It’s been a turbulent ten years for the St. Louis University men’s basketball program. But, it has been the most successful decade of hoops in the gateway since the 1950’s when this squad was a national powerhouse under the guidance of the great Eddie Hickey. From the tragic loss of Coach Rick Majerus, to three consecutive NCAA Tourneys, to multiple sexual misconduct scandals, to three straight abysmal years of hoops from 14′-15′ to 16′-17′, to another dance this season, the phrase “ups and downs” is an understatement. But, as the Billikens are set to close this decade in style, let’s focus on the positives.
A Decade By the Digits
2 Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championships
2 Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament Titles
5 Twenty-win seasons
1 Conference Player of the Year in Jordair Jett in 2013-14
1 Conference Defensive Player of the Year in Javon Bess in 2018-19
3 NCAA Tournament Wins
190-148 Overall Record
That’s a helluva decade for this program. The 2000’s were meh, the 90’s were pretty dang good thanks to Spoonball, after a solid 80’s with Mr. Bonner starting his run. But this has a potential to build…if Travis Ford sticks around.
A History of Dancing
What does the history here in St. Louis tell us about the Billikens ability to work their way through a bracket. Based on the last 25 years, this school loves winning the first game.
1994: 0-1 with an 8 point loss to Maryland
1995: 1-1 with a loss to someone named Tim Duncan
1998: 1-1 with a loss to eventual National Champs Kentucky
2012: 1-1 with a 4 point loss to Michigan State
2013: 1-1 with a 17 point loss to Oregon
2014: 1-1 with a 15 point loss to Louisville
As for this year’s squad, they finished strong, going 6-1 in their last seven including those 4 straight to capture the Atlantic 10 Tournament. They have momentum, and thanks to seeding, 4 full days off after a grueling 4 games in 4 days.
Round of 64
The Virginia Tech Hokies come into the tournament with a 24-8 record while going 12-6 in the ACC. Their last game was on Thursday the 14th and was a 65-63 OT loss in the ACC Tourney to Florida St…who blew the doors off of the Bills back in the fall.
The Bills have recent history with the Hokies. On Nov 16th of 2017 these two squads went head-to-head at MSG with SLU winning 77-71. The biggest drivers in that victory were Javon Bess with 22 points and 9 boards, and Jordan Goodwin dominating at both ends of the floor scoring 19 points to go along with 10 rebounds, and 4 steals.
In all, SLU has Bess, Goodwin, French, and Foreman back while Virginia Tech brings back leading scorer Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kerry Blackshear Jr., Ahmed Hill, Justin Robinson, and P.J. Horne. A lot of the same guys, a lot of the same numbers, and the same coaches. Can we expect the same results? The answer, if SLU shoots the rock, YES. In last season’s victory over the Hokies, SLU shot 47.4% from the floor and 19/26 from the line at 76% which is unheard of this season.
All Cards on the Table
For full transparency, in my bracket I have SLU losing to Duke in the Sweet 16. Because I know this much, their defense will keep them in any game they play, including a match-up with Zion and the Pips. My overall reasoning, SLU has three guys in Bess, French, and Goodwin that will most likely see some run in the NBA. That kind of talent should get you to the second weekend. Let’s go game by game.
Why they win round 1? VaTech has nothing that can contain Jordan Goodwin. And when J-Good gets it going, SLU is borderline unbeatable. This is a game tailor made for Goodwin to carry the Billikens to victory as he has before.
Photo Credit: Mick Lite/Arch City Media
Why they win round 2? Mississippi State will be the likely opponent, unless Liberty can pull the 5 versus 12. For this article’s sake, we’ll go with Mississippi State. The Bulldogs closed their work in the SEC 2-3. Quinndary Weatherspoon and Reggie Perry are their two players I would worry about, and both will be contained by Javon Bess and Hasahn French respectively.
Photo Credit: Mick Lite
Why they lose to Duke? Have you seen Duke play? Hasahn French is a huge human being…Zion Williamson is like 35% bigger. Yes, French will hold his own, but the Dukies have too much for a 7 deep SLU team. The only wild cards…Goodwin and Isabell were born for the bright lights they could both go off and throw some fear into the heart of Coach K.
Photo Credit: Mick Lite/Arch City Media
So there you have it…book it…a trip to the second weekend and a valiant effort against the fellas from Durham. A fitting end to a grind it out never die season by the Billikens.
So, until Friday Night…long live the fellas born for the bright lights.
