Rick Pitino was at the forefront of the 3-point revolution, an outlier who instantly embraced the long-distance shot when it was first implemented in every NCAA conference (1986-87), leading Providence to its famous Cinderella run to the Final Four.
The Hall of Fame coach has spent decades working with the nation’s best shooters, winning his first national title with a Most Outstanding Player/All-American (Tony Delk) who made more than 44 percent of his 3s.
In St. John’s senior Oziyah Sellers, Pitino sees someone unlike anyone he has ever coached.
“He’s our best shooter by far,” Pitino said Friday. “His numbers are scary in player development sessions. They’re the best I’ve seen since I’ve been a coach.”
Now, Pitino wants Sellers to show the world.
Last season at Stanford, Sellers averaged 13.7 points, shooting 40.1 percent on 4.2 3-point attempts per game.
Oziyah Sellers attempts a shot during the St. John’s loss to Alabama on Nov. 8. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
In limited minutes at USC the previous season, the guard made 42.9 percent from deep.
In the Red Storm’s first two games this season, Sellers has taken a total of three 3-pointers, missing them all.
“He doesn’t take enough 3s,” Pitino said. “Part of it is the other team saying, ‘We can’t let this guy shoot 3s,’ but he passed up about three or four open 3s in the [loss to Alabama] and he can’t pass them up. It hurts us as a basketball team.
Oziyah Sellers prepares to take a shot during the St. John’s practice Nov. 7. Charles Wenzelberg
“I just think he’s getting adjusted to a different style. I think he’ll get it because he’s a highly intelligent young man.”
Point guard Dylan Darling will suit up for Saturday’s game against William & Mary at Carnesecca Arena after sitting out last weekend’s loss with a strained calf.
Darling led the team with six assists — plus three steals — in 17 minutes of play in the season-opening win over Quinnipiac.
“He’s ready to go,” Pitino said. “We’re at full force.”
Daniss Jenkins spent two seasons playing under Pitino, following the coach from Iona to St. John’s.
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Now, he is carving out a key role for the top team in the Eastern Conference.
After appearing in just seven games (3.3 minutes per game) with the Detroit Pistons as a rookie, Jenkins — who has made one appearance since Oct. 29 — opened this week by putting up 24 points, eight rebounds and four steals in an overtime win against the Wizards.
Jenkins, 24, then played 40 minutes in Wednesday’s win against the Bulls, finishing with 18 points and 12 assists in his first career start.
“I think it’s awesome,” Pitino said. “You just love to see it. Two games in a row, he’s getting his opportunities. We’re all very proud of Daniss Jenkins.”