Takeaways from St. John's basketball intrasquad scrimmage at Madison Square Garden

Deivon Smith dealing with injury

The first thing that was apparent when walking into Madison Square Garden was that Utah transfer point guard Deivon Smith was in street clothes and would not practice.

Rick Pitino announced to the crowd of St. John's supporters in attendance that Smith received a cortisone shot in his shoulder and doctors recommended he not do any significant physical activity for three days. He had also been dealing with a hamstring injury.

Pitino said that Smith would return to practice on Wednesday and would play on Thursday, October 17 against Rutgers in an exhibition matchup.

Starting lineup comes into focus, but still with questions

If St. John's fans learned anything last season it's that Rick Pitino really doesn't put that much stock into his starting five. He gives players starts based on how they perform during practice and his mind isn't made up on who will be on the court for the Johnnies opening night.

"Outside of Kadary [Richmond] and Sim [Wilcher], I couldn't tell you who's going to get a lot of minutes right now," Pitino said after practice.

"I know Kadary is going to start. I'm pretty confident Sim's going to start. Zuby is going to start."

The Hall of Famer would not commit to Deivon Smith starting because of how much practice time he has missed with his injuries.

"They're all going to play a lot of minutes...Like my Kentucky team, you'll see a different starting lineup every game."