Rumble In The Garden - St. John's men's hoops season preview: setting expectations for a rebuilding seasonHere in good times and badhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52646/ritg_fav.png2015-11-13T05:30:01-05:00http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/rss/stream/94914752015-11-13T05:30:01-05:002015-11-13T05:30:01-05:00St John's Player Profiles: Darien Williams
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<p>St. John’s new roster features four transfers, the second to commit, 6’8 forward Darien Williams will add an immediate scoring impact for the Red Storm.</p> <p>Darien Williams, one of the four transfers on the Red Storm's roster, will be a possible starter and solid offensive threat this season. He comes to St. John's with three seasons of eligibility remaining after sitting out this past year at City College of San Francisco while recovering from shoulder surgery.</p>
<h3><b>How He Got Here</b></h3>
<p>Williams originally from Cerritos, California attended St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California, where he helped lead his high school team to the 2013 California Interscholastic Federation Southern Selection (CIFSS) Championship as a senior. The All-Area honoree averaged over eight points and nearly six rebounds playing alongside UCLA guard Isaac Hamilton and his younger brother Daniel Hamilton who plays for Connecticut. Williams was a member of the Dream Vision AAU program.</p>
<p>He played two seasons of JUCO ball for two separate programs. His first season was with Iowa Western Community. After his season at Iowa Western, Williams switched on over to the City College of San Francisco, but sat out the season as he was recovering from surgery on both shoulders.</p>
<p>In November of 2014, Williams signed a letter of intent to join Iowa State as he was being heavily recruited by then Iowa State assistant coach Matt Abdelmassih.</p>
<p>Darien Williams also had interest from Nebraska, Southern California, Kansas State and Louisville.</p>
<p>When Abdelmassih announced his was leaving Iowa State to become part of Chris Mullin's coaching staff, Williams followed.</p>
<h3><b>What He Brings to the Table</b></h3>
<p>There's no doubt Williams can score as shown by his numbers at Iowa Western. Williams averaged 16.1 points and 6.7 rebounds in his 2013-14 season.</p>
<p>During his freshman season, Williams collected All-Region XI honors and ICCAC Academic All-Region XI recognition. He scored double-figures in 21 games, while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from 3-point range.</p>
<p>He collected double-digit rebounds six times in 27 games, and scored 20 or more points 10 times, with a high of 37 against State Fair Community College. Williams shot 55% inside the arc and drew foul shots at a rate of 44%.</p>
<p>"We are excited to welcome Darien to the St. John's basketball program," <a target="_blank" href="http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/042315aab.html">said Mullin.</a> "He can make an immediate impact next season with his length and ability to shoot the ball. Darien is a versatile player with great character who we believe will represent the program well."</p>
<h3><b>Where He Fits In</b></h3>
<p>The 6-foot-8 Williams was going to be the perfect fit for a team that was going to include Rysheed Jordan and Chris Obekpa. But since Jordan declared for the NBA Draft and Obekpa transferred to UNLV, Williams' role will be decided once the Red Storm starters are definite.</p>
<p>"I want to bring St. John's back," <a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2015/04/09/win-for-mullin-and-st-johns-recruiting-ace-juco-sharpshooter/">Williams said in a telephone interview with NY Post.</a> "I feel that St. John's should be a program competing for national titles every year. I wouldn't be going there if I didn't feel that."</p>
<p>The best part about Williams joining Mullin's team is the fact that he will be with the program for the next three years. He will act as of the key pieces in the rebuilding process. His ability to shoot beyond the arc and draw fouls will be on display throughout the Red Storm's season.</p>
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<h3><b>Highlights (High School)</b></h3>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L8opxWw2oqU" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-red-storm-mens-basketball/2015/11/13/9658998/st-johns-player-profiles-darien-williamsKatherine Acquavella2015-11-13T05:00:02-05:002015-11-13T05:00:02-05:00Player preview: Yankuba Sima
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<p>Six-foot-eleven freshman Yankuba Sima will be counted on to anchor the post from Day One at St. John's.</p> <p>St. John's got a much-needed dose of size when 6-foot-11 center Yankuba Sima committed to the Red Storm in April. Though initially expected to back up <span>Chris Obekpa</span> in the middle, Sima was thrust into the starting lineup after St. John's all-time leader in blocks decided to transfer. The incoming freshman was rated No. 14 in the nation at his position in the Class of 2015 according to 247Sports.com.</p>
<h3>How he got here</h3>
