St. John’s basketball: Simeon Wilcher is the ‘heir apparent’ at point guard

The St. John’s basketball team already has its ‘heir apparent’ at point guard. 

Simeon Wilcher is not afraid of the bright lights or the big moment and his time to shine in that setting is coming soon for the St. John’s basketball team.

A 4-star recruit out of Roselle Catholic (NJ), Wilcher was originally signed to play at North Carolina before his decommitment and decision to join the Johnnies.

The progress in his development has not been as rapid as some might like but it’s no trouble for the 6-foot-4 guard, who is enjoying every moment.

“I really just trust the process because it’s the beginning,” Wilcher said after St. John’s most recent 46-point victory over Holy Cross.

“I’m not really worried about how much I am playing as of right now because, it’s coach [Pitino].”

The backup point guard turned in his best outing in his young career against the Crusaders with five points, three rebounds, five assists, and two steals while only turning the ball over once in his 19 minutes.

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“He’s been doing this for 45 years, he knows more than anybody,” Wilcher added. “I’m just trusting in him and happy that be believed in me enough to put me out there today.”

Rick Pitino mentioned during the Red Storm’s 3-game trip to Charleston that he was looking to find more minutes for Simeon Wilcher and take some pressure off of Daniss Jenkins, who at that point in the season nearly had as many turnovers as assists.

However, the pass-first point guard still has not been looking to score when he is in the game despite shooting 50-percent (7-of-14) from field and 50-percent from 3-point range (2-of-4), despite limited attempts.

“It’s great for Sim to learn behind [Daniss Jenkins] because he is the heir apparent to that position,” Pitino explained.

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Simeon Wilcher will presumably have much more time on the court as he gets more comfortable running Rick Pitino’s offense and as the non-conference schedule weakens for St. John’s before Big East play begins in late December.

The Johnnies (4-2) will travel to Morgantown for a matchup with a struggling West Virginia (3-3) squad in the Big East vs. Big 12 Challenge before Sacred Heart (4-3), Boston College (4-2), and Fordham (3-3) lead the Red Storm into its league games.