St. John’s Basketball Highlights: Recognizing Key Players That Make the Difference

As the St. John’s Red Storm season progresses, head coach Rick Pitino recently reflected on the contributions of standout players, revisiting last year’s acknowledgments. In a recent breakdown, he provided intriguing insights into who he views as pivotal to the team’s success this season.

Key Player Recognitions

• Most Valuable Player: Dillon Mitchell
• Most Outstanding Player: Zuby Ejiofor
• Most Clutch Player: Dylan "Big Bells" Darling

During a post-game press conference, Pitino confidently identified Darling as the clutch player, emphasizing the tag "Big Bells," which he granted to Darling for his nerve and poise in critical moments. Notably, after a thrilling victory against Xavier, where Darling hit a decisive 3-pointer in the closing moments, Pitino exclaimed, “Darling has balls the size of church bells!”

The "Big Bells" Award

To honor the contribution of players like Darling, St. John’s has instituted the “Big Bells Award,” bestowed upon the standout performer after each win. This adds an extra layer of motivation and excitement within the team and among fans alike.

Dylan Darling of the St. John’s Red Storm puts up a shot during a game against Butler. St. John’s won with a final score of 92-70. (Image Credit: Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post)

Darling’s Impact on the Game

Dylan Darling has indeed been making waves on the court. Over the past nine matches, he has averaged 10.3 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals off the bench, showcasing a strong performance with 16 points in three out of the last four games.

Coaches Praise His Performance

Prominent Big East coaches have showered praise on Darling:

• Dan Hurley (UConn): Recognized Darling as "tough as nails" and a clutch performer who has significantly impacted outcomes.
• Greg McDermott (Creighton): Noted his valuable contributions when the game’s pressure mounts.

Strategic Decision: Coming Off the Bench

Despite his evident talent, Coach Pitino has chosen to utilize Darling as a reserve player. This strategy aims to keep him out of early foul troubles, ultimately benefiting the team in high-pressure situations.

Injury Updates

• Ian Jackson: After recovering from an ankle injury, Jackson participated fully in practice and is expected to return, although he may not start.
• Kelvin Odih: Freshman guard will remain sidelined due to right leg soreness.

Conclusion

The contributions of players like Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Dylan Darling are critical to the St. John’s Red Storm’s success this season. Recognizing their efforts not just boosts morale but also strengthens the team’s performance on the court. With fans and coaches alike excited about the ongoing season, the Red Storm continues to strive for success in the competitive Big East landscape.

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