<p>While Sima enters St. John's as a true freshman, he racked up extensive international experience over the past two summers, which helped him gain acclaim as a top-flight recruit.</p>
<p>This past summer, Sima, from Girona, Spain competed at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships where he averaged 9.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over seven games as his team advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament.</p>
<p>Sima opened competition by nearly posting a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds in a win over China. He registered consecutive double-digit rebound performances against Turkey and Argentina with 10 and 11 boards, respectively. Then he exploded for 22 points, eight rebounds and four blocks against Greece.</p>
<p>"Yankuba excelled against quality international competition this summer," said St. John's Head Coach Chris Mullin after Sima signed with SJU. "He will give us a different look in the front court with his length and versatility. We are very excited to welcome Yankuba to the St. John's basketball family."</p>
<p>At the 2014 U18 European Championships, Sima led Spain to a fifth place finish, wrapping up the tournament with the highest rebounding average (12.1), and ranking second in both blocks (2.1) and doubles-doubles (6) to go with 10.9 points in nine games. He delivered a dominant performance against Russia, scoring 17 points, grabbing 19 boards and blocking a tournament-best six shots. Sima also turned in a tournament-high 21 rebounds against Greece.</p>
<p>As a high school senior playing for Elev8 Sports Academy, Sima earned Florida Association Basketball Coaches/Source Hoops Independent Schools Third Team All-State honors. He previously attended Arlington Country Day High School after playing at the Canarias Basketball Academy in the Canary Islands.</p>
<p>Follow Sima on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/yankusima">@yankusima</a>.</p>
<h3>What he brings to the table</h3>
<p>As the only true center on the roster, and as the team's tallest player, Sima will be counted on heavily as an anchor in the post for the young and inexperienced Red Storm. Sima's future seems very bright as a member of the red-and-white as Sima showed his versatility early on in St. John's exhibition win versus Sonoma State.</p>
<p>Displaying a variety of polished post moves, including a drop step and wicked spin move he used to score on the game's opening bucket, Sima racked up 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. While most of his points have come via putbacks and dunks, Sima showed impressive footwork, seemed light on his feet and did not shy away from contact in the lane. Every indication is that his back-to-the-basket game is rapidly improving.</p>
<p>That is, of course, to say nothing of his defensive prowess. In 34 minutes against the Seawolves Sima snatched 16 rebounds and blocked eight shots. With point guard Marcus Lovett still waiting to be cleared by the NCAA, <span>Durand Johnson</span> still finding his footing after almost two years off the court, and <span>Felix Balamou</span> nursing a knee injury, Sima will have to step up for the Red Storm to have any chance of early season success.</p>
<p>Scouting reports on Sima all touted his physical attributes and his overall feel for the game.</p>
<p><a href="http://hoopseen.com/index.php/news/just-a-minute-justin-young/item/1596-meet-yankuba-sima">From Hoopseen</a>:</p>
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<p>There is no denying his physical traits. He's big. He's athletic. He's wiry strong. He blocks shots, rebounds and runs the floor very well for a player his size. Sima rebounds well above the competition because of his unique length. He was especially impressive on the offensive end of the floor with rebounds and put backs.</p>
<p>Sima has huge hands and a big wingspan. There wasn't a lot of floating on the perimeter and he stuck to what he knows best.</p>
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<h3><b>Yankuba Sima Video Highlights</b></h3>
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https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-red-storm-mens-basketball/2015/11/13/9727656/st-johns-player-profile-yankuba-simaSteve Javors2015-11-13T04:30:02-05:002015-11-13T04:30:02-05:00St. John's Player Profiles: Ron Mvouika
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<p>Mvouika comes to Queens from the Missouri Valley Conference.</p> <p>One of two graduate transfers that joined the St. John's program this summer, Ron Mvouika is expected to mold into a key piece in a versatile backcourt.</p>
<p>The 6'6" forward wants to finish his college career with an opportunity to participate in the postseason, but the first order of business will be to help the young talented freshman develop a poise playing at the next level.</p>
<h3>How He Got Here</h3>
<p>One of Mvouika's greatest assets is the fact that he has played at <a href="http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2015/10/21/9588480/ron-mvouika-from-paris-to-the-big-apple">almost every level of basketball</a> that a player could think of. The 6'6" forward grew up in Paris, France where he developed his international game enough to average 25 points, five rebounds and six assists at the Canarias Basketball Academy in Spain.</p>
