What's Happening?
St. John's Red Storm may face Alabama without their junior point guard Dylan Darling, who is dealing with a strained calf. Darling, who transferred from Idaho State, suffered the injury during the season
opener against Quinnipiac. Despite not being a starter, Darling is considered a key player for the team, having recorded a team-high six assists in his debut. He has been wearing a protective boot and returned to practice recently, but his participation in the upcoming game remains uncertain.
Why It's Important?
Darling's injury could affect St. John's performance against Alabama, as he plays a crucial role in their strategy. His absence might lead to increased playing time for other players like Lefteris Liotopoulos or Casper Pohto, depending on the team's needs and foul trouble. The game against Alabama is part of a challenging non-conference schedule, which includes matches against other SEC teams like Kentucky and Ole Miss. Coach Rick Pitino aims to use these games to assess the team's strengths and weaknesses.
What's Next?
St. John's will continue to evaluate Darling's condition, with his participation in the game being characterized as '50/50' by Coach Pitino. The team has a week off after the Alabama game, which could provide Darling with additional recovery time. The outcome of this game will be crucial for St. John's as they prepare for their upcoming matches against other high-profile teams.
