PORT JEFF, NY We have some important things to discuss. Let’s get to it: St. John’s Portal Additions, Final Four Preview/Predictions
St. John’s Portal Additions
It did not take long for Rick Pitino and company to reload after a heartbreaking end to a magical season. The first addition was Joson Sanon, formerly of Arizona State. Sanon was just a year removed from being a top 25 high school player and should add some much-needed shooting to a Red-storm team that struggled last year. The big acquisition up to this point, however, was former Providence star Bryce Hopkins transferring to the Johnnies. Hopkins is one of, if not the best forwards in country. Pairing him with elite big man and defensive anchor Zuby Ejiofor will ensure that last season was not a fluke. There is still more work to be done this offseason as the Johnnies do not have a starting shooting guard, but with the return of Simeon Wilcher running the point and two additions in the portal, this team already looks like a top 10 team.
Final Four Preview/Predictions
For the first time since 2008, the Final Four consists of all number one seeds. Both games are intriguing for various reasons.
Florida-Auburn
Firstly, the number one overall seed Auburn Tigers may be without their best player Johni Broome due to a shoulder injury. However, the Tigers have ample depth at that position with senior Dylan Cardwell. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter if Broome plays or not. I believe Florida is the second-best team in this tournament and should rely on Walter Clayton Jr. to reach the National Championship game.
Duke-Houston:
If Florida-Auburn is the appetizer, this is the main event. With the best defensive teams in the country, featuring superstar Cooper Flagg from Duke and Emmanuel Sharp from Houston I’ve gone back and forth on this one, and normally, after watching how dominant Duke has been all year, it would be easy to pick them However, Flagg is still just 17 years old, while Houston has grown men who are tough and physical This may a controversial take but give me the Cougars in a nail-biter to go to the national championship.
That’s it for me, feel free to comment below and come back tomorrow for Aristotle “Mugsy” Sakellaridis.