<p>Mvouika arrived in the United States at age 17, played at the prep level for Rob Fulford and Huntington Prep and then committed to Sheridan Junior College in Wyoming. After averaging 19.3 points and 8.2 rebounds and earning First Team NJCAA honors in his first year, the Sheridan College talent was heavily recruited by teams throughout the Missouri Valley Conference.</p>
<p>He received his first college letter from Wichita State but felt most comfortable at Missouri State as he wanted to be apart of a rebuilding process. In 2013-14, Mvouika appeared in 31 games (nine starts), finished fourth on the team in scoring, fourth in rebounding and second in assists while also shooting the ball well from downtown.</p>
<p>In his senior season, Mvouika suffered an injury that knocked him out for the entire season and forced him to transfer outside of the conference.</p>
<p>"Oh that's easy," Mvouika said when asked why he chose St. John's at the team's Media Day. "You have Coach Mullin, Madison Square Garden and the city of New York. The school is filled with tradition and history. I mean just look at the jerseys up there like it was just easy."</p>
<h3>What He Brings To The Table</h3>
<p>Mvouika operates at his best when he finds set shots on the perimeter, which will provide critical spacing for an NBA-style motion offense. This is also a perfect counter to point guards Marcus LoVett and Federico Mussini because Mvouika doesn't necessarily need to have the ball in his hands to score.</p>
<p>But that doesn't mean he can't handle the basketball, set up his teammates and create his own shot. Mvouika has plenty of versatility in his game, which is in addition to his main strength: knocking down outside shots.</p>
<p>The guard/forward won't blow by defenders with speed and he doesn't have the quickest feet defensively, but he has good size and his toughness, fire and passion is infectious.</p>
<p>And his leadership and communication skills on the court certainly deserve an A+.</p>
<p>"I try to do whatever it takes to win a basketball game," Mvouika said. "I don't care about my stats and I don't like to put myself in one category, as a shooter or driver. I just do whatever it takes to win."</p>
<h3><span><b>Where He Fits In</b></span></h3>
<p>Similar to Durand Johnson, Mvouika is versatile and can play both the two and three position. This will give the Red Storm flexibility with their lineups depending on the match-ups and the personnel of the opposing team. While Marcus LoVett and Federico Mussini could start at the two guard positions due to their speed and playmaking abilities, Mvouika could also start over Mussini at the shooting guard position with Johnson playing at small forward.</p>
<p>Again, the Paris native gives Chris Mullin options so there will be times when he also takes the ball up the court to set the Johnnies up into their offense.</p>
<h3>Highlights</h3>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qDR0tT3L4Rg" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2015/11/13/9666372/st-johns-player-profiles-ron-mvouikaCarmine Carcieri2015-11-13T04:00:01-05:002015-11-13T04:00:01-05:00St John's Player Profiles: Kassoum Yakwe
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<p>The national-coveted 6-foot-7, consensus Top-100 recruit forward Kassoum Yakwe will be heavily counted on during St. John’s men’s basketball 2015-16 campaign. </p> <p>As promised, Head Coach Chris Mullin is trying to keep local prospects at home. Mullin succeeded with signing Kassoum Yakwe in August. Yakwe, a product of Our Savior New American (NY), chose to stay home and play for the Johnnies over attending Oregon; though his eligibility is still in question as the NCAA pores over transcripts from OSNY High. Having graduated a year early, Yakwe may redshirt.</p>
<h3><b>How He Got Here</b></h3>
<p>Yakwe is a local player from Our Savior New American School in Centereach, N.Y. in Suffolk County. He was born in Bandiagara, a small town in the Mopti region of Mali.</p>
<p>Already on the St. John's roster is Yakwe's former Our Savior New American teammate, junior <a target="_blank" href="http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/felix_balamou_822285.html">Felix Balamou</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Article/Breaking-68-Four-Star-PF-Kassoum-Yakwe-Commits-to-St-Johns-38901720" style="background-color: #ffffff;">who he told 247Sports was a factor in his recruitment.</a></p>
<p>Yakwe averaged 10 points and four rebounds last season and rated as high as No. 57 by major national recruiting services. A notable star in the AAU circuit, Yakwe was named the 2015 Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Regular Season Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 3.1 blocks and 6.3 rebounds over a span of 15 games for the PSA Cardinals. He dominated the defensive end at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, averaging 5.8 blocks and 11.8 boards per game to earn All-Tournament Second Team recognition.</p>
<h3><b>What He Brings to the Table</b></h3>
