To have fun SLAM’s thirtieth anniversary, we’re spotlighting the 30 most influential males’s school groups from our previous 30 years. Stats, information and chips aren’t the principle issue right here, it’s all about their contribution to the sport’s cultural cloth.
For the following 30 days—Monday by means of Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full list here. We’ve additionally bought an unique retro collegiate assortment, out now, that pays homage to every squad’s threads. Shop here.
Again in ‘99, St. John wasn’t only a college; they represented the true essence of New York Metropolis. Their males’s basketball staff was no exception: with a hustler’s spirit, a chip on their shoulder, and newly sponsored hearth engine pink Jordan Model uniforms, they lifted this system into a brand new period. The Pink Storm could have entered the season unranked, however by March, the complete school ecosystem was echoing the vibrations of Queens.
Head coach Mike Jarvis understood what he was coping with in his squad: gamers like Queensbridge native Metta Sandiford-Artest – identified again then as Ron Artest – grew up residing on New York Metropolis black tops. Toughness and perspective weren’t ever a query. As a substitute, he capitalized on that depth and fueled their native pleasure so that each time his gamers took the courtroom, they performed to signify themselves and the town. With a 28-9 common season document, they captivated audiences in every single place they went. Artest’s will to win was off the charts, like when he made certain to nail that three in opposition to Duke to push the sport into OT as a result of he knew he’d sink it. Then there was freshman sensation Erick Barkley, who dazzled crowds with no-look passes and highlight-reel dunks. Bootsy Thornton didn’t simply dominate on the defensive finish; he might rating underneath any circumstances. The 2-time All-Massive East choice was good for almost 15 factors a sport, however the DMV native actually shined underneath the highlight. The No. 2 ranked Duke Blue Devils had been on the receiving finish of 1 such efficiency, the place Thorton exploded for a 40-piece. Bolstered by Tyrone Grant’s put up presence and Lavor Postell’s sharp capturing from deep, the Storm’s 5 double-digit scorers might mild it up in transition and half-court.
The Pink Storm weren’t afraid to bully their method by means of the Massive East whereas rocking these dishevelled but modern bright-red uniforms. Any time they stepped on the ground, they weren’t content material with simply profitable; they wished to entertain, to depart spectators in awe of their expertise and dominance. St. John’s destroyed the Maryland Terrapins 76-62 as a result of they weren’t glad with simply profitable; they needed to present their dominance over their opponents. Barkley’s 24-piece was proof sufficient. Every sport was a spectacle, a showcase of the staff’s expertise.
The Massive East championship sport went right down to the wire in opposition to UConn, and regardless of the 82-63 loss, that was only the start of their postseason run. St. John’s dominated the NCAA event by means of the Elite Eight, profitable every sport by a mean of 25 factors.
And even now, many years later, the legacy of the ‘99 St. John’s males’s basketball staff lives on. They continue to be an emblem of hope and inspiration, a reminder that something is feasible with laborious work, dedication, and a never-say-die perspective. They weren’t only a staff; they had been a phenomenon, a shining instance of what will be achieved when expertise, dedication, and coronary heart come collectively in excellent concord. Their influence prolonged far past the confines of the basketball courtroom. With the Massive East operating by means of Mecca in 98-99, the Pink Storm returned to the Backyard 25 years later to a standing ovation from the New York trustworthy. Their legacy is cemented and enshrined within the metropolis’s historic reference to the sport.
Images by way of Getty Photos.
