2006 St. Johns Red Storm Basketball Preview

2006 St. Johns Red Storm Basketball Predictions

The Red Storm of St. John’s could be surprising various Big East opponents this year. In two years at St. John’s coach Norm Roberts (12- 15, 5- 11 Big East in 2005 -06 and 21-33 over 2 years) has added depth at guard, three-point shooters, frontcourt back-up and athleticism.

Senior guard Daryll Hill (12.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 36.4 FG%, 72.8 FT%) is coming off knee surgery and had better be ready to go. If he isn’t, there are three new guards—freshmen Derwin Kitchen, Avery Patterson and Larry Wright—who will gladly compete with him for the spot. Patterson, who was a second-team junior college All-American last season, has a deadly 3-point shot. Kitchen is a versatile perimeter player and Wright is a savvy point guard. Experienced junior Eugene Lawrence (9.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.9 APG, 36.7 FG%, 68.9 FT%) will still get the start at point.

The beefed up outside game should help what last year became a frustrated inside struggle. Senior center Aaron Spears (7.2PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.5 APG, 56.7 FG%, 71.4 FT%), senior forward Lamont Hamilton (12.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 46.1 FG%, 60.2 FT%) and sophomore forward Anthony Mason Jr. (8.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 41.6 FG%, 66.7 FT%) all bring toughness and determined play. There’s also some solid relief up front with freshmen Qa’rraan Calhoun and Rob Thomas joining the team.

Roberts has done a fine job in a short amount of time and the Red Storm should really see the benefits this season. One of the major problems for this team has been its lack of consistency from downtown. He’s added long-range firepower to the arsenal. Roberts is definitely ahead of schedule in rebuilding the program. This season he’ll attempt to fit all of the pieces together.

With the vast improvements, Red Storm fans are in for some pleasant surprises, such as a Big East Tournament berth and perhaps an NIT invite. Could the NCAA Tournament be on the horizon in 2006- 07? It’s a possibility. A stretch, yes, but certainly a possibility.

If you want more info on the 2006 St. Johns Red Storm College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the DePaul Blue Demons and West Virginia Mountaineers.