On January 11, Deivon Smith suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out for three of the next four games. And just when things seemed to be getting better, Smith was struck with another setback. He suffered a neck injury in practice.
Smith’s coach, Rick Pitino, initially sounded hopeful about his star guard getting back on the hard court. Unfortunately, after the loss to Villanova, it became rather clear that there was no point in rushing Devion Smith’s return.
After Missing 5 Games, Will Deivon Smith Be Back for Good?
Smith has had a season that has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. And unfortunately, not in a fun way. Since he transferred from Utah to St. John’s, Smith has had his share of drama. First, it was the suspension after the rough reaction to his benching in the loss against Georgia.
The Red Storm has been holding its own without Smith. However, there is no denying that his absence has been felt. After missing four consecutive games, Smith had to sit out during their last game against Marquette. Despite this, St. John’s still managed to win. All thanks to Zuby Ejiofor.
The match ran into overtime, but St. John’s managed to send Milwaukee into silence with the last moment 86-84 win. And that was the 27th regular-season win for the Red Storm! Moving ahead, the next time the Red Storm get on the hard court will be for not just another match. But for the Big East Tournament. So the question that remains unanswered is, will Deivon Smith make his return?
Earlier today, College basketball insider Jon Rothstein took to X and wrote, “St. John’s Deivon Smith (shoulder) is going to try and practice today and if he gets three good practices in, he may play in Thursday’s Big East Tournament game, per Rick Pitino.” There you have it folks, three good practices and Smith will be on the hard court!
Pitino has undoubtedly managed to get the team to a place that the world did not expect. Since Pintino stepped in as head coach in March 2023, a lot has happened.
But the most exciting of it all is the fact that the world saw the resurgence of the Red Storm. And now, in the final moments of glory is just a few matches away, Pitio cannot afford to keep their guard Deivon Smith away.
St. John’s will open the tournament at Madison Square Garden, facing either Butler or Providence. With the kind of momentum that the world saw at the Marquette win and a potential Smith comeback brewing, the Red Storm team is looking dangerous.
KEEP READING: Top 10 NIL Deals in Men’s College Basketball
The matchup kicks off at noon on Thursday, streaming live on Peacock. Fans are eager to see if Pitino’s squad can carry this energy into the postseason.
Stay tuned folks, as this is not just a Smith comeback. But a Red Storm comeback in the making.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
