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 material.
For the subsequent 30 days—Monday by way of Friday— we’ll be unveiling the full record right here. We’ve additionally obtained an unique retro collegiate assortment, out now, that pays homage to every squad’s threads. Store right here.
Again in ‘99, St. John wasn’t only a college; they represented the true essence of New York Metropolis. Their males’s basketball workforce 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 might 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 – recognized again then as Ron Artest – grew up residing on New York Metropolis black tops. Toughness and angle 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 court docket, they performed to signify themselves and the town. With a 28-9 common season report, they captivated audiences in all places they went. Artest’s will to win was off the charts, like when he made positive to nail that three towards 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 may rating beneath any circumstances. The 2-time All-Massive East choice was good for almost 15 factors a recreation, however the DMV native really shined beneath 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 publish presence and Lavor Postell’s sharp capturing from deep, the Storm’s 5 double-digit scorers may gentle it up in transition and half-court.
The Pink Storm weren’t afraid to bully their method by way of the Massive East whereas rocking these saggy but modern bright-red uniforms. Any time they stepped on the ground, they weren’t content material with simply successful; they wished to entertain, to go away spectators in awe of their abilities and dominance. St. John’s destroyed the Maryland Terrapins 76-62 as a result of they weren’t happy with simply successful; they needed to present their dominance over their opponents. Barkley’s 24-piece was proof sufficient. Every recreation was a spectacle, a showcase of the workforce’s expertise.
The Massive East championship recreation went all the way down to the wire towards UConn, and regardless of the 82-63 loss, that was just the start of their postseason run. St. John’s dominated the NCAA event by way of the Elite Eight, successful every recreation by a median of 25 factors.
And even now, many years later, the legacy of the ‘99 St. John’s males’s basketball workforce lives on. They continue to be a logo of hope and inspiration, a reminder that something is feasible with laborious work, dedication, and a never-say-die angle. They weren’t only a workforce; they had been a phenomenon, a shining instance of what might be achieved when expertise, dedication, and coronary heart come collectively in good concord. Their impression prolonged far past the confines of the basketball court docket. With the Massive East operating by way 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.
Pictures through Getty Photos.