The Red Storm have not hoisted the Big East Tournament Championship trophy since 2000. A St. John's player has not been drafted into the NBA since 2001. The Johnnies have not made the NCAA Tournament since 2002.
But, this senior-laden team has been determined all season to reverse the trend.
With help from the reinvigorating energy of first-year head coach Steve Lavin, this experienced team has taken home two tournament championships, beaten three ranked teams, including taking down #3 Duke, and gotten the greatest share of positive national recognition this program has seen in a decade.
Though a Big East Championship is unlikely, especially with 7 teams from the conference in the AP Top 25, an NCAA Tournament berth is still very much in sight and the latest projections show St. John's could break the NBA Draft drought as well.
According to the latest from NBADraft.net, St. John's forward Justin Brownlee is projected to go #48 overall to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Brownlee, a 6'7" forward from Tifton, Georgia, was recruited by high-major schools coming out of high school, including Kansas, Minnesota, and Memphis. But, to get his academics in line, he spent two seasons in Junior College before transferring to St. John's last season.
In his first season in Queens, Brownlee was a solid contributor, averaging nearly 7 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes.
But, with a change of head coach, Brownlee's role has changed.
In an offense that is much more up-tempo and centered around the effectiveness of the full-court press defensively, Brownlee fits well. Alongside fellow Junior College transfer Dwight Hardy, the normally soft-spoken Brownlee has made the most of his increased role. In 10 more minutes per game this season, Brownlee is averaging close to 13 points and 5 rebounds per game.
He has taken home some hardware, as well. Being named Most Outstanding Player of both the Great Alaska Shootout and the Aeropostale Holiday Festival, Brownlee has cemented himself as a key player if this team is going to make a serious run at the NCAA Tournament.
That is why, when news broke last week that he had fractured his thumb, fans were concerned. Fortunately for the Red Storm, he has not missed any time and the production continues.
And the Johnnies will need Brownlee coming down the stretch.
With 8 games remaining, including 3 games against teams ranked in the Top 10, there is little room for error. By the most liberal of projections, the Red Storm need to go at least 4-4 to end regular season play to have a chance at heading to the Big Dance.
Now is Brownlee's time to truly shine, for the fate of this season and his career to come.
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