SPORTS
A Big Night Gone Wrong For St. John's Star
USA, ProvidenceSun Mar 23 2025
RJ Luis Jr. had a night to forget in the season-ending game for St. John's. The team's star player struggled mightily, shooting a dismal 3 for 17 from the field, including a 0 for 3 from beyond the arc. This poor performance was a stark contrast to his usual high standards, especially considering he was named Big East Player of the Year.
In a crucial moment, head coach Rick Pitino made the decision to bench Luis for the final five minutes of the game. This move came after Luis had a tough shooting night, missing more shots than he made. It was a tough call, but Pitino likely saw that Luis was not in the right headspace to turn things around. The coach had to prioritize the team's chances of winning over an individual player's struggles.
The game took place at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, where St. John's faced off against Arkansas, led by coach John Calipari. The final score was 75-66 in favor of Arkansas, a bitter pill to swallow for the St. John's team and their fans. The loss marked the end of St. John's season, a disappointing conclusion after a year of hard work and high expectations.
Luis, visibly upset after the game, took responsibility for his poor performance. He admitted that he had let his teammates down, a tough pill to swallow for a player of his caliber. It's a harsh reminder that even the best players can have off nights, and that team sports often come down to collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
The game was a tough lesson in resilience and teamwork. Luis's struggles highlighted the importance of staying composed under pressure and the need for teammates to step up when others are having a rough night. It was a night that ended in tears for St. John's, but it also served as a valuable learning experience for the team moving forward.
continue reading...
questions
What alternative strategies could Rick Pitino have employed to support RJ Luis Jr. during his shooting slump?
What if Rick Pitino had given RJ Luis Jr. a lucky rabbit's foot instead of benching him?
If RJ Luis Jr. had been wearing a John Starks costume, would his shooting accuracy have improved?
inspired by
actions
flag content