WASHINGTON — Kadary Richmond’s rise continued Tuesday evening, and it included a uncommon 3-pointer for the lead guard.
As Deivon Smith continued to relaxation his bruised proper shoulder, Richmond picked up the slack, setting the tone in No. 15 St. John’s 66-41 blitzing of Georgetown at Capital One Enviornment.
Richmond scored 11 of his 13 factors within the Johnnies’ dominant first half, and even sank a triple. It was his first 3-pointer since November. He additionally had six rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
“I wouldn’t say him being out led to that,” Richmond stated of Smith’s absence and his improved play of late. “Simply realizing I’m a greater participant than the best way I began the season and simply working at it daily. In order that’s what it truly is.”
Within the Pink Storm’s present seven-game successful streak, Richmond has scored in double figures six occasions. He’s averaging 12.2 factors, 5.2 assists, 4.8 rebounds and a pair of.5 steals, wanting each bit just like the affect switch most anticipated.
Pitino gushed about Richmond’s play after this newest win, raving concerning the senior’s progress of late and joking about his made 3-pointer.
“Now impulsively he thinks he’s Steph Curry Jr. He made it. We’re going to maintain working at it,” Pitino stated. “He’s only a outstanding participant. There’s so many issues he does that you simply all don’t see.
“Right here’s what I really like about him: He is aware of when he makes a mistake, and he instantly places his thumb up after I get on him. He is aware of it already. All the time owns as much as each mistake. That’s an amazing high quality.”
Smith is sort of able to return from his bruised proper shoulder. He practiced on Monday and went by way of a full particular person exercise on Tuesday.
Pitino estimated that his possibilities of taking part in Saturday towards Windfall are between 60 p.c and 70 p.c.
“He’s able to play. He’s simply psychologically afraid to get hit,” Pitino stated. “He’s bodily able to play. We’ve erred on the facet of warning.”
Since struggling the harm within the first half towards Villanova on Jan. 11, Smith has missed three of the previous 4 video games.
He performed 17 minutes in a win over Seton Corridor on Jan. 18, however the shoulder didn’t really feel proper.