reasons Georgetown’s new coach Patrick Ewing took the job was his friendship and advice from Chris Mullin.

Extras

Tariq Owens and Marvin Clark play Rock Band for fun.

Marcus LoVett likes Cardi B

The Friar mascot is super creepy.

Johnny Thunderbird eats hot dogs?