Former Coach Urges St. John’s to Recruit March Madness Hero Dylan Darling
As St. John’s basketball team celebrates its advancement to the Sweet 16, attention turns to Dylan Darling. The standout player, whose dramatic buzzer-beater secured a win over Kansas, has garnered significant interest from the Red Storm. Former coach Kyle Smith played a pivotal role in this recruitment effort.
Kyle Smith’s Advocacy for Dylan Darling
Kyle Smith, currently the head coach at Stanford, previously coached at Columbia and Washington State. His connections run deep with the St. John’s coaching staff, particularly with assistant coach Bob Walsh, who was Smith’s college roommate.
A Crucial Recommendation
Last spring, Smith urged Walsh to consider recruiting Darling, a transfer from Idaho State. He emphasized Darling’s potential impact on the team, stating, “I told Bob Walsh, I don’t know any coach who wouldn’t love what he’s about.” This endorsement is significant, as Darling’s style aligns well with St. John’s needs.
- Dylan Darling: Key player from Idaho State.
- Kyle Smith: Former Columbia and Washington State coach, currently at Stanford.
- Bob Walsh: St. John’s assistant coach and longtime friend of Smith.
- St. John’s Achievements: Reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
Darling’s Role in St. John’s Success
Darling’s performance has made a considerable difference for St. John’s. His relentless work ethic resonates with head coach Rick Pitino’s philosophy of valuing gritty players.
The Red Storm’s strategy moving forward could very well hinge on recruiting talents like Dylan Darling. His ability to perform under pressure, demonstrated by his buzzer-beater, shows he is ready for high-stakes moments.
The Future for St. John’s Basketball
With every passing game, the anticipation grows regarding how the team will develop. Securing a player like Darling could signify a turning point for St. John’s. The combination of his skill set and the guidance of veteran coaches might pave the way for future success.