<p>Yakwe would help the Johnnies immensely on the defensive end. His strong defensive presence in the post would create a solid foundation for the otherwise brand-new Red Storm roster. Rivals.com rated the talent shot-blocker and rebounder as the No. 57 recruit in the 2016 class; his athleticism and rebounding will end possessions, and major colleges love the potential and motor he has.</p>
<p>"We are excited to welcome Kassoum to St. John's University and our basketball program, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/082315aaa.html">said Coach Mullin</a> in the school's announcement of his signing. "He possesses tremendous athleticism, has good instincts and will be a defensive presence."</p>
<h3><b>Where He Fits In</b></h3>
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<p>At this point, Yakwe has yet to be cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center.</p>
<p>If he is able to play this season, Yakwe will most definitely provide a spark on the defensive end of the ball.</p>
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<p><b>Highlights</b></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8OHJDauXn4s" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2015/11/13/9658992/st-johns-player-profiles-kassoum-yakweKatherine Acquavella2015-11-13T03:40:02-05:002015-11-13T03:40:02-05:00St. John's Player Profiles: Felix Balamou
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<p>Balamou set to finish his senior season under Chris Mullin. </p> <p>Felix Balamou has received few minutes throughout his time at St. John's but now in his senior campaign, the 6'4" guard has the opportunity to cash in on the chance that lies in front of him thanks to a very inexperienced backcourt.</p>
<p>After competing against D'Angelo Harrison, Sir'Domenic Pointer, Jamal Branch and Phil Greene IV in daily practices and playing in the Big East the last three seasons, Balamou is set to use his exposure to provide more production game-in and game-out.</p>
<h3>How He Got Here</h3>
<p>Balamou, who was originally born in Guinea, Africa, arrived in the United States in 2010 and immediately began his basketball career at Our Savior New American in Centereach, Long Island. The guard made an quick impact, but played at his highest level during his senior season as he was second in scoring on a team that featured eight NCAA Division I products.</p>
<p>His time at Our Savior New American didn't just include basketball. Balamou was also a standout on the soccer pitch, scoring 31 goals and tallying 13 assists for the Pioneers as a senior.</p>
<p>With St. John's interested in his services and the school located in nearby Queens, the bouncy prospect committed in March of 2013.</p>
<p>Balamou played in 28 games (five starts) in his freshman season but only averaged two points and 9.1 minutes of action per outing. In a win over Florida Gulf Coast, Balamou scored a career high eight points to go with three rebounds and two assists in what was his best game of the 2012-13 season.</p>
<p>His time on the court didn't increase in year two, in fact it only got worse with Harrison and company starting to take over the program. Balamou's scoring (1.1 points) and rebounding (0.8 boards) numbers decreased while he only saw action in four games (two starts).</p>
<p>Last season, Balamou was a member of the NCAA Tournament team but once again didn't play a prominent role and only contributed heavily when Rysheed Jordan was suspended or dealt with off-the-court issues.</p>
<h3>What He Brings To The Table</h3>
<p>The senior guard remains a work in progress on the offensive side of the ball due to his weak jump shot, ineffective left hand and inability to create separation, but he does pose a threat defensively and on the glass.</p>
<p>Balamou has potential as an on-ball defender, who has good foot speed and experience. With the ability to jump out of the gym, Balamou will give the Johnnies an extra rebounder on both ends of the floor.</p>
<p>It will be very interesting to see how Balamou develops as a leader as the season moves forward. Right now, it seems like Durand Johnson, Christian Jones and Ron Mvouika own that title early in the year.</p>
<h3>Where He Fits In</h3>
<p>Standing at 6'4", Balamou is clearly a player that should play either combo guard or wing but Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reported that Chris Mullin will use the senior as a very undersized power forward.</p>
<p>Even though Balamou is an above average defender and has good rebounding skills that tactic may not work with his lack of strength compared to other power forwards throughout the country. The good news is the native of Guinea (as of a couple weeks ago) wasn't informed by the coaches about that type of role during the 2015-16 season.</p>
<p>"I heard about it," Balamou said about the report at Big East Media at Madison Square Garden. "I don't know who came up with that but I'm not worried about it. I'm worried about the team right now."</p>
<p>Federico Mussini will be the starter in the back court to open the season with Durand Johnson and Malik Ellison so Balamou may be settling for spot minutes (once again) off the bench. Or, maybe he will put his athleticism to deadly use and force his way into the lineup.</p>
<h3>Highlights</h3>
