5 St. John’s Stories From Last Season That May Carry Over

JaKarr Sampson was a Freshman Sensation

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

If you followed the Red Storm in great detail last season, well, then you know about JaKarr Sampson’s exploits. The solid, finesse like forward was the only consistent scoring option not named D’Angelo Harrison on the team.

What Sampson did do — other than help the Red Storm win games — was bring an underneath scoring presence to the program that has lacked for some time. Sure, there have been other competent big guys in the program over the years, but none with the ability to put the ball in the bucket like Sampson.

His game did have plenty of flaws, though. Sampson would rely far too heavily on his iffy mid-range jumper and his overall shot selection could be considered questionable. We can attribute that to him being a young, inexperienced player or it might mean Sampson is that kind of player. The kind who feels it is up to him to score buckets in bunches — even if it might be to the detriment to the team’s success.

This season is a big one for Sampson. As we mentioned in his player profile, it could go one of two ways. He can improve his draft stock and help the Johnnies in the process or he can be considered a stats guy who does very little to help his team actually win.

The perception of Sampson as a player is likely to be formed this season. As will his status in the NBA Draft and place in St. John’s lore. A lot of weight on a sophomore’s shoulders, but you know, hype.