Wed Sep 18 01:16:54 UTC 2024: ## St. John’s Coach Pitino Seeks New Leader Amidst Roster Revamp

**NEW YORK -** With official practices for the upcoming season fast approaching, St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino is facing a significant question: who will step up as the team’s vocal leader? Pitino expressed concern during a recent press conference, highlighting the absence of a player like last year’s standout, Daniss Jenkins, who provided strong leadership on the court.

While the Johnnies have assembled a roster full of experienced transfers, including Kadary Richmond, Deivon Smith, and Aaron Scott, no one has definitively filled the void left by Jenkins. While returners Simeon Wilcher and Brady Dunlap are expected to make strides, Pitino is looking for a more seasoned voice to guide the team.

“I think that’s my biggest concern,” said Pitino. “Daniss was so good at that, and this group is not that way [yet].”

Although the team boasts several potential candidates for the leadership role, including projected starting center Zuby Ejiofor and the charismatic Deivon Smith, Pitino believes the leadership responsibility will likely be shared amongst several players.

“Kadary is going to do it in his fashion, his way. Deivon has a very outgoing personality, so he can be a leader. Zuby is gregarious, he can be a leader. But I think it’s going to have to be by committee,” Pitino explained.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the leadership dynamic, Pitino remains optimistic about the upcoming season. He believes the team has made significant improvements and expects a strong performance in the Big East, which he believes is poised for another successful year.

“I think the Big East will be much better this year, it’s stronger because the bottom is coming up,” Pitino said. “I think the middle is stronger. Xavier has improved, we have improved, Georgetown has gotten significantly better, and people at the top — Marquette, Creighton and UConn — are all strong once again, and [so is] Providence.”

Adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming season is the arrival of highly touted international prospect, Ruben Prey. The Portuguese forward, who is believed to have NBA potential, joined the Johnnies in late August and is expected to be a key contributor.

“Ruben came in in bad shape, and the change just in two weeks, the transformation, has been amazing,” Pitino said of the 6-foot-10 Prey, who possesses a 7-foot-2 wingspan.

With a new roster, a leadership question to be answered, and the arrival of a potential star, St. John’s is poised for an intriguing season under the guidance of Rick Pitino.

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