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https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-red-storm-mens-basketball/2015/11/13/9666384/st-johns-player-profiles-felix-balamouCarmine Carcieri2015-11-13T03:20:01-05:002015-11-13T03:20:01-05:00Player profile: Durand Johnson
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<p>Pitt transfer Durand Johnson looks to provide scoring punch for St. John's </p> <p dir="ltr"><span>Durand Johnson</span> knew a good situation when he saw one. With zero starters from last season returning, and with nearly 95 percent of the team's scoring gone, St. John's needed players for 2015-16 who could score the rock. Sensing an opportunity to step in right away and add some offensive punch, Johnson announced that he was transferring from Pittsburgh to the Red Storm in April.</p>
<h3>How he got here</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Johnson's signing was an important milestone for Head Coach Chris Mullin and his staff as it established St. John's as a destination for high-profile transfers. Johnson was the program's second graduate transfer, joining Missouri State guard <span>Ron Mvouika</span>, and he was the fifth player overall to commit to Mullin.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Since Johnson earned his degree at Pitt and had one year of eligibility remaining, he can play right away and figures to start at small forward for the Red Storm.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"With Coach Mullin coming back and the opportunity that I had to come here, play with new groups of guys in a new situation, I just wanted to show the world what I got," Johnson said at Big East <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/27/7921383/super-bowl-2015-media-day-updates-news-live-coverage">Media Day</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Red Storm Associate Head Coach Barry Rohrssen had a relationship with Johnson since their days at Pittsburgh, and was a major reason Johnson chose SJU over West Virginia. The two began talking after Johnson announced his intent to transfer with the decision becoming official after he visited campus.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"Durand is an experienced player at the high-major level," Mullin said. "He is versatile, plays with energy and can be an impactful scorer. He has the ability to make significant contributions for our team on both ends of the court next season."</p>
<h3>What he brings to the table</h3>
<p dir="ltr">While Johnson will be counted on to provide the lion's share of buckets this coming season, he's managed to play only a season and a half in his four-year collegiate career after redshirting 2011-12, suffering a season-ending injury midway through 2013-14, and being suspended for unspecified reasons for the 2014-15 campaign. St. John's represents a fresh start and a chance to redeem the high expectations placed on him coming out of high school.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"I focused on my team and helped them get better," Johnson said of the year he was suspended. He practiced, but couldn't play for the Panthers. "I focused on my own game as well; doing extra work, focusing on school and doing what I had to do off the court. It helped me mature and it also allowed me to better myself for this year's team."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Johnson lettered for two years at Pitt where he appeared in 47 games and averaged 5.8 points per contest. He shot 41.0 percent from the field, 77.6 percent at the free-throw line and sank 47 3-pointers during his time with the Panthers.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The 6-foot-6 wing from Baltimore averaged 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and nearly one steal in 19 minutes per game while shooting 85.3 percent from the line in 2013-14, before a torn ACL ended his season after 16 games. He scored double-figures eight times, including a career-high 17-point effort versus Maryland on Jan. 6, 2014.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"Obviously, his experience shows," Mullin said. "He has confidence and will probably be one of our leaders. His energy is infectious in practice, he's competitive in the right way, he's a hard worker and he leads by example."</p>
<p dir="ltr">After nearly two years off the court it's going to take a while for Johnson to get his legs back, not to mention his shooting stroke. In two exhibition games Johnson's shot a combined 3-for-16 for a total of eight points. Missing starting point guard Marcus Lovett, who still hasn't been cleared by the NCAA, hasn't helped Johnson get acclimated to the SJU offense.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"I'm ready," Johnson said of his opportunity at St. John's. "Like you said I haven't played in awhile. I missed two years and I'm ready to go. Just being here [at Madison Square Garden] makes me want to lace them up and go right now. It's going to be a good year."</p>
