#st_john_s

Injured Duke guard Caleb Foster could return for the Sweet 16 matchup against St. John’s, his family confirmed to WRAL. The No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils, who have been without Foster since his right foot fracture in the regular-season finale on March 17, may field a full roster for the game on Friday. Foster’s family told WRAL’s Chris Lea that the junior guard has a 50-50 chance of playing, though the decision will depend on his condition closer to game time. Duke practiced in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, and Foster was observed without apparent limitations during the media session. He wore a compression sleeve on his right leg, though no restrictions were noted. Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized Foster’s determination, recalling how the player vowed to return to the team after his injury. “He told me, ‘If I do this and work every day, you’ve got to promise me you'll let me put this uniform on again with our guys,’” Scheyer said. The coach added that Foster’s participation will be a game-time decision, as the team will assess his readiness in the hours leading up to the game. Foster, who underwent surgery on March 8, was initially expected to miss the Final Four. However, his progress has accelerated, with Scheyer noting he had a “good day of practice” on Wednesday. The coach cautioned that the team must prioritize his health, stating, “We have to make sure he's in position before the game. He's going to give it everything he has to go.” Foster’s absence has been mitigated by freshman Cayden Boozer, who has stepped into his role. Boozer has averaged 16.4 points in the past five games, including a career-high 19 points in Duke’s NCAA Tournament opener against Siena. Meanwhile, center Patrick Ngongba, who missed five games due to right foot soreness, returned in the second round and is expected to play against St.#jon_scheyer #duke_blue_devils #caleb_foster #cayden_boozers #st_john_s

Duke's Caleb Foster Game-Time Decision for Sweet 16 Clash with St. John's Duke head coach Jon Scheyer confirmed Thursday that guard Caleb Foster will be a game-time decision for the Blue Devils’ Sweet 16 matchup against St. John’s on Friday. Foster, the starting point guard for the No. 1 overall seed, has been sidelined for the past five games following a foot fracture sustained during a matchup against North Carolina earlier this month. The 6-foot-5 junior, who had been a key contributor for Duke this season, participated in a limited practice session on Wednesday. Scheyer emphasized the team’s need to assess Foster’s progress and readiness ahead of the high-stakes game. “He’s going to give it everything he has to go tomorrow night,” the coach stated, highlighting Foster’s determination despite his injury. Foster’s absence has significantly impacted Duke’s offensive rhythm. Prior to his injury, the junior was in the midst of a breakout season, starting 30 of the team’s first 31 games. He averaged 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc. His contributions were pivotal in several of Duke’s most critical victories, including a 15-point, eight-assist performance against Arkansas; a 20-point outing against Louisville; and a 12-point, four-assist effort in a win over then-No. 1 Michigan. With Foster sidelined, Scheyer has leaned on five-star freshman Cayden Boozer, the twin brother of National Player of the Year front-runner Cameron Boozer, as the primary backcourt option. Boozer, who has averaged 13.8 points and 3.2 assists in his role as a starter, delivered a standout performance in Duke’s first-round NCAA tournament win over Siena, recording 19 points and five assists. Sophomore center Pat Ngongba is also expected to play in Friday’s game against St. John’s, the No. 5 seed.#duke #jon_scheyer #caleb_foster #cayden_boozers #st_john_s

At 73, Rick Pitino is pulling off another masterpiece in a career full of them St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino has once again etched his name into college basketball history, leading his team to an unprecedented double title in the Big East. The Johnnies became the first program to win consecutive regular-season championships and Big East Tournament titles, a feat that has drawn comparisons to the league’s storied past. This achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for a team that had previously struggled, cementing Pitino’s reputation as a masterful coach capable of transforming programs. The Red Storm’s success this season was underscored by a dramatic upset over UConn, a team that had previously dominated them by a 32-point margin just two weeks earlier. The 75-52 victory was a testament to Pitino’s ability to rebuild and elevate his teams, a trait that has defined his career. From revitalizing Providence to guiding Kentucky to a national championship after NCAA sanctions to leading Louisville to a Big East double-double, Pitino has consistently delivered results. His work at St. John’s, however, stands out as one of his most significant accomplishments. Pitino’s approach is as rigorous as it is demanding. He is known for his exacting standards, often using a wireless microphone during practices to ensure his critiques are heard. His coaching philosophy emphasizes character and discipline, traits that have been central to St. John’s resurgence. Steve Masiello, Pitino’s associate head coach, described the program as a “masterpiece” under Pitino’s guidance. Masiello, who has worked with Pitino for over a decade, noted the coach’s relentless drive to push his players and staff to their limits. The 2025-26 season marked a pivotal rebuild for St. John’s, with eight new players joining the roster.#big_east #rick_pitino #st_john_s #zuby_ejiofor #steve_masiello

