St. John's University Athletics
PREGAME QUOTES: ST. JOHN’S MEDIA AVAILABILITY
St. John’s Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Pitino, senior forward Dillon Mitchell and sophomore guard Ian Jackson spoke to the media ahead of the Red Storm’s matchup with Bucknell on Thursday in Queens
Head Coach Rick Pitino]
On Dillon Mitchell earning captaincy…
“If we have a successful season, he’s going to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. He’d get that award because he’s such a spark off the bench and in practice. He has stood out as a verbal leader, and as someone that I think everybody looks up to.”
On the value Dillon Mitchell provides…
“He, outside of Zuby [Ejiofor], is one of the most valuable players, and we need him. We need his defense and we need his ball-handling ability. He’s a point forward, and someone that puts a lot of pressure on the other team.”
On Dylan Darling’s versatility…
“I have absolutely no reservations at all that he could play against anybody, anytime, anywhere. There’s no question that he can handle the pressure of Iowa State. He’s lightning fast and tough.”
On former St. John’s guard Daniss Jenkins enjoying a breakout week in the NBA…
“He’s done it the old-fashioned way through hard work and paying his dues. For his future. That bodes well for him. No one deserves it more than that young man.”
Senior forward Dillon Mitchell
On being named a captain…
“It felt great knowing that I’m doing the right things as far as putting this team first, trying to help us get better. I’m using my experience and my leadership to try to just get the team on the same page. I feel like I’m a pretty good leader, and I’m just trying to be vocal. It’s my fourth year in college, so I understand what the coaches are looking for defensively.”
On how he’s fit at St. John’s thus far…
“I think I’ve said this before, I wish I came here sooner. I trust the coaches with everything and they bring that extra push out of you. They get you to play and understand the game from all different aspects, including the fundamentals.”
On toughness being a necessity moving forward…
“In March, toughness wins. It’s not about the more talented team. And even in the BIG EAST, toughness wins games, so we definitely have to be tougher.”
Sophomore guard Ian Jackson
On adjusting to lineup changes…
“I think it’s important to go into games with the same mindset, that’s to win. Do what you can to win. Whether you’re starting or ending the game, I think it’s a mindset thing.”
On Rick Pitino’s coaching style…
“I trust [Coach] Pitino. I’m here, just being a sponge, trusting him, trusting the journey and learning every day.”
On his confidence level…
“[It’s at an] all-time high. And that’s something that’s never really wavered. I believe I’m a great player.”
On Dillon Mitchell earning captaincy…
“If we have a successful season, he’s going to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. He’d get that award because he’s such a spark off the bench and in practice. He has stood out as a verbal leader, and as someone that I think everybody looks up to.”
On the value Dillon Mitchell provides…
“He, outside of Zuby [Ejiofor], is one of the most valuable players, and we need him. We need his defense and we need his ball-handling ability. He’s a point forward, and someone that puts a lot of pressure on the other team.”
On Dylan Darling’s versatility…
“I have absolutely no reservations at all that he could play against anybody, anytime, anywhere. There’s no question that he can handle the pressure of Iowa State. He’s lightning fast and tough.”
On former St. John’s guard Daniss Jenkins enjoying a breakout week in the NBA…
“He’s done it the old-fashioned way through hard work and paying his dues. For his future. That bodes well for him. No one deserves it more than that young man.”
Senior forward Dillon Mitchell
On being named a captain…
“It felt great knowing that I’m doing the right things as far as putting this team first, trying to help us get better. I’m using my experience and my leadership to try to just get the team on the same page. I feel like I’m a pretty good leader, and I’m just trying to be vocal. It’s my fourth year in college, so I understand what the coaches are looking for defensively.”
On how he’s fit at St. John’s thus far…
“I think I’ve said this before, I wish I came here sooner. I trust the coaches with everything and they bring that extra push out of you. They get you to play and understand the game from all different aspects, including the fundamentals.”
On toughness being a necessity moving forward…
“In March, toughness wins. It’s not about the more talented team. And even in the BIG EAST, toughness wins games, so we definitely have to be tougher.”
Sophomore guard Ian Jackson
On adjusting to lineup changes…
“I think it’s important to go into games with the same mindset, that’s to win. Do what you can to win. Whether you’re starting or ending the game, I think it’s a mindset thing.”
On Rick Pitino’s coaching style…
“I trust [Coach] Pitino. I’m here, just being a sponge, trusting him, trusting the journey and learning every day.”
On his confidence level…
“[It’s at an] all-time high. And that’s something that’s never really wavered. I believe I’m a great player.”