Pitino Challenges Hopkins to Embrace Mamba Mentality at St. John’s

At the annual media day for St. John’s University, head coach Rick Pitino issued a bold challenge to his new player, Bryce Hopkins, a transfer from Providence College. Pitino urged Hopkins to adopt a “Mamba Mentality,” a reference to the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s relentless work ethic and competitive spirit. “Bryce is trying to be good, and I want him to be great,” Pitino stated, expressing his expectations ahead of the team’s exhibition match against Towson.

Hopkins, standing at 6-foot-7, participated in an open scrimmage at Madison Square Garden last week, showcasing his skills alongside the starting lineup. However, he will not start against Towson, with Dillon Mitchell, a transfer from Cincinnati, taking his place. The other starters include Oziyah Sellers, Ian Jackson, Joson Sanon, and Zuby Ejiofor.

Hopkins Reflects on Past Challenges

Hopkins, who earned First Team All-Big East honors during the 2022-23 season, has faced significant obstacles in his career. After transferring to Providence from Kentucky, he suffered injuries that limited his appearances, playing only 17 games over two seasons. Last year, he managed just three games due to a knee injury, which required surgery on a torn ACL in January 2024. “It was definitely tough,” Hopkins recalled. “Being out, that was my first time going through a serious injury, and stepping away from the game for that long time.”

Despite these setbacks, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game when healthy, with a shooting percentage of 40% from the field. As he prepares for his new role at St. John’s, he has been focusing on being aggressive and letting the game come to him. “Him recruiting me, he was just telling me that he wants me to come in and be aggressive,” Hopkins said, referring to Pitino’s guidance.

Fan Reactions and Future Aspirations

As he transitions to his new team, Hopkins has become aware of mixed reactions from Providence fans. Some have criticized him for his transfer, suggesting he took advantage of NIL opportunities after previously missing a season. “I see it,” he acknowledged. “I try not to let it get to my head. I mean, I know what I bring to the table, but I don’t let it bother me.”

Despite the challenges and the pressure to perform, Hopkins remains optimistic about his potential this season. He believes that the time off has helped him to see the game from a new perspective. “I feel like the game slowed down for me when I got back onto the court. I’m not rushing a lot anymore and I’m letting the game come to me, so I feel more comfortable right now,” he explained.

Hopkins is determined to prove himself as a vital player for St. John’s as they aim for a strong season and a chance at the NCAA Final Four. “There’s always going to be a chip on my shoulder,” he noted. “I know what I bring to the table. I haven’t played in a while, so yes, I want to prove something, but I’m just going to let the game come to me and play through my teammates.”

With Pitino’s challenge ahead of him, Hopkins is set to embrace the competitive spirit he admires and contribute significantly to his new team. St. John’s, ranked No. 5 in the AP Preseason Poll, will be looking to build on its recent successes under Pitino’s leadership as they prepare for the upcoming season.