PORT JEFF, NY – We’ve got sports to cover, no time to mess around, Heartbreak for the Johnnies, NCAA coaching carousel, Opening day reactions!
Heartbreak for the Johnnies as the magical season for St. John’s ended in a loss to Arkansas in the round of 32. Despite the defeat and the challenges (players transferring, graduating, etc.), this season was one of my favorites among all the teams I support. It created unforgettable moments, such as seeing the Red Storm in the top 20 for first time in over a decade, sweeping the champion UConn Huskies, and winning both the regular season Big East title and the Big East Tournament championship. This team will be back and perhaps even better. If they can acquire more shooting talent in transfer portal this offseason to complement superstar forward Zuby Ejiofor and the hopeful return of Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis next season could be special as this one, if Not better.
NCAA coaching carousel,
it’s that time of year again. There have been 10-15 “high major” job openings, but not to worry, we will only cover three of. We’ll start with last year’s Cinderella, NC State. They hired Will Wade from McNeese State. If anyone recognizes Wade’s name, it will be because he was the head coach of some very good LSU teams before some recruiting violations. In two seasons at McNeese, he went 55-9. No matter what conference you’re in, that’s impressive, and the Wolfpack should be back in the mix of the ACC in no time.
Speaking of coaches with questionable pasts, Xavier coach Sean Miller has accepted the Texas job, just three years after Xavier rehired him following his dismissal from Arizona. Miller is regarded as one of the top coaches in the sport, and it is widely believed that if NIL had existed five years ago, he would still be at Arizona, the same success they currently have. This is a significant hire for the Longhorns. Interestingly, the Xavier Musketeers have hired Richard Pitino, the son of Rick Pitino, which means the father and son will face each other twice a year in the Big East.
The Indiana Hoosiers are one of the most prominent brands in sports, particularly in college basketball. About a week ago, they hired Darin Devries, a young and promising coach from West Virginia who previously coached at Drake. This hire is expected to elevate Indiana back to the upper tier of programs in the country. With the offseason just and the portal opening on Monday, it promises to be another fascinating period.
Opening Day Reactions:
The Mets fell to the Astros in game one of 162, with a score of 3-1. Juan Soto, aside from his last at-bat, looked like he was worth every penny. Clay Holmes had an inconsistent first start as a Met, lasting only 4.2 innings. The Mets bullpen was solid and gave the Mets a chance. After last year, it is important not to overreact to the first week of the season. LFGM!!
