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Size and paint protection shouldn’t be an issue for St. John’s basketball

By Kevin Connelly

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Roberts #1 of the St. John's basketball team looks on against the Wagner Seahawks at Carnesecca Arena on November 30, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Roberts #1 of the St. John's basketball team looks on against the Wagner Seahawks at Carnesecca Arena on November 30, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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There shouldn’t be an issue with the lack of size or rim protection next season for the St. John’s basketball team.

Over the course of Big East play last season there became an overwhelming issue with St. John’s and that was trying to contain opposing team’s big men.

Clearly it didn’t help that the league was at its best and most physical in the paint since its realignment with players such as Romaro Gill, Tyrique Jones, Omer Yurtseven, and Nate Watson.

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Luckily for the Red Storm, the first three players in that list will not be in the Big East next season because of graduation or pursing a professional career.

However, while it will be a blessing that the Johnnies do not have to matchup with most of those players anymore, there are some talented big men in the conference, but none that possess the capabilities of the group and it will allow Mike Anderson to run his offense much more freely.

St. John’s was at its best in transition last season and that will almost certainly be the case next season and without having to try and matchup with a dominant center in the paint, Anderson could utilize a small-ball lineup or Josh Roberts could use his best skill on the court, his athleticism.

The Red Storm also will add JUCO product Isaih Moore to its front court as well as George Washington graduate transfer Arnaldo Toro, both only listed at 6-foot-9, like Roberts, but have the body build and athleticism to thrive in Anderson’s system.

ALSO READ: Julian Champagnie primed for huge second season

Not to mention one of the breakout stars from last season Marcellus Earlington, who just got better and better every time he took the floor for St. John’s.

ALSO READ: What fans should expect from the St. John’s backcourt

As previously stated before on this site, the Red Storm have the potential to be the third best team in the Big East, if LJ Figueroa returns for his senior season, and under head coach Mike Anderson, the Johnnies could surprise a lot of people with its skill and athletic abilities.