Rick Pitino says Kadary Richmond would’ve stayed at Seton Hall “if the money was close.” The 6-foot-6 Brooklyn native transferred to St. John’s from Seton Hall last spring for an NIL bag that was more significant than what Seton Hall could offer. Top transfers in today’s market can get in the high six-figures or even low seven.

After the first one, coach Shaheen Holloway threw his hands into the air as Luis lobbed the ball to Smith in transition, Smith returned an alley-oop back across the paint and Luis finished the dunk. “Let’s go Johnnies” chants even broke out inside The Rock.

St. John’s defense put the squeeze on standout Seton Hall wing Isaiah Coleman, who tallied 11 points and six boards but shot just 1-of-12 from the field. A bad game for the Hall got worse when starting guard Chaunce Jenkins (11.3 ppg) limped off the court shortly before halftime and did not return due to a hamstring injury.