A look into the future of the KU men’s basketball roster SAN DIEGO — The uncertainty surrounding Kansas men’s basketball’s offseason planning has been amplified by Bill Self’s ambiguous stance on his future with the program. After the Jayhawks’ loss to St. John’s, Self admitted he has not yet decided whether he will return for the 2026-27 season. This hesitation introduces a critical wildcard: the possibility that the program could face a leadership change before the next season begins. Such a scenario would drastically alter projections for the roster, as the current plans for returnees and recruits would need to be reevaluated. Self’s comments on Sunday emphasized the need for the program to focus on evaluating and recruiting to advance beyond the second round of the NCAA tournament, a goal that has eluded the Jayhawks since 2022. He noted that the next four to six weeks would be pivotal for determining how the team can improve. The transfer portal window, which opens on April 7 and closes on April 21, is expected to create a surge of activity, though teams can still acquire players after the portal closes. However, barring a coaching change, the offseason is likely to be quieter than the previous year, when the roster had no scholarship players with prior college experience. Darryn Peterson, a key player, has already signaled his intent to pursue an NBA career, with projections placing him among the top two or three picks in June’s draft. Meanwhile, sophomore forward Flory Bidunga, the Big 12 defensive player of the year, faces a critical decision: whether to test professional waters or stay for a potential All-American junior season. Other players, such as Melvin Council Jr.#darryn_peterson #st_john_s #bill_self #flory_bidunga #kansas_university

Podcast: Is Bill Self Done as Kansas Basketball’s Coach? The University of Kansas basketball team’s season ended in heartbreak during the NCAA Tournament, as they suffered a buzzer-beating loss to St. John’s in the second round. The defeat has left the Jayhawks in limbo, awaiting clarity on the future of head coach Bill Self, whose health issues have raised questions about his continued role with the program. On the latest episode of SportsBeat KC, the Star and KCUR sports podcast, columnist Sam McDowell explores the implications of the loss, the potential end of Self’s tenure, and how the program might navigate a coaching search. The episode also delves into the Kansas City Royals’ opening day, with beat writer Jaylon Thompson analyzing the team’s roster improvements from last season and how their strong performances in the World Baseball Classic could translate to success in the upcoming campaign. Thompson highlights key players who stood out during the international tournament, suggesting their experience could bolster the Royals’ chances in the regular season. The discussion on the podcast begins with a breakdown of the struggles that led to Kansas’ early exit from March Madness. McDowell examines the team’s late-game execution, noting that while defensive issues contributed to the loss, the broader challenges in maintaining composure under pressure were equally critical. The segment also questions whether the 2025 season marks the end of Bill Self’s era at Kansas, considering his age and recent health concerns. Self, who has led the Jayhawks to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and national championships, faces an uncertain future as the program weighs its options.#st_john_s #bill_self #university_of_kansas #kansas_city_royals #sam_mcdowell

Bill Self Uncertain About Future at Kansas After Tournament Exit SAN DIEGO — Kansas head coach Bill Self remained noncommittal about his future with the program following the Jayhawks’ season-ending loss to St. John’s in the NCAA tournament. After the 67-65 defeat, which ended on a buzzer-beater by Dylan Darling, Self said he had not yet decided whether to continue coaching. “I’ll get back and get with family and visit and see what’s going on,” Self said after the game. “I love what I do, but I need to be able to do it where I’m feeling good and healthy to do it fairly well. I’ll get back home, and it’ll all be discussed.” Self emphasized that his decision would not be based on on-court performance but rather his health. The 63-year-old coach has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including a heart catheterization in 2023 after chest tightness forced him to miss the postseason. In July 2025, he was hospitalized for concerning symptoms and underwent a procedure to insert two stents into his heart. Earlier this year, he was hospitalized again due to feeling unwell, though he claimed Sunday that, while not fully healthy, he felt “as good as I’ve felt in a long time.” Despite his health struggles, Self expressed no immediate plans to step down. “I’m not making any statements whatsoever,” he said. “When you get to be doing it as long as I’ve done it, I look at it in five-year increments. Now I’m probably looking at it in more two-year increments, so to speak. So I try to focus on this season and try to get us to a second weekend, which we failed at. So I’ll go back now and break it down and see where that leads.” The Jayhawks’ tournament run ended in heartbreaking fashion after they erased a 14-point deficit against St. John’s.#ncaa_tournament #kansas #st_john_s #bill_self #dylan_darling

St. John’s Extends Lead Before Halftime in March Madness Clash with Kansas St. John’s took control of its NCAA Tournament matchup against No. 4 Kansas in the second round of March Madness, building a 34-26 halftime lead despite early struggles. The Red Storm, ranked No. 5, faced challenges in the first half, shooting just 29% from the field and enduring stretches where they missed multiple shots. However, Rick Pitino’s defensive strategies limited Kansas to 10-of-29 shooting and forced nine turnovers, which St. John’s converted into 12 points. The Jayhawks’ star freshman, Darryn Peterson, was held in check, scoring only three points after hitting two early 3-pointers. The game’s biggest disparity came from the 3-point line. Kansas attempted only six 3s, making two, while St. John’s hit 7-of-23. Zuby Ejiofor, the Big East Player of the Year, led the Red Storm with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the first round against Northern Iowa, but struggled in this matchup, scoring just two points on 1-of-5 shooting. Pitino acknowledged the challenge, telling reporters, “They don’t believe we can shoot, and we’re proving them right. We’re gonna keep shooting them until they go in.” Kansas faced its own struggles, particularly in the paint. Flory Bidunga, the team’s leading rebounder and third-leading scorer, was sidelined early in the first half after picking up two quick fouls. Without his presence, the Jayhawks struggled to find consistency, going more than four minutes without a point at one point. Despite a brief surge by Peterson, who hit back-to-back 3s after St. John’s opened the game with a 3-of-4 shooting run, the Red Storm maintained their lead. The matchup also highlighted the coaching rivalry between Pitino and Bill Self, two of the most successful coaches in college basketball history.#darryn_peterson #kansas #rick_pitino #st_john_s #flory_bidunga

