Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
St. John’s RJ Luis Jr. and Rick Pitino headline the BIG EAST awards
BY ALEJANDRO LOPEZ
St. John’s has been the story of the BIG EAST this season. Due to their regular season dominance, New York’s team has already secured some hardware before the BIG EAST tournament on Wednesday.
Luis has led the No. 1 team in the BIG EAST this season, averaging 18 points, 7 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, which was good enough for fourth and sixth in the BIG EAST in scoring and rebounding, respectively.
“Thank you to Walter Berry,” Luis said Wednesday. “He was holding onto the award for 40 years and he was nice enough to give it to me.”
Pitino has become the first coach in college basketball history to lead five schools to regular season conference crowns after taking St. John’s to a 27-4 overall record, including 18-2 in BIG EAST play. 27 wins in a season is tied for a school record.
Castle is representing UConn for its second consecutive Freshman of the Year award, following Stephon Castle last season. The 6’8 forward missed a portion of the season due to injury but still managed to put forth 14.7 points and 6 rebounds per game.
The BIG EAST Tournament will tip off at Madison Square Garden and will be streamed on Peacock and Fox.
