St. John's University Athletics
2018 BIG EAST Media Day
St. John’s Head Coach Chris Mullin…
On Mustapha Heron:
“He’s a really gifted offensive player. [Mustapha] is a great shooter who’s fundamentally sound. He can play one-on-one and he can play in the post. He’s very strong defensively. He can defend out on the perimeter and down in the post. He also has great experience. … He had two great years at Auburn. He played a lot of minutes and a lot of great games against good teams. That experience is invaluable and you can’t teach that.”
On Justin Simon’s improvement:
“Last year, he had a tremendous season for us. He averaged almost 13 points and six rebounds per game. He’s gaining confidence in his outside shot, his free throw shooting. He’s a ball hawk on defense who is constantly forcing turnovers. He’s primed for another great season.”
On dealing with the high expectations this season:
“We just have to stay focused and continue to work hard every day. At the end of the day expectations don’t mean anything. Our performance on the court is what really matters. I’ve never paid any attention to what’s being said on social media and as a player I never paid any attention to outside criticism. We just have to practice hard, prepare, and go compete each time we step on the court.”
On Marvin Clark II:
“He had a great season last year and we’re expecting more from him. He’s one of our most experienced players and he brings tremendous leadership to our team. He’s gone through a lot in his life. He learned under a great coach in Tom Izzo before transferring. His experiences, his gratefulness, and appreciation for the game are his greatest qualities.”
“He’s been a mainstay at the 4 and 5 for us. When we play small and space out the court, he’s been able to make clutch shots from the wings. I’m looking for him to maintain his aggressiveness each and every possession. Whenever shots are created for him, I tell him to let that ball go. I want him to shoot more 3’s and be more aggressive on defense.”
On biggest difference this year from last season:
“Our biggest difference is our experience. We’ve had rough seasons in the past and our guys have worked hard. The difference now is that we have guys coming back who have played together and adding guys like Mustapha Heron, Sedee Keita, and Mikey Dixon will be a tremendous help. We have a few freshmen and a junior college transfer coming in as well who will make a difference as offensive threats.”
St. John’s Guard Shamorie Ponds:
On what receiving Preseason Player of the Year means to him:
“My whole life I’ve felt like I was overlooked. These accolades definitely are a blessing and I couldn’t have accomplished this without my teammates. It goes to show how much the hard work has paid off and coming from where I came from, nothing was given. I’ve had to earn everything.”
On what he looks forward to this season:
“We’re all definitely looking forward to winning this season. Coach has been preaching on locking in on the defensive end. We know we have the offensive weapons to compete with any team in our league. Team defense is what we look to improve on and that will be the difference when it comes to wins and losses. This team can go really far if we play to our potential.”
On things he personally wants to improve on this season:
“My goal is to become a better leader. One of the things that I’ve been trying to work on is being more vocal on the court this year, especially as a true point guard. I’ve grown as a player after each year as a member of this team. My experience coming into this year brings more responsibility and leadership on my end. Focusing on the little things this offseason has also helped me focus on being a better player on both sides of the court.”
On how he’s contributed to the culture of basketball in New York City as a member of the Red Storm:
“I pretty much made my decision to come to St. John’s to represent the city that I’m from and pave the way for New York City high school prospects to stay home and play at an elite level. I’ve been trying to prove that you don’t have to leave New York City in order to get recognized on a national level. A winning season this year will really help attract local prospects to the program and make them consider staying close to home.”
On the team’s young depth:
“With this team, you can put out any lineup on the floor and expect the same production. This team is very loaded. We expect a lot of guys to play some valuable minutes this season. With our young depth, we expect to do some special things this season. ”
On entering this season with high expectations:
“There’s a lot of hype coming into this season and we know that. We kind of feel like we have a bullseye on all of our backs. All of the other teams in the Big East know that we have a hungry and talented roster this season. Despite all of this, it’s important that we stay focused and level-headed. If we do that, we can be one of the better teams in the league this season.”
