Dylan Darling Shows Point Guard Ability
Point guard has been and will continue to be a major topic around St. John’s entering the season. Rick Pitino didn’t land a traditional point guard in the transfer portal this offseason and many expected North Carolina transfer Ian Jackson to command the reins as the orchestrator of the Red Storm offense but that hasn’t been the case yet.
Pitino said on Tuesday that he doesn’t anticipate playing a traditional offense this season and is comfortable with multiple players handing the ball but one that stood out was Idaho State transfer Dylan Darling.
Darling is the most traditional point guard on the roster and despite being listed at only 6-foot-1, he had a calmness, toughness, and poise to him when he was running the offense.
Granted, he spent the entirety of the scrimmage on the ‘white’ team, which was comprised of players who would not be in the starting lineup if the season started tomorrow but he was still impressive while doing it.
Ruben Prey’s Development is Noticeable
The frontcourt depth that St. John’s has is impressive. In fact, it might be the best in the country. So, if Ruben Prey doesn’t het the proper recognition he deserves or a major amount of playing time it will be justifiable.
However, it was undeniable the transformation he made this offseason.
Prey is bigger, stronger, and faster. He improved his shooting, both from 3-point range and the free throw line, and showed the ability to defend multiple positions on the floor.
He was often the lone big while playing against the trio of Dillon Mitchell, Bryce Hopkins, and Zuby Ejiofor but he held his own and Rick Pitino has to find a way to make sure Prey doesn’t get lost in the shuffle this season because he can be a contributor on this team.