St. John’s had a game canceled at halftime and another postponed an hour prior to tip-off.
So far, however, COVID-19 has yet to force the program to enter into a pause.
“It’s a testament to our kids,” coach Mike Anderson told The Post in a phone interview. “Our kids have done what they’re supposed to do. With that being said, they get the chance to continue playing basketball.”
An hour before Saturday’s scheduled noon tip-off against DePaul, the game was postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test by a St. John’s player, The Post reported at the time.
“They are dressed, they are ready to go,” Anderson said at the time. “That’s a downer.
“There’s so much going on, so many unknowns. With that being said, it was unfortunate, but it happened. So you move on.”
The Red Storm went through two days of PCR testing before it was determined to be a false positive, although St. John’s classified it as testing irregularities.
As a result, the Johnnies resumed basketball activities on Monday and flew to Cincinnati following Tuesday’s practice for Wednesday night’s game at Xavier.
This was the closest St. John’s has come to a positive test in its program since players returned to campus in late July. It is one of two Big East programs, along with Providence, not to have to pause activities.
St. John’s has created a bubble of sorts for its players. They mostly keep to themselves in their dorm rooms or apartments. They get food delivered and rarely go out unless there is practice or a game.
“It’s just so crazy, but it shows you how impactful this virus is,” Anderson said, while crediting school administrators, trainers and doctors for providing the needed structure. “Between the testing and the protocols, you want to make sure you do your part in making sure our kids are safe and healthy. That’s the biggest thing.”
St. John’s did take a risk by sending players home for two days following the Dec. 20 win over Georgetown. Initially scheduled to visit Villanova on Dec. 30, coach Jay Wright suggested pushing the game back so players from both teams could have a break, a decision Anderson was in favor of, sensing his players could use a break.
The move has backfired for Villanova, which had family members spend two days with players on campus on Dec. 24 and 25, and is now in a pause due to two positive tests from players. St. John’s (6-4, 1-3), however, is ready to get going again, eager to play after a 17-day break.
It won’t be an easy return to action for St. John’s. DePaul, projected to be one of the worst teams in the league, was a soft landing spot. Instead, after meeting Xavier, the Red Storm will visit No. 7 Creighton Saturday. The Bluejays overwhelmed them, 94-76, in Queens on Dec. 17.
“It’s all challenges,” Anderson said. “Every day is a challenge.”
This year more than others.
