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Looking ahead to Rysheed Jordan's role on the Red Storm

Adam Zagoria brings some nuggets back from an all-star benefit game in New Jersey. We ask some questions.

By Norman Rose
Ted Silary

Adam Zagoria returns from the Mary Kline Classic, a benefit all-star game put together by recruiting information all-star Alex Kline to benefit cancer research, with some good reporting on incoming recruit Rysheed Jordan, who played in the contest.

...he will make the trip with the Johnnies to Paris, Rome and Barcelona in August for 10 days of practice and potentially five exhibition games.

Jordan said St. John’s coach Steve Lavin is looking at using him as a point guard, with returning guard D`Angelo Harrison at the two...

"[He will use me] more as a one," Jordan said, "with D’Angelo off the ball and coming off picks."

Jordan also mentions hoping to be one and done, with the NBA as his dream - but doesn't make any pronouncements. On Twitter, Jordan mentioned that he'll start his summer classes at St. John's in early July.

But back to Rysheed Jordan's comments about his role - we all know that the best-laid plans of coaches don't come to fruition (remember how D`Angelo was supposed to be the mature leader?), but if things go well, Rysheed will be the dynamic playmaker and Harrison will be able to look for his shot off the ball.

This is, most likely, a good thing; Harrison found himself struggling when forced to create off of the dribble, forced to his left hand, and struggled for much of Big East season before being suspended. Harrison hit 1,000 points for his career, but it was a slow go; and without his offense, the Johnnies struggled to put up points in Big East play.

But with two ball-dominant guards, how will ball-dominant Phil Greene IV fit? And how will point guard Jamal Branch - who struggled at times, but had some sharp games - make an impact?

The summer will start to tell a tale of either depth or discord. Can a creative talent - a player like Rysheed Jordan who can get his shot - make the Johnnies a deadlier scoring squad? Can the four guards form into a relentless, high-pressure, constant attack?

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