<p dir="ltr">Though not particularly known as a talented defensive player, he is a dogged one, and will have to step his game up on that side of the floor to defend the opposition's athletic wings. Listening to Johnson it's clear he understands that's where his focus needs to be.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"When you have guys locking in on the defensive end, it goes a long way," he said. "In practice when I'm on the court I'm focused on defense because I know that's where it starts. Offensively, we have plenty of guys who can make plays and who are skilled, but it starts on the defensive end."</p>
<p dir="ltr">With 47 games of high-level collegiate experience and the maturity that comes with being a college graduate, don't expect the bright lights of New York City to phase Johnson. He understands the daily work it takes in order to be successful, and with a team that's expected to finish at the bottom of the conference, there's only one way to go but up.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"I don't feel like there is any pressure," he said. "We come to practice every day and work hard, so I don't feel like it's solely on me. We have a bunch of good guys like Felix [Balamou] and Ron. Our freshmen are not like normal freshmen. They come in everyday with a good mindset. They know the game and they're hungry. So I feel like we're definitely going to be good as a team."</p>
<h3>Highlights</h3>
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https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-red-storm-mens-basketball/2015/11/13/9711444/st-johns-player-profile-durand-johnsonSteve Javors2015-11-13T03:00:02-05:002015-11-13T03:00:02-05:00St. John's player profile: Federico Mussini
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<figcaption>Wendell Cruz</figcaption>
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<p>The Italian prospect has a heavy burden to bear this season.</p> <p>To fill roster spots on a team that would return only three players from last season, Chris Mullin and his new St. John's staff knew that they would have to look just about anywhere for talent. And that search obviously has not been limited to within the United States border.</p>
<p>Freshman guard Federico Mussini may be the crown jewel of that international search. The 19-year-old out of Reggio Emilia, Italy <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/6/29/8861701/italian-point-guard-federico-mussini-commits-to-st-johns" target="_blank">committed to Mullin and St. John's back in June</a>, and already he's shown the potential to be an integral piece of this year's young team.</p>
<h3>How He Got Here</h3>
<p>Mussini's path to college basketball has been anything but average. The Italian prospect already has a decent amount of experience in his home country, and has already participated for Italy in a number of international competitions.</p>
<p>He was named to the All-Tournament team at the 2012 U16 European Championships, and followed that up with another stellar performance two years later at the U18 Championships. At the U18 tournament in 2014, he led all scorers with an average of 22.6 points per game and also recorded 2.1 assists per game.</p>
<p>Long considered one of the top international prospects, it was up in air for a while as to whether or not Mussini would even come to America and play college ball. He was <a href="http://www.sportando.com/en/italy/serie-a/145427/reggio-emilia-reportedly-offered-a-5-year-contract-to-federico-mussini.html" target="_blank">reportedly offered a five-year contract</a> by his hometown Italian team, Reggio Emilia, in December 2014 after he expressed interest in playing college basketball overseas.</p>
<p>Mussini would eventually receive interest from St. John's, Gonzaga, Virginia and Davidson, although his final college decision would come down to the Red Storm and Bulldogs.</p>
<p>Eventually on June 29, Mussini would decide to come to Queens and play for the Red Storm. "I selected St. John's most of all because of coach Mullin and the entire coaching staff," he said upon announcing his commitment.</p>
<p>"I think coach Mullin will help me to develop my game thanks to his experience from a Hall of Fame career. I believe that this staff can take me to another level."</p>
<h3>What He Brings to the Table</h3>
<p>At 6'1" and 154 pounds Mussini has the typical build of a point guard. Luckily he possesses exceptional court vision and can knock down 3-point shots at an impressive clip. Limited to just 18.3 minutes per game for Reggio Emilia in Italian competition last season, he wasn't able to showcase these skills back at home.</p>
<p>However since coming to St. John's, Red Storm fans have already gotten a glimpse of what he can do. In Saturday's Red and White Scrimmage he dished out eight assists, which was tied with Marcus Lovett for the game high, along with scoring 18 points.</p>
<p>Although he shot just 2-11 from 3-point range, St. John's fans can expect better shooting performances from Mussini as the season gets going.</p>
<h3>Where He Fits In</h3>
<p>Mussini can expect to see a decent share of playing time in 2014-15, as he should compete with fellow freshman Marcus Lovett for the starting point guard position. Whether he starts or not, Red Storm fans can expect to see a large dose of Mussini this season in the St. John's backcourt.</p>
