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Big East Basketball: 5 key questions and storylines heading into 2021-22

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 19, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Collin Gillespie (2) talks with Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Collin Gillespie (2) talks with Villanova Wildcats head coach Jay Wright during the second half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Big Ten Basketball Julian Champagnie St. John’s Red Storm (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

4. Is this season “NCAA Tournament or bust” for St. John’s?

Giustino

Success begets success. If Mike Anderson wants to have sustained success at St. John’s then making a splash in the NCAA tournament this season will go a long way. The team is talented, and the NCAA tournament should be the minimum expectation this year. If St. John’s can make the tournament and win a game or two, Anderson will be in a good position for recruiting after the quick turnaround and placing Champagnie on an NBA roster.

McCormack

This upcoming season definitely feels like it makes the big dance or it is a failed season for St. John’s as a program.

St. John’s got huge news this offseason when Julian Champagnie decided to return to the team for the 21-22 season. Champagnie averaged 19.8 ppg, and 7.4 rebs last year.

Along with Julian Champagnie, the Red Storm also bring back guard Posh Alexander who had a very productive freshman campaign.

Former Purdue transfer Aaron Wheeler and Fordham transfer Joel Soriano are newcomers to the roster. Both should play quality minutes and be key pieces for the Red Storm this upcoming year to help St John’s get back into the NCAA tournament.

Sinodhinos

Depends on how you choose to define the term ‘or bust’. Its origins trace back to the 1800s meaning ‘will do everything possible to get somewhere’ or ‘collapse from effort’. So, yes I believe St. John’s will do everything possible to make the tournament as they welcome the aforementioned transfers.

I also believe, in the traditional sense in terms of sports that if the Red Storm does not make the tournament they will be considered a bust, yet it is not the end, as Julian Champagnie, Aaron Wheeler, Posh Alexander, and Joel Soriano do have eligible years remaining.

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