St. John’s Guard Mustapha Heron:
On preseason progress:
“Focusing on team basketball, playing defense, and getting our defense right because we have enough talent on offense to take care of itself. We are trying to play as fast as we can and get into game shape. We are working on playing fast. We can definitely be a half-court team working on up and down and half-court offense to give you the best of both worlds.”
On transferring to St. John’s:
“Playing at Auburn last year and coming to St. John’s this year, we play small ball, same style of basketball with a lot of interchangeable positions, so there wasn’t too much adjustment. A lot of people say that the SEC is like the [NBA] Eastern Conference as far as physicality, size, fast pace and athleticism. St. John’s was the closest school to home and there was a spot open.”
On individual performance and impact:
“I’m trying to do everything at a higher level. Scoring the ball, defending, making plays at a higher level. I’m trying to make myself a better playmaker and get other guys the ball more. I think by just being a winning basketball player, making winning plays on both sides of the floor, everything else will take care of itself. I plan to bring intensity, energy, grit and play hard.”
On the team:
“I think we all bring something to the table and we’ve got guys who can rebound, create plays, and if everyone is playing their role and position to the best of their ability no matter how long they are out ther. I think that’s what winners are.”
On Coach Mullin:
“He’s a lefty and similar size as me so I watch a lot of his film and pick out things. In practice it’s non-stop teaching and showing me the ropes. I’ve learned a lot from him so far.”
On Mustapha Heron Skills Academy:
“My community is in dire need of somebody to step up and try to better the community. I focus on trying to end gun violence because it’s huge in my community and in a lot of inner cities around the country. We have to try and come together and end it because it’s ripping apart homes and families.”
St. John’s forward Marvin Clark II:
On what he’s most looking forward to this season:
“I have a lot of experience under my belt and my confidence is at an all-time high. Taking my game to the next step and maximizing my potential is important, but winning this season is the main thing I look forward to the most this season. Me and the guys have worked extremely hard up to this point and with a season of BIG EAST Basketball behind me, I know we’re on the right path to do well this season.”
On what they need to do to produce wins:
“I think we got a great addition in Mustapha [Heron]. Since the day he first arrived on campus, it’s felt like he’s been here for as long as we have. He’s going to come right in a make a difference for this team. … We’ve grown as a group and we’re ready to get this team to the next level, which hopefully is the NCAA Tournament.”
On reflecting back to his journey from childhood to present day:
“It’s honestly crazy to think about. I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way but being here now, it’s definitely a blessing. It’s obviously something to be proud about but I won’t be too proud until I leave the program where our guys know it can be, and that’s at the top of the BIG EAST. We’re poised to do something special this season and we’re excited to get the season started.”
On this season:
“I think this season is the missing piece to the puzzle of a big picture that Coach Mullin and the guys have laid out for this program. This is the team that will revamp and revitalize the program as a whole. It’s even more special to me to have a great season, being that I’m a senior.”
St. John’s Guard Justin Simon:
On the adjustments the team needs to make heading into Maryville:
“Every week we focus on getting better, especially on the defensive end. Over the past week we’ve been focusing on pushing the offensive tempo, finishing possessions, and crashing the boards.”
On the difference with the offense from last season…
“Even with some of the new guys that we have on our team, a lot of our offense will look the same. The style of play will look similar despite having different personnel. We have more versatile playmakers this year and a deep bench so you’ll see a lot of different looks this year.”
On Marvin Clark II:
“Since day one, when I met Marvin has been nothing but great things. He’s been that big brother, a leader, and he’s helped me. Our relationship as a whole has been wonderful. Leading [our teammates] and just seeing the development of the program as a whole, sharing those moments with him is huge.”
On some of the players who the media is sleeping on this season…
“To be honest, anyone who hasn’t seen St. John’s play before should definitely be tuned in to watch us play this year. Guys like Mustapha [Heron], L.J. Figueroa, Sedee Keita, Mikey Dixon, and our incoming freshmen will make an impact this season.”
