For much of the past two decades, St. John’s basketball has struggled to reclaim its former glory. Halfway through the 2024-25 season, that's changing.

St. John’s fans should appreciate RJ Luis while he’s here. Rick Pitino is anticipating the dynamic junior wing going pro when this season is up. The reigning Big East Player of the Week, the 6-foot-7 Luis has taken a big leap this year as the Johnnies’ leading scorer at 17.5 points per game.

St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12), left, dribbles the ball against New Mexico guard Donovan Dent (2), right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) AP

Rick Pitino joked that senior guard Kadary Richmond was like a fine wine. “He keeps getting better with age,” Pitino quipped. “And he’s 35.” Even if he was 35 and not 23, Richmond still would not have been born the last time St.

As Pitino himself says often, “This is a team Lou Carnesecca would be very proud of,” and the fact is you could add Joe Lapchick and Frank McGuire to that list of former St. John’s coaches enjoying this season from celestial courtside seats.