By Joseph Staszewski
For Phil Greene IV, there was no mistaking what the palpable energy inside a packed Carnesecca Arena meant.
The St. John’s junior guard hasn’t seen that many people and that much excitement at the school’s annual basketball tip-off event during his time at the school. That’s because there is a different level of expectations around the men’s basketball team this season.
“They believe in us tremendously to deliver this year,” Greene said of the fans.
The night gave the Red Storm faithful a taste of the talented roster that is expected to be one of the top teams in the Big East and reach the NCAA tournament. The new additions, prized freshman guard Rysheed Jordan and transfers Orlando Sanchez and Max Hooper, were the biggest stars of a night, which introduced this year’s Red Storm men’s and women’s teams and also included a performance by hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco. Top recruits Christ the King forward Adonis Delarosa, Rosedale Catholic’s Isaiah Briscoe and Our Savior New American’s Cheick Diallo attended as well.
The highlight of the night was Jordan jumping over 6-foot-8 forward God’sgift Achiuwa during the dunk contest. He also handed our numerous assists in the red and white scrimmage. Hooper, a dead-eye shooter, buried two 3-pointers, and Sanchez showed off an array skills. The 6-foot-9 senior Sanchez blocked Achiuwa, hit a 3-pointer and dribbled coast-to-coast for a two-handed slam during the scrimmage.
“As you can see, if we would have had him last year we are a different team,” St. John’s Coach Steve Lavin said. “We are grateful to have him this year.”
The Red Storm will be without sophomore forward Chris Obekpa, the nation’s leading shot-blocker last season, for the remainder of the preseason. He was suspended from participating in the tip-off and the Johnnies two exhibition contests for a violation of University policy, the school announced prior to the event. Obekpa is allowed to practice with the team during that stretch and will be back for St. John’s opener against Wisconsin on Nov. 8, the school said.
“You try and teach your players that choices and judgment are part of life,” Lavin said. “Appropriately there are consequences. They are tied to choice. I think it will be a valuable learning experience for Chris. Our focus is on the lesson.”
There will be plenty of attention on St. John’s this season, though Lavin has reminded his players that they haven’t done anything of significance yet. The Red Storm players believe their future holds success.
“We are ready to make some big things happen,” Greene said.
