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St. John’s Basketball: No excuses for Red Storm with Julian Champagnie back

By Tristan Freeman

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 09: Julian Champagnie #2 of the St. John's Red Storm looks on during a college basketball game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 9, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 09: Julian Champagnie #2 of the St. John's Red Storm looks on during a college basketball game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 9, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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There are several teams waiting for decisions among key players for the NBA Draft. None may be more important than St. John’s Basketball, who has been waiting on the fate of star forward Julian Champagnie.

The Red Storm was solid this past season, going 16-11 overall (10-9 in Big East play) and getting huge victories over UConn and Villanova. A large reason for that was Champagnie, who led the team with 19.8 ppg and 7.4 rpg, good for Most Improved Player of the Year and 1st-Team All-Big East this past season. The forward entered the NBA Draft with a big decision to make, as he was projected to be selected anywhere near 30-60 according to several mocks.

For the St. John’s fans that have been waiting for the news, twin brother and Pittsburgh star forward Justin Champagnie opted to stay in the draft over a month ago and there were thoughts that the brothers would ultimately make the same decision.

That proved not to be true, as the Champagnie of the Big East will be returning for his junior season. It’s a huge move not only for the program but also head coach Mike Anderson, who in year three now will be expected to make the NCAA Tournament.

This is a roster that I would argue while completely revamped, the roster for the Red Storm is better than last season’s. Transfers Joel Soriano and Aaron Wheeler is an upgrade on the frontcourt in terms of rebounding and athleticism, while newcomer guards Montez Mathis, Stef Smith, and recent import from Hofstra Tareq Coburn, are quality scorers in various ways. Coburn’s shooting along with Champagnie will be beneficial for next season. Then there’s Posh Alexander, already one of the best guards in the Big East after an impressive freshman campaign.

If all the new pieces work well and Champagnie looks every bit of a Big East Player of the Year and All-American candidate, there’s no reason why the Red Storm aren’t an NCAA Tournament team and finished in the top half of the conference. It feels like a long time since the program danced but they actually made the First Four in 2019 under former head coach Chris Mullin. But considering the talent on that roster (Shamorie Ponds, LJ Figueroa, and Mustapha Heron), they should’ve been safely in.

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This current roster for the Red Storm may not be as good as the 2019 group but Champagnie is better than anyone from two years ago and the coaching and chemistry should be much better this time around. The Villanova Wildcats remains the clear favorite in the Big East for next season, with programs such as Xavier, UConn, and Seton Hall in the mix right after. With Julian Champagnie back, you have to throw St. John’s Basketball right in with them.

Anything less should be viewed as a failure.