St. John's University Athletics
PREGAME QUOTES: ST. JOHN’S VS. BUTLER
St. John’s Men’s Basketball’s Head Coach Rick Pitino and Bryce Hopkins spoke to the media ahead of the Red Storm’s matchup with Butler on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Madison Square Garden
Head Coach Rick Pitino
On the team’s win streak and adaptability…
“Every game has been totally different. The difference in styles [for the last six opponents] are polar opposites and our guys have adjusted to each challenge.”
On the core’s leadership in big moments…
“In crunch time, Bryce [Hopkins] has wanted the ball and taken it strong to the rim. He’s been terrific with our comebacks. [Hopkins], Dillon Mitchell and Dylan Darling have all been very strong in crunch time.”
On Bryce Hopkins’ development throughout the season…
“He’s been very strong in crunch time. He wants the ball, he’s taking it to the basket and playing really good basketball.”
On Dylan Darling’s play of late…
“He’s got great moxie. He has no fear. He wants the shot, he wants to go to the rim, and he wants to make the big defensive play. He’s playing extremely well right now.”
On Dylan Darling’s development throughout the season…
“He’s adjusted very well. He’s dominated practice, which is something you love to see, and I’ve got great confidence in him.”
Graduate student guard/forward Bryce Hopkins
On adapting to his role…
“I feel like I’m settling in. We’re just playing really good basketball right now. We know what Coach [Pitino] expects from us and we’re just playing free.”
On playing alongside Dillon Mitchell…
“Dillon is a great player. His intensity, his playmaking, his versatility — we feed off each other really well.”
On the team’s resilience…
“We don’t panic when we’re down. We come together and rally as a unit.”
On having confidence late in games…
“I think I do have a little clutch in me. You rely on your work in those moments. We put in too much work to be nervous.”
On what changed during the six-game win streak…
“My switch definitely turned. I’ve just been trying to play free and rely on my work. Me and the guys work too hard.”
On the team’s win streak and adaptability…
“Every game has been totally different. The difference in styles [for the last six opponents] are polar opposites and our guys have adjusted to each challenge.”
On the core’s leadership in big moments…
“In crunch time, Bryce [Hopkins] has wanted the ball and taken it strong to the rim. He’s been terrific with our comebacks. [Hopkins], Dillon Mitchell and Dylan Darling have all been very strong in crunch time.”
On Bryce Hopkins’ development throughout the season…
“He’s been very strong in crunch time. He wants the ball, he’s taking it to the basket and playing really good basketball.”
On Dylan Darling’s play of late…
“He’s got great moxie. He has no fear. He wants the shot, he wants to go to the rim, and he wants to make the big defensive play. He’s playing extremely well right now.”
On Dylan Darling’s development throughout the season…
“He’s adjusted very well. He’s dominated practice, which is something you love to see, and I’ve got great confidence in him.”
Graduate student guard/forward Bryce Hopkins
On adapting to his role…
“I feel like I’m settling in. We’re just playing really good basketball right now. We know what Coach [Pitino] expects from us and we’re just playing free.”
On playing alongside Dillon Mitchell…
“Dillon is a great player. His intensity, his playmaking, his versatility — we feed off each other really well.”
On the team’s resilience…
“We don’t panic when we’re down. We come together and rally as a unit.”
On having confidence late in games…
“I think I do have a little clutch in me. You rely on your work in those moments. We put in too much work to be nervous.”
On what changed during the six-game win streak…
“My switch definitely turned. I’ve just been trying to play free and rely on my work. Me and the guys work too hard.”