In the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas, the 14th-ranked St. John’s basketball team showcased a thrilling performance that left fans buzzing with excitement. The pivotal moment came during their matchup against Baylor, where Oziyah Sellers emerged as a standout player, embodying the straightforward yet empowering advice from head coach Rick Pitino: “Shoot the ball.”
Sellers, a transfer from Stanford, delivered a stellar performance, scoring 22 points and sinking five 3-pointers with remarkable precision—5-of-7 from beyond the arc. This remarkable feat not only highlighted his skills but also underscored the growing trust and confidence instilled in him by Pitino. “Even in moments when I felt like I wasn’t really open, he wanted me to take it,” Sellers reflected. This newfound freedom on the court has empowered him to seize opportunities, and it showed in the game’s outcome. St. John’s dominated Baylor with a 96-81 victory, rebounding from a previous loss to Iowa State.
The game marked a significant turning point for Sellers, who had struggled with his shooting early in the season, managing only three 3-pointers in the first four games. However, he has since transformed, amassing an impressive 10-for-13 from deep over the last two games. Sellers has clearly developed a comfort level at Michelob Ultra Arena, where the bright lights and competitive energy seem to elevate his game.
Joining Sellers in the spotlight was Bryce Hopkins, another key player who contributed significantly to the team’s offensive explosion. With 26 points and three 3-pointers, Hopkins demonstrated a newfound confidence in his shooting ability. His remarks on the importance of consistency resonate deeply within the team’s ethos. “It’s just the consistency in the work [we put in],” the Providence transfer stated. “As the season goes on and teams try to game-plan for us, I’m that much more confident in taking my shots because I know how much time we’ve put in.”
Pitino, known for his strategic acumen, has been vocal about encouraging his players to embrace their scoring potential. “I haven’t begged my players very often to shoot the ball, but I begged these two guys to take more shots,” he said, referring specifically to Sellers and Hopkins. His insistence on aggressive shooting is paying off, as evidenced by St. John’s remarkable offensive output.
This season marks an unprecedented offensive start for St. John’s, averaging an astounding 95.3 points per game through six games—surpassing the previous record of 95.2 set in the 1971-72 season. Such scoring prowess suggests a potent blend of talent and teamwork, essential ingredients for success in the highly competitive landscape of college basketball.
Notably, Pitino’s tactical adjustments have also played a crucial role in the team’s success. After experimenting with different starting lineups in the first four games, he has opted for consistency by maintaining the same starters for the past three games. This stability appears to have contributed positively to team chemistry and performance, evident from the season-high 11 made 3-pointers on 22 attempts against Baylor.
As the season unfolds, the St. John’s Red Storm looks poised to continue their offensive onslaught, driven by the confidence and sharpshooting of players like Sellers and Hopkins. With the support of their coach’s strategic guidance and the momentum they’ve built, they may well establish themselves as formidable contenders in the college basketball landscape.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
