St. John’s Kadary Richmond looking like himself in best game yet

More and more, Kadary Richmond is making an impact.

Looking more like the guy who was such a difference-maker for Seton Hall last season.

Wednesday night was the best of Richmond so far as a Johnnie.

Terrific on the defensive end and a force with the ball in his hands.

He willed St. John’s to overtime, helping them rally from 16 points down for a 79-71 win over Xavier at the Garden.

St. John’s Red Storm guard Kadary Richmond (1) puts up a shot as Xavier Musketeers guard Dailyn Swain (3) defends during the first half on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The 6-foot-6 senior scored a Red Storm career-high 19 points and added seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. He also didn’t commit a single turnover in a team-high 44 minutes.

“I liked his stamina. I think now he’s in great shape. It’s taken a while,” coach Rick Pitino said. “Kadary was great the entire night. Without a turnover, playing that many minutes. He’s getting better and better from a conditioning standpoint.”

Richmond scored inside to pull St. John’s even at 65-65 with 1:03 left in regulation, and his jumper in the lane extended the lead to four with 3:15 left in the extra session.

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Xavier couldn’t keep him out of the paint and St. John’s benefitted from his frequent penetration.

“He made every single right play, especially in overtime,” Zuby Ejiofor said. “He came out aggressive and he did a little bit of everything.”

Richmond has now reached double figures in five of his past six games and produced six assists a night in that span. He is attacking more and deferring to others less.

St. John's Red Storm guard Kadary Richmond (1) grabs a rebound in the second half against the Xavier Musketeers at Madison Square Garden. — St. John’s Red Storm guard Kadary Richmond (1) grabs a rebound in the second half against the Xavier Musketeers at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 22, 2025. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

It is particularly important with Deivon Smith sidelined for the time being with a bruised right shoulder.

“I try to approach every game the same, but tonight I feel like I was more aggressive,” Richmond said. “Took what the defense gave me, and my teammates kept giving me confidence. I feel this was one of my best games in a St. John’s uniform.”

Smith, the starting point guard, missed the game due to a nagging bruised right shoulder. The senior returned in Saturday’s blowout win over Seton Hall on Saturday, but the shoulder didn’t feel right the next day. An MRI exam has shown there is no structural damage. Smith received a second cortisone shot, this one in his bicep, according to Pitino. … Former Mets closer and St. John’s alum John Franco attended the game, as did billionaire Red Storm booster Mike Repole.