Rick Pitino reminded everyone he is a master motivator last season when he got a St. John’s team with major shooting flaws to embrace rebounding and defense and then use those strengths to win the Big East Tournament title and finish 31-5. He got all he could out of those Red Storm players.

This St. John’s team has even more promise after adding the top-rated group of transfers, according to 247sports.com. It will go into the season ranked No. 5 nationally and is clearly viewed from the outside as a Final Four contender. But the Red Storm’s Hall of Fame coach is still coaxing.

St. John’s hosts Towson at Carnesecca Arena in the first of two exhibition games on Saturday as it tunes up for the Nov. 3 season opener. And at its on-campus media day Thursday, Pitino raised plenty of eyebrows

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