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NCAA Basketball: 10 teams that should bounce back after disappointing seasons

By Joey Loose

U of L head coach Kenny Payne instructed his players against Appalachian State during their game at the Yum Center in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 15, 2022. The Cardinals lost 61-60.Uofl Appstate19 Sam
U of L head coach Kenny Payne instructed his players against Appalachian State during their game at the Yum Center in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 15, 2022. The Cardinals lost 61-60.Uofl Appstate19 Sam /
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NCAA Basketball Niagara Purple Eagles guard Braxton Bayless John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball Niagara Purple Eagles guard Braxton Bayless John Jones-USA TODAY Sports /

St. John’s

There were expectations that St. John’s could be a Tournament team and make some noise last season, but all that happened was Mike Anderson getting fired after another disappointing season for the Red Storm. A mediocre 18-15 concluded a four-year tenure with no trips to the Big Dance. Things are mighty different now with Rick Pitino taking over this program, and the roster looks almost unrecognizable.

It’s Pitino’s very presence that marks the optimism for this program, but let’s look at a few of the changes in the rotation. Pitino took a number of talented players with him from Iona, including leading scorer Daniss Jenkins and talented forward Quinn Slazinski. Among the most impactful moves of the offseason was perhaps Pitino retaining Joel Soriano, who averaged 15.2 points and 11.9 rebounds for St. John’s last season.

Penn star Jordan Dingle and national champion Nahiem Alleyne also join a roster that has a ton of talent but will have to be tested. Bringing Pitino into this program is a massive game changer and elevates this program, but is it enough to make this team a contender next season? After a slew of average or uninspiring seasons, there will be excitement in New York next year no matter how these new additions turn out.

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