Mullin challenges star guards to be complete players

Chris Mullin took the softball and sent it back with Aaron Judge-like exit velocity.

During the coaches’ panel at Big East Media Day on Wednesday morning, he was asked about his star-studded sophomore back court. Rather than offer flowery praise, the St. John’s coach issued a challenge to Shamorie Ponds and Marcus LoVett Jr.

“I want them to maintain their production and maybe even increase that, but it’ s really important the ball moves,” Mullin said. “We talk about shot selection and being more efficient. When you’re two of the leaders, you have to take more upon yourself. That’s on the defensive end, and we need them to rebound, too.”

Ponds and LoVett, both voted to the Big East’s second team by the league’s coaches, combined to average 33.3 points per game last season, leading the Red Storm to a six-win improvement and the program’s first Big East Tournament victory in six years. Expectations are heightened this year in Mullin’s third season at his alma mater, which was picked to finish six thin the conference. There is talk of postseason play, possibly even the NCAA Tournament.

“We feel like we have the players to do it,” LoVett said.

But for that to happen, the two slick and undersized south paw guards will need to take the next step in their development. Mullin has harped on the two improving at the defensive end and refining their shot selection, two area she believes there is plenty of room for growth. Better shots will lead to fewer transition opportunities for the opponent, and improved perimeter defense will lessen the pressure on shot-blocking big men Kassoum Yakwe and Tariq Owens.

“He’s looking for us to be better decision-makers out there,” LoVett said.

Ponds, the highest-scoring freshman in program history, got an up-close look at what an elite basketball player is like this summer, when he got the opportunity to play in the Carmelo Anthony open runs at Terminal 23 in the city. The Brooklyn native shared the court with NBA luminaries such as Anthony, Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

“I tried to be as good of a listener as I can, be receptive of all the information I [could] get,” said Ponds, who described the pickup games as “intense” and “like a dream come true.”

He spoke to Anthony a number of times about what it takes to get to the next level. With Anthony a former Syracuse star, there was some t ra s h- t a l ki ng, too.

“I told them we beat Syracuse by 33, and he wasn’t happy about it,” Ponds said. “He’s a great guy. He said he thinks this is our year.”

It can be, but only if LoVett and Ponds continue to progress.