NCAA Basketball: Takeaways from 2023 Charleston Classic results

4th place – Utah Utes (3-2)

Takeaway: Utes have more than Braden Carlson

The star big man Carlson is averaging nearly 20 ppg on the season, including dropping 22 points and eight rebounds against St. John’s in the consolation game. But unlike most of last season, Utah seems to have a little more depth. Point guard Rollie Worster is giving them more than just assists, while Gabe Madsen was arguably their second-best player from the event.

Washington transfer Cole Bajema was scoreless against Houston but has averaged around 15 ppg in all the other games. Plus, Colorado transfer Lawson Lovering has been solid at the center position, allowing Carlson to play at the four. Although they went 1-2 overall, the Utes showed that they can be competitive in Pac-12 play.

3rd place – St. John’s Red Storm (3-2)

Takeaway: Storm has an NCAAT-caliber offense but a CBI-level defense

It’s been an interesting past seven days for the program, including getting ran off the floor at home by Michigan. This team could’ve easily lost to North Texas in the quarterfinals and gave up 82 points to Utah in the consolation game. They’ve had enough offense overall, led by Joel Soriano.

However, outside of point guard Daniss Jenkins, the rest of the team’s offensive production has been a bit inconsistent. St. John’s should hope that the 33 points combined from Jordan Dingle and Chris Ledlum is a positive sign of things to come going forward. But ultimately, it’s the defense that needs to take a step up.