Two things....
1. You can't compare Pitino second year at other programs with this years team. In those programs, coach had many returnees that he had a chance to develop.
2. Last year we heard the same story, we had the second highest scorer in nation. We had Chris Ludlum, we had all these other transfers, Joel Soriano, highly rated Witcher and of course, the master, coach Pitino.etc etc etc, And then we lost to Pace in an exhibition, blown out by a terrible Michigan team and a poor loss against Dayton. And yet Dave, you made some bold predictions prior to last year as well.
We were then told that with all these new players the team needed time to jell. Well are there not new faces and an entire new back court this year as well? And this year, the early schedule is even more challenging with the likes of Baylor, Tennessee or UVA and even Georgia early on. And what St. Johns fans learned last year was that early season losses will come back to haunt you come tourney time.
I would advise all Johnny fans to approach the season with hope but hold your enthusiasm till we beat a Baylor, Tennessee etc. If we come away with 2 out of 3 wins in the Bahamas, that would be encouraging, if not, that may not bode well for the rest off the season. Here's hoping we finally have a season that will not end in disappointment as so many in the past.
