St. John’s Point Guard Dylan Darling’s Status Uncertain Ahead of Matchup with Alabama
As St. John’s prepares to take on No. 15 Alabama this Saturday, the team faces a potential setback with junior guard Dylan Darling likely out due to a calf strain. This has raised concerns about the team’s lineup, as Darling is the team’s only true point guard.
Dylan Darling’s Injury Update
Dylan Darling, who transferred from Idaho State, experienced the calf strain during the season opener against Quinnipiac. He had to sit out practice for several days, relying on a protective boot to aid his recovery. Luckily, he returned to practice just before the game against Alabama, but his playing status remains unclear.
“I’m hoping to [play],” Darling said. “I’m going to practice today, see how it feels and go from there. … I’m going to try to tough it out with a lot of tape.”
Impact on the Team
While Darling may not be a starter, he plays a crucial role for the Johnnies. During his debut, he logged a team-high of six assists, showcasing his playmaking ability. If Darling is unable to compete, it could lead to increased playtime for:
- Sophomore Lefteris Liotopoulos
- Freshman Casper Pohto
- Guards Ian Jackson, Joson Sanon, and Oziyah Sellers may also see heavier minutes, contingent on foul trouble.
Head Coach Rick Pitino described Darling’s chances of playing as “50/50,” indicating the uncertainty surrounding his condition.
Darling’s determination to play is amplified by his familial connections; he is the son of former NFL linebacker James Darling. He expressed his desire to compete, stating, “Pops is still in town for this one, so I’m trying to tough it out. I want to play, I really want to play.”
Upcoming Matchup and Alabama’s Key Players
While St. John’s deals with potential absences, Alabama faces its challenges as well. The Crimson Tide will likely miss sophomore forward Keitenn Bristow, who is doubtful with an ankle injury. However, guards Aden Holloway (wrist) and Latrell Wrightsell (finger) are expected to play, both of whom contributed significantly by averaging over ten points last season.
St. John’s Challenging Non-Conference Schedule
This game against Alabama marks the beginning of a testing series for St. John’s, who will also face:
“I wanted to see more length and athleticism and the SEC has the most in the country,” Pitino mentioned regarding the tough schedule. “More important to me is to see what we need to work on to improve.”
Looking Ahead
The good news for St. John’s and Darling is that after this matchup, the team enjoys a week off to regroup. Given the competitive non-conference matches, it will be crucial for St. John’s to identify its strengths and weaknesses ahead of Big East play.
For fans and analysts, this early test against Alabama provides an opportunity to gauge where St. John’s stands this season and how Darling’s potential return could influence their performance moving forward.
