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St. John’s Basketball: Options for Red Storm if Mustapha Heron is unable to play in 2018-19

By Nick Bello

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Mullin of St. John's. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Mullin of St. John's. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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If able to play Mustapha Heron will be key for success next season for the Red Storm. However, St. John’s Basketball will need a backup plan if he can’t go.

This year’s St. John’s Red Storm undoubtedly has a lot of talent that could set the Big East on fire. As a result, Red Storm fans have hopes higher than the New York City skyline. Although Shamorie Ponds will return this year and is likely to have a big year, his wingman at the two spot, Mustapha Heron, is still unsure whether or not he will suit up in a Red Storm uniform this upcoming season.

Heron is seeking a hardship waiver after transferring to St. John’s to be closer to his ailing mother. Acquiring this waiver, however, is easier said than done. As of right now, the NCAA has not yet said whether or not Heron will be allowed to play next season. When the NCAA will rule is still up in the air which leaves Chris Mullin and his staff in a bit of a bind.

Mullin will most likely prepare for the worst which means figuring out who will play the two spot if Heron is not given the waiver. Candidate number one is Bryan Trimble Jr who played in 32 games for the Red Storm in his freshman season. The sharpshooter from Kansas City dropped 19 points against Marquette in February and was hot from beyond the arc. Trimble also shined bright in the Big East Tournament dropping nine points in the Red Storm’s win against Georgetown.

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Trimble primarily came off the bench in his first season as a Johnnie, however, he proved that he could be a factor for Mullin’s squad as he is arguably one of the best shooters on the team. Although Trimble did prove his worth last season, he was a better fit coming off the bench where he could provide a spark by knocking down three’s.

Another candidate for the starting two spot would be junior guard Mikey Dixon who transferred last season from Quinnipiac. As a Bobcat, Dixon started in 20 games and averaged an impressive 16.5 points per game while earning MAAC Rookie of the Year honors. Dixon is quick which makes him perfect for Mullin’s high tempo offense that likes to get out on the fastbreak.

The best quality that Dixon brings to the table however is his ability to shoot the three ball. In his freshman year he ranked 15th in the MAAC in three pointers with 60. Dixon proved that he can score in his freshman year as he set the freshman single game scoring record at Quinnipiac with 29 points against Canisius.

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Although Dixon doesn’t provide the height that Heron has, he would compliment Ponds very well. His speed and quickness is just what Mullin needs as his teams like to get out on the fastbreak often. Whether or not Mullin goes with Dixon or Trimble, is still up in the air. Although this is still a hypothetical question as a exact verdict is yet to be determined with Heron, it is definitely an important decision for Mullin to make.