On Mustapha Heron:
“He’s a really gifted offensive player. [Mustapha] is a great shooter who’s fundamentally sound. He can play one-on-one and he can play in the post. He’s very strong defensively. He can defend out on the perimeter and down in the post. He also has great experience. … He had two great years at Auburn. He played a lot of minutes and a lot of great games against good teams. That experience is invaluable and you can’t teach that.”
On Justin Simon’s improvement:
“Last year, he had a tremendous season for us. He averaged almost 13 points and six rebounds per game. He’s gaining confidence in his outside shot, his free throw shooting. He’s a ball hawk on defense who is constantly forcing turnovers. He’s primed for another great season.”
On dealing with the high expectations this season:
“We just have to stay focused and continue to work hard every day. At the end of the day expectations don’t mean anything. Our performance on the court is what really matters. I’ve never paid any attention to what’s being said on social media and as a player I never paid any attention to outside criticism. We just have to practice hard, prepare, and go compete each time we step on the court.”
On Marvin Clark II:
“He had a great season last year and we’re expecting more from him. He’s one of our most experienced players and he brings tremendous leadership to our team. He’s gone through a lot in his life. He learned under a great coach in Tom Izzo before transferring. His experiences, his gratefulness, and appreciation for the game are his greatest qualities.”
“He’s been a mainstay at the 4 and 5 for us. When we play small and space out the court, he’s been able to make clutch shots from the wings. I’m looking for him to maintain his aggressiveness each and every possession. Whenever shots are created for him, I tell him to let that ball go. I want him to shoot more 3’s and be more aggressive on defense.”
On biggest difference this year from last season:
“Our biggest difference is our experience. We’ve had rough seasons in the past and our guys have worked hard. The difference now is that we have guys coming back who have played together and adding guys like Mustapha Heron, Sedee Keita, and Mikey Dixon will be a tremendous help. We have a few freshmen and a junior college transfer coming in as well who will make a difference as offensive threats.”
St. John’s Guard Shamorie Ponds:
On what receiving Preseason Player of the Year means to him:
“My whole life I’ve felt like I was overlooked. These accolades definitely are a blessing and I couldn’t have accomplished this without my teammates. It goes to show how much the hard work has paid off and coming from where I came from, nothing was given. I’ve had to earn everything.”
On what he looks forward to this season:
“We’re all definitely looking forward to winning this season. Coach has been preaching on locking in on the defensive end. We know we have the offensive weapons to compete with any team in our league. Team defense is what we look to improve on and that will be the difference when it comes to wins and losses. This team can go really far if we play to our potential.”
On things he personally wants to improve on this season:
“My goal is to become a better leader. One of the things that I’ve been trying to work on is being more vocal on the court this year, especially as a true point guard. I’ve grown as a player after each year as a member of this team. My experience coming into this year brings more responsibility and leadership on my end. Focusing on the little things this offseason has also helped me focus on being a better player on both sides of the court.”
On how he’s contributed to the culture of basketball in New York City as a member of the Red Storm:
“I pretty much made my decision to come to St. John’s to represent the city that I’m from and pave the way for New York City high school prospects to stay home and play at an elite level. I’ve been trying to prove that you don’t have to leave New York City in order to get recognized on a national level. A winning season this year will really help attract local prospects to the program and make them consider staying close to home.”
On the team’s young depth:
“With this team, you can put out any lineup on the floor and expect the same production. This team is very loaded. We expect a lot of guys to play some valuable minutes this season. With our young depth, we expect to do some special things this season. ”
On entering this season with high expectations:
“There’s a lot of hype coming into this season and we know that. We kind of feel like we have a bullseye on all of our backs. All of the other teams in the Big East know that we have a hungry and talented roster this season. Despite all of this, it’s important that we stay focused and level-headed. If we do that, we can be one of the better teams in the league this season.”
St. John’s Guard Mustapha Heron:
On preseason progress:
“Focusing on team basketball, playing defense, and getting our defense right because we have enough talent on offense to take care of itself. We are trying to play as fast as we can and get into game shape. We are working on playing fast. We can definitely be a half-court team working on up and down and half-court offense to give you the best of both worlds.”
On transferring to St. John’s:
“Playing at Auburn last year and coming to St. John’s this year, we play small ball, same style of basketball with a lot of interchangeable positions, so there wasn’t too much adjustment. A lot of people say that the SEC is like the [NBA] Eastern Conference as far as physicality, size, fast pace and athleticism. St. John’s was the closest school to home and there was a spot open.”
On individual performance and impact:
“I’m trying to do everything at a higher level. Scoring the ball, defending, making plays at a higher level. I’m trying to make myself a better playmaker and get other guys the ball more. I think by just being a winning basketball player, making winning plays on both sides of the floor, everything else will take care of itself. I plan to bring intensity, energy, grit and play hard.”
On the team:
“I think we all bring something to the table and we’ve got guys who can rebound, create plays, and if everyone is playing their role and position to the best of their ability no matter how long they are out ther. I think that’s what winners are.”
On Coach Mullin:
“He’s a lefty and similar size as me so I watch a lot of his film and pick out things. In practice it’s non-stop teaching and showing me the ropes. I’ve learned a lot from him so far.”
On Mustapha Heron Skills Academy:
“My community is in dire need of somebody to step up and try to better the community. I focus on trying to end gun violence because it’s huge in my community and in a lot of inner cities around the country. We have to try and come together and end it because it’s ripping apart homes and families.”
St. John’s forward Marvin Clark II:
On what he’s most looking forward to this season:
“I have a lot of experience under my belt and my confidence is at an all-time high. Taking my game to the next step and maximizing my potential is important, but winning this season is the main thing I look forward to the most this season. Me and the guys have worked extremely hard up to this point and with a season of BIG EAST Basketball behind me, I know we’re on the right path to do well this season.”
On what they need to do to produce wins:
“I think we got a great addition in Mustapha [Heron]. Since the day he first arrived on campus, it’s felt like he’s been here for as long as we have. He’s going to come right in a make a difference for this team. … We’ve grown as a group and we’re ready to get this team to the next level, which hopefully is the NCAA Tournament.”
On reflecting back to his journey from childhood to present day:
“It’s honestly crazy to think about. I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices along the way but being here now, it’s definitely a blessing. It’s obviously something to be proud about but I won’t be too proud until I leave the program where our guys know it can be, and that’s at the top of the BIG EAST. We’re poised to do something special this season and we’re excited to get the season started.”
On this season:
“I think this season is the missing piece to the puzzle of a big picture that Coach Mullin and the guys have laid out for this program. This is the team that will revamp and revitalize the program as a whole. It’s even more special to me to have a great season, being that I’m a senior.”
St. John’s Guard Justin Simon:
On the adjustments the team needs to make heading into Maryville:
“Every week we focus on getting better, especially on the defensive end. Over the past week we’ve been focusing on pushing the offensive tempo, finishing possessions, and crashing the boards.”
On the difference with the offense from last season…
“Even with some of the new guys that we have on our team, a lot of our offense will look the same. The style of play will look similar despite having different personnel. We have more versatile playmakers this year and a deep bench so you’ll see a lot of different looks this year.”
On Marvin Clark II:
“Since day one, when I met Marvin has been nothing but great things. He’s been that big brother, a leader, and he’s helped me. Our relationship as a whole has been wonderful. Leading [our teammates] and just seeing the development of the program as a whole, sharing those moments with him is huge.”
On some of the players who the media is sleeping on this season…
“To be honest, anyone who hasn’t seen St. John’s play before should definitely be tuned in to watch us play this year. Guys like Mustapha [Heron], L.J. Figueroa, Sedee Keita, Mikey Dixon, and our incoming freshmen will make an impact this season.”