Bryce Hopkins Responds to Former Teammate Ahead of St. John’s-Providence Showdown
St. John’s forward Bryce Hopkins fired back at comments from former Providence teammate Jamier Jones, setting the stage for the Red Storm’s Big East clash against the Friars.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
Bryce Hopkins is embracing a personal and competitive storyline as the No. 17 St. John’s Red Storm prepare to host Providence this weekend. Hopkins, in the final season of his collegiate career, addressed remarks from former Providence teammate Jamier Jones, who suggested he would have played over Hopkins had he stayed with the Friars.
Hopkins, who spent three seasons at Providence after a one-year stint at Kentucky before transferring to St. John’s, made his response during Thursday’s press conference. The comments highlight both the personal dimension of the matchup and the competitive intensity of Big East basketball.
“He’s a competitor. He’s playing some good basketball, he’s a competitor — he should say he could play over me. He has an opinion, and I have one too — so that’s that,” Hopkins said, making it clear he is ready to let his play on the court settle the debate.
Beyond the back-and-forth, Hopkins and the Red Storm are focused on building momentum. St. John’s comes into the matchup riding a 10-game winning streak, looking to solidify its position near the top of the Big East standings and extend its strong season.
1. Hopkins’ Impact on St. John’s
Hopkins has been a key contributor for St. John’s, averaging 13.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game across 24 appearances this season. He is shooting 46.4% from the field, 29.8% from three-point range, and 72.1% from the free-throw line, providing a versatile offensive presence. As the team’s second-leading scorer, Hopkins has been crucial in both stabilizing the offense and contributing defensively. His experience across multiple programs gives him a unique perspective and leadership role within the Red Storm locker room. St. John’s sits at 19-5 overall and 12-1 in Big East play, positioning them second in the conference behind UConn. Their record reflects consistent growth under head coach Rick Pitino, who has emphasized toughness, discipline, and development of players like Hopkins. Hopkins’ readiness to respond to past teammates’ comments adds an emotional edge to the upcoming game, but his performance and leadership remain central to St. John’s goal of competing for a conference title and making a deep NCAA Tournament run.
2. Big East Context and St. John’s Momentum
The Red Storm’s 10-game winning streak reflects their continued rise in the Big East, with notable wins over Villanova and Creighton cementing their status as a conference contender. The team’s combination of talent, experience, and coaching has created balance on both ends of the court. St. John’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success, while scoring contributions from Hopkins and other perimeter and interior players have allowed the team to maintain versatility and adaptability against strong conference opponents. The matchup against Providence carries additional weight, as it features Hopkins facing his former teammates and a program familiar with his style and strengths. This subplot adds a competitive edge and media attention, making it one of the weekend’s most intriguing Big East games. As the Red Storm prepares for tip-off on Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. ET, the team will look to maintain focus on execution and cohesion, balancing individual storylines with collective performance. The game offers a test of both St. John’s resilience and Hopkins’ ability to channel his motivation into tangible results on the court.
3. Looking Ahead for St. John’s
St. John’s will aim to extend its winning streak while solidifying its conference standing. The Red Storm’s depth, experience, and coaching continue to provide an edge as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season. Hopkins