You can point to the difference in positional size. The improved athleticism that enables St. John’s to play faster. There is continuity, with the return of key players Simeon Wilcher, RJ Luis and Zuby Ejiofor. 

But the biggest difference between Rick Pitino’s first St. John’s team and his second, through six weeks, is how it comes out after halftime. It speaks to high-level adjustments Pitino frequently makes, but also his players implementing those changes. 

Whereas last year the Johnnies frequently ran out of gas after halftime and saw big leads vanish, this team has made a habit out of finding another gear in the second half. In 12 games, St. John’s has outscored the opposition by a whopping 131 points. In two league games, it has overwhelmed DePaul and Providence by 33. 

“I think it’s our will. Our will to just keep going,” Ejiofor said. “We take a lot of pride in just playing for each other and having fun.”