<p>"Federico is a crafty guard who will be an important piece to our roster," said Mullin back in late June. "His team-first mentality and unselfish approach to the game are exactly what we strive for as a program."</p>
<h3>Highlights</h3>
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https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2015/11/13/9727586/st-johns-player-profile-federico-mussiniTroyMauriello2015-11-13T02:55:02-05:002015-11-13T02:55:02-05:00Player profile: Marcus Lovett
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<figcaption>Red Storm point guard Marcus LoVett brings the ball up at the Red White Scrimmage. | St. John's University</figcaption>
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<p>St. John's will have to wait until the 2016-17 season to see slick southpaw LoVett run the show. </p> <p dir="ltr">It was all set up to be a perfect match. A dynamic player whose nickname is "Bright Lights" playing on the biggest stage of them all, Madison Square Garden. In a city that appreciates point guards like no other, Marcus LoVett was expected to step in and run the show for St. John's from the opening tip.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, that dream will have to be put on hold, both for LoVett and the St. John's faithful, as the lead guard from Fort Wayne, Indiana was <a href="http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2015/11/11/9716614/marcus-lovett-ruled-ineligible-will-sit-out-the-entire-season" target="_blank">declared a partial qualifier by the NCAA yesterday</a>, delivering a crushing blow to the team just two days before opening the season against Wagner. Under the ruling LoVett is allowed to practice with the team but cannot play in any games.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"Marcus and his family have been patient throughout this lengthy process," Mullin said in a statement. "Marcus deserves to play and has done everything asked of him. Our staff is here to encourage Marcus as he continues to work hard on and off the court to be prepared to compete next season."</p>
<p dir="ltr">LoVett's absence leaves a gaping hole in the Red Storm's backcourt. With LoVett out, Italian guard Federico Mussini, who's more of an undersized two, will be pressed into starting at the point. It's a position the freshman's struggled with, registering more than double the amount of turnovers to assists during SJU's two exhibition games.</p>
<p dir="ltr">While St. John's has exhausted the appeals process, LoVett is likely to hire an attorney to challenge the ruling, according to reports. So while it's highly unlikely we'll see the slick southpaw in red and white this season, St. John's has a lot to look forward to when LoVett does suit up.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Fans got a tantalizing taste of LoVett's skills during the team's annual Red-White Scrimmage when he finished with a team-high 22 points to go with eight assists and five steals for Red.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"We are excited to welcome Marcus to our basketball family," Mullin said when he signed LoVett. "Marcus has an instinctive playmaking ability at a position we know is very important. I look forward to working with Marcus and developing his skills on and off the court that will help him reach his goals."</p>
<h3>How He Got Here</h3>
<p dir="ltr">A four-star, consensus top-25 point guard who was rated as high as No. 11 at his position in his class, LoVett was projected to be the twenty-third highest scorer on SI.com's college basketball freshmen scorers list. And there's no doubt LoVett can score the rock. Though a pass-first point guard, LoVett has shown a knack to get to the rim despite clocking in a 6-feet even, averaging approximately 25 points per game, 8 rebounds and 7 assists during his senior season.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He finished fourth in voting for Illinois' Mr. Basketball in 2015 while earning First Team All-State honors from the <i>Chicago Tribune</i>. LoVett led led Morgan Park to a third place finish at the state tournament in 2015 and set an Illinois Class 3A playoff record by scoring 45 points on 20-of-27 shooting in the semifinals.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Prior to attending Morgan Park LoVett attended high school in California. He lettered in two seasons at Providence High School in Burbank, Calif., where he averaged over 30 points per game. He spent his junior season at San Gabriel Academy in San Gabriel, Calif. and received the 2014 Wooden High School Player of the Year Award for CIFSS Division V after averaging approximately 22 points and six assists.</p>
<h3>What He Brings To The (Practice) Table</h3>
<p dir="ltr">We can only hope LoVett uses this year as an extended practice period to get better and acclimate himself to the college game without the pressure of carrying the team on his shoulders as a true freshman. Knowing his intense competitive streak, LoVett will use this lost year as fuel to come back with a vengeance and set the Big East on fire next season.</p>
<h3>Highlights</h3>
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https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-red-storm-mens-basketball/2015/11/13/9712306/st-johns-player-profile-marcus-lovettSteve Javors