http://nypost.com/2016/01/06/chris-mullin-reveals-why-hes-hopeful-despite-st-johns-losing-skid/
Chris Mullin likes to lose as much as he likes to talk about injuries. He returned to his alma mater to restore winning to a program that has done very little of it since he was in uniform, but the first-year St. John’s coach also understood the hand he was dealt: A barren roster and a program in need of a face-lift.
Though the losses have continued, five in a row entering Wednesday night’s contest against Xavier at Carnesecca Arena, Mullin has looked for positives where he can find them. And he has seen plenty of late, as a team and for individuals.
“It hasn’t shown up in the win column, but we recognize the improvements,” he said.
Mullin sees better shot selection and improved effort on the defensive end. He sees fewer turnovers being committed (an average of 13 over the last three games), a more concerted effort to play together. He sees strides being taken by several members of the team, in particular from freshman Yankuba Sima (14 points and eight rebounds in Saturday’s loss to Providence) to senior Durand Johnson, who has reached double-figures in scoring in five of his last six games.
“Now the challenge is to stay positive and [execute] so we can get in the win column,” said Mullin, whose Johnnies (7-8, 0-2 Big East) haven’t won since Dec. 13 against Syracuse. “We stick to the facts. We show them on tape. That’s part of this process. Be realistic and recognize where we are. That’s exactly what’s happening. There’s been improvement individually and as a team. The way we do this is with our daily approach. We prepare to win.”
It won’t get any easier against No. 10 Xavier, a physically imposing opponent that is deep, skilled and experienced, qualities the Red Storm mostly lack. St. John’s does catch a break with the Musketeers missing freshman point guard Edmond Sumner (head injury), who won’t make the trip.
In two recent losses, against No. 22 South Carolina and eighth-ranked Providence, St. John’s played with the kind of purpose, intensity and aggression that may have led to victories against lesser opponents. A questionable flagrant foul against Amar Alibegovic turned a close game against the Friars into a rout.
Nevertheless, Mullin said he isn’t into moral victories and has made that clear.
“We don’t prepare to go through exercises just to be here,” he said. “And if we continue to do that, we will win.”
He doesn’t seem to have to sell his team. Mullin said while the losing has been frustrating to everyone, the practice habits and work ethic remain as strong as when the Red Storm started 7-3. He’s preached “we’re not backing down to anyone,” and the Johnnies believe things will turn.
“I feel like it’s going to change,” Johnson said. “I think we are right there.
“We’re ready. We’re going to practice hard [on Tuesday] and try to come out and win a game [Wednesday night].”
