Rick Pitino thinks extremely of Bryce Hopkins. He has typically mentioned that the Windfall switch will be one of many higher gamers within the nation if he offers most effort on a constant foundation.
The St. John’s coach didn’t see that in Tuesday’s Huge East-opening, 79-66 victory over DePaul at Carnesecca Area. Hopkins didn’t seize a single rebound in 23 minutes, dedicated three turnovers and scored six factors on 1-for-4 taking pictures.
“He’s simply bought to select up his effort stage. A man of his expertise and not using a rebound, he has to select up his power,” Pitino mentioned. “Scoring can’t make you do different issues. That’s why Zuby [Ejiofor] and Dillon Mitchell convey so many different issues to the desk. He’s gotta study that. He has to select it up proper now.”
Hopkins has scored in single figures in three of the previous 4 video games and has 10 turnovers in that span.
Joson Sanon equaled a profession excessive with 9 rebounds and added two blocks and a steal, together with 15 factors. Pitino has been harping that his guards should rebound higher. Sanon has been listening. He has 14 previously two video games.
“He’s made nice progress,” Pitino mentioned. “Joson’s actually gotten rather a lot higher defensively, rebounding, he can rating, he can shoot, he has he can put in on the ground, he can move. He most likely skill-wise has essentially the most abilities on the group. He can do essentially the most issues.”
St. John’s has now defeated DePaul eight consecutive occasions. … Ejiofor turned the primary Huge East participant since former Johnnie Chris Obekpa in November 2013 to have 20 blocks in a three-game span. After blocking eight photographs apiece in wins over Ole Miss and Iona, Ejiofor registered 4 extra rejections on Tuesday. … St. John’s bench outscored the DePaul bench 32-4.
