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2017 Big East Tournament: 6 Players To Watch For

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Seton Hall Pirates players celebrate after winning the championship game of the Big East conference tournament against Villanova at Madison Square Garden. Seton Hall Pirates defeated Villanova Wildcats 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Seton Hall Pirates players celebrate after winning the championship game of the Big East conference tournament against Villanova at Madison Square Garden. Seton Hall Pirates defeated Villanova Wildcats 69-67. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 Big East Tournament: 6 Players To Watch For
Dec 21, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; St. John’s Red Storm guards Marcus LoVett (15) and Shamorie Ponds (2) react against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the Carrier Dome. St. John’s won 93-60. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Shamorie Ponds/Marcus LoVett

The Chris Mullin era got off to a slow start. Mullin took over a Red Storm program that needed to be rebuilt from the ground up. Steve Lavin left the program without many building blocks, as he rode a senior-laden squad to a NCAA Tournament berth in 2015.

Mullin would have a brutal first season, going 8-24. The Red Storm made major strides this season going 13-18 and improving from one conference win to seven this season. A big reason for that has been the play of freshman guards Shamorie Ponds and Marcus LoVett.

Both players have been excellent this season. Ponds averages 17.6 points, 3.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. The points are fifth best in the conference, while the steals are the best in the conference.

LoVett averages 16.4 points, 3.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. The assists are fourth in the conference, giving St. John’s two legitimate scoring options and playmakers in their backcourt.

The future is bright at St. John’s with both of these players in the backcourt. Ponds led the way in the victory over Georgetown Wednesday night. You can be sure if the Red Storm pull the upset over Villanova, Ponds, and LoVett will have a big hand in it.

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This is a coming out party of sorts for the two, as Madison Square Garden is St. John’s home court for part of the season. They will not be afraid of the big lights and should put on a show in front of the home crown.

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