St. John’s basketball: Jim Boeheim ‘surprised’ Red Storm not playing better

Former Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim is surprised with the St. John’s basketball team. 

Jim Boeheim has officially made his switch from the sidelines to the media and the Hall of Famer was taken aback by the St. John’s basketball team.

In an appearance on The Field of 68, Boeheim mentioned that the Red Storm were one of the team’s he was most worried about to begin the season.

“It’s so early, I try not to even make a judgement early,” Boeheim said. “I’m a little surprised that Rick [Pitino] hasn’t gotten St. John’s playing at a higher level.”

Pitino has preached patience since the offseason as he tries to gel an entire new roster together and expressed that this team will be playing its best basketball in January or February.

“When you look at it, they have all new guys,” the 79-year old added.

Jim Boeheim mentioned that St. John’s returned UMass transfer RJ Luis, a “really good player,” on Saturday night against Holy Cross for the first time this season after suffering a broken hand on October 1.

ALSO READ: RJ Luis shines in return as Johnnies rout Holy Cross

Luis, off the bench, added 14 points and four rebounds to the 91-45 victory.

“I still love St. John’s. I think they are going to get there without any question.”

St. John’s basketball looking to add to record before Big East play

The Red Storm (4-2) suffered losses against Michigan and Dayton this season, both currently ranked inside the Top-70 of KenPom, while its most impressive victories came in the Charleston Classic against North Texas and Utah, which are each ranked in the Top-75 of KenPom.

ALSO READ: Rick Pitino shreds into defense after Dayton loss

St. John’s will have its first true road game of the season on Friday night (7:00p.m. ET, ESPN2) against West Virginia (3-3) and Boston College is its only other power conference opponent in the non-conference schedule before Big East play begins on December 20 against Xavier.

Sacred Heart, Fordham, and Hofstra are the only remaining mid-majors left on the slate.