Theo Edema, a freshman big man who impressed in St. John's exhibition finale against Texas, did not play in the team's 78-63 season-opening victory over Monmouth. Head coach Rick Pitino stated that the decision was part of an experimental approach to assess other forwards on the roster.
"I know what Theo can do. Like [Zsombor Maronka] had a great week of practice," Pitino explained. "Tounde [Yessoufou] didn’t start because he missed two days of practice and didn’t practice well yesterday. We’re trying to see who can play and who can’t play after these five games. I’m just experimenting right now."
Pitino is referring to the first five games of the season, during which St. John's is expected to be heavily favored before heading to the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Yessoufou was sidelined due to a minor calf injury that kept him out of practice. Maronka contributed two blocks, two rebounds, and two assists in 14 minutes of play.
Edema, a 6-foot-11 player, recorded four points and seven rebounds in the exhibition game against Texas.
Prior to the season opener, St. John's unveiled three new banners commemorating a Big East regular-season title, a Big East postseason title, and a Sweet 16 appearance. Pitino deferred the tradition of addressing the crowd to athletic director Ed Kull for this event.
"I wanted Ed Kull to get a chance. He never gets a chance to speak," Pitino said. "He’s a great athletic director. I wanted to give him his moment. I wanted to take it in and not speak."
Mercer transfer guard Kyle Cuffe Jr., who missed the entire preseason with a wrist injury, played three minutes and did not score.