Rick Pitino gave a quick and motivating pregame speech to his St. John’s team, encouraging them to play like Zuby Ejiofor, a high-energy forward. Deivon Smith took this message to heart and delivered an impressive performance during the game against Delaware at Carnesecca Arena. Smith recorded 20 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and made four out of five 3-point attempts. His style of play, focused on rebounding and facilitating fast breaks, has been instrumental in the team’s success since his return from a one-game suspension, averaging 15 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and three steals in four games.
Despite his outstanding performance, the only blemish on Smith’s day was a missed windmill dunk in the final seconds, which Pitino didn’t criticize him for. The coach lauded Smith for his impressive stats and all-around effort on the court, comparing his game to Ejiofor’s level of play. Pitino has been pleased with Smith’s improvement and dedication to the team’s success, recognizing his contributions to the team’s performance.
Ruben Prey, a Portuguese import, earned his first start of the season in the game against Delaware. Pitino wanted to assess his readiness for a larger role in the team as the new year approached, giving him extended playing time during the match. Prey had two points, a rebound, and a blocked shot in 11 minutes. He is competing with USC transfer Vince Iwuchukwu for minutes as Ejiofor’s backup, with Iwuchukwu contributing 11 points and three rebounds in 10 minutes during the game.
Pitino highlighted Iwuchukwu’s improvement in his low post game, emphasizing the importance of his performance against Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner in the upcoming game. The 7-foot-1 center is expected to play a significant role in combating Creighton’s formidable lineup. St. John’s did not participate in any post-game handshakes with Delaware, a decision agreed upon by both coaches to avoid any potential conflicts or altercations. Pitino believes that maintaining a sense of sportsmanship and moving on from the game without incident is the best course of action for his team.
Overall, St. John’s had a successful game against Delaware, with Deivon Smith leading the charge with a stellar performance. The team’s depth and versatility were on display, with players like Ruben Prey and Vince Iwuchukwu stepping up when needed. Pitino’s coaching strategies and emphasis on player development have been paying dividends, as evidenced by the team’s improved performances and chemistry on the court. With upcoming challenges against tough opponents like Creighton, St. John’s will need to continue their strong play and cohesive teamwork to achieve their goals for the season.