St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell faces off against Kansas in his sixth career matchup as the Jayhawks aim for a second-round berth SAN DIEGO — Dillon Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 forward for St. John’s, is preparing for his sixth game against Kansas, a matchup that carries significant weight for both teams. Mitchell, who previously played at Texas and Cincinnati, has a deep understanding of Kansas’ style of play, having faced the Jayhawks multiple times. His experience could be crucial as St. John’s seeks its first deep postseason run in 27 years. Mitchell, now a senior, has become a key player for the Red Storm, though his averages of 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds are modest compared to his past performances. However, teammates like Bryce Hopkins highlight his impact, noting his intelligence, unselfishness, and ability to create opportunities for the team. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without Dillon Mitchell,” Hopkins said, emphasizing his role in the team’s success. The matchup against Kansas is particularly challenging for St. John’s, as the Jayhawks’ physicality and pace have evolved since Mitchell’s last encounters. Kansas’ star guard Darryn Peterson, who scored 28 points in a recent win over Cal Baptist, poses a unique threat. Mitchell acknowledged Peterson’s NBA-level skills, describing his ability to score from all areas and draw fouls. “It’s NBA moves, pro moves that he does,” Mitchell said, underscoring the difficulty of containing him. St. John’s will need to counter Kansas’ big men, Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller, who are likely to match up against Mitchell and Ejiofor. Despite the challenges, Mitchell remains confident, citing his familiarity with Kansas’ strategies and the excitement of facing a familiar opponent.#darryn_peterson #kansas #st_john_s #dillon_mitchell #bryce_hopkins

Go ahead, St. John’s: Dream the impossible March Madness dream SAN DIEGO — The St. John’s team erupted with laughter and excitement in the hallway before their March Madness practice, bouncing off walls as they prepared to take the Viejas Arena court. A red “SJ” logo dominated the overhead scoreboard, with a blue “March Madness” banner beneath it. The 27-member St. John’s band performed, followed by the six cheerleaders and six dance team members entering the space. Johnny, the team’s mascot, joined in with energetic dance moves. The team’s journey to the tournament had been a long and challenging path, marked by the “Survive and Advance” format that requires teams to win each round to keep their hopes alive. Rick Pitino, the head coach, had gathered the team for their first practice after the tournament began, igniting their spirits with a vision of the national championship. The coach’s words resonated deeply with the players, as he emphasized the importance of dreaming big despite the odds. Outside the locker room, before joining his team, Pitino was seen in a white sweatsuit. When asked why he mentioned the national championship to his players, the Hall of Fame coach shared his perspective. “I said, ‘I’m not gonna be coaching forever, so I’m gonna dream. If you want to join my dream, get after it,’” he told The Post. His message underscored the blend of ambition and determination that defines March Madness, where every game is a step closer to the ultimate goal. The team’s journey reflects the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the tournament, where underdog stories and unexpected victories often take center stage. For St. John’s, the path to the championship is fraught with challenges, but the coach’s vision has galvanized the players to push beyond their limits.#rick_pitino #st_john_s #march_madness #viejas_arena #northern_iowa

The Kim English Era Is Officially Over The Providence College men’s basketball team suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of St. John’s in the second round of the Big East Tournament, marking the end of Kim English’s tenure as head coach. The loss, a 85-72 decision, ended a three-year coaching stint that began with promise but concluded in turmoil. The Friars trailed by 20 points for much of the game, a stark contrast to the optimism that accompanied English’s arrival. English’s era at Providence was defined by both highs and lows. Early in his career, the team appeared poised for success, with a mix of talented freshmen and solid sophomores. Players like Stefan Vaaks and Jamier Jones, along with Ryan Mela and Oswin Erhunmwunse, were expected to form a strong foundation. However, the past year saw a decline in performance, leading to the current situation. With the loss to St. John’s, the program now faces an uncertain future. The departure of English leaves the Friars without a coach, and all four key players—Vaaks, Jones, Mela, and Erhunmwunse—are now free agents. These athletes are expected to pursue lucrative opportunities, with earnings surpassing $1 million annually. Jones and Vaaks, in particular, could command contracts exceeding $2 million. For fans, this transition signals a period of instability, as the program navigates the absence of a clear leader. English’s three-year record of 46-49 reflects a struggle to consistently compete in the Big East. His team won less than 40% of conference games, a statistic that has fueled criticism. The search for a replacement remains unpredictable, with multiple names circulating but no clear consensus. The circumstances of English’s exit are as much about personal dynamics as they are about performance.#kim_english #providence_college #st_john_s #stefan_vaaks #jamier_jones