BY JOE GERGEN
Of all the positions D.J. Kennedy is capable of playing--and he occupied all five on the court at different stages of his high-school career---the last one he expected to fill at St. John's was the one reserved for Anthony Mason Jr. That's because Mason was the returning player around whom coach Norm Roberts hoped to build the 2007-08 edition of the Red Storm.
But a high ankle sprain derailed the start of the season for Mason, who promptly reinjured his ankle after returning to the rotation in game four. In the continued absence of the 6-7 forward, the presence of Kennedy--a 6-6 freshman from Pittsburgh--is of major importance to the Johnnies. He will start his fifth consecutive game for the team on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 2, in Miami.
While 6-8 rebounding machine Justin Burrell carries most of expectations for St. John's seven-man freshman class, Kennedy's versatility may be the most positive development in the team's 4-0 start, albeit against lesser competition. He has filled up the scoresheet in every game to the point that he currently is second in minutes, second in rebounds, second in steals, tied for second in assists and third in scoring.
"I try to do a little bit of everything," he said before practice on Friday. "I enjoy doing it all."
Roberts and the fans have enjoyed watching him do it through the first four games, all at Carnesecca Arena. "He can get a rebound, go the length of the court and score," the coach said. "Or he can go the length of the court, pull up and pass." So far, the left-handed Kennedy has done it all.
St. John's may need a major contribution on the boards from Kennedy if it is to succeed against Miami, an Atlantic Coast Conference team which is off to a 6-0 start that includes victories over Virginia Commonwealth and Big East member Providence. "Their big guys all go to the glass," Roberts said. "It's going to be a great test for us on national television (FoxSports Network) to see where we're at."
The Red Storm was only 2-7 on the road last season and 4-27 in Roberts' tenure so a victory could establish a positive mindset for a young and inexperienced team. The freshmen certainly appear to be looking forward to the experience, and not just because of the warm weather that awaits them.
"I think there's a lot of pressure at home," said Kennedy, who led Schenley High to the Pennsylvania state title last spring. "No one expects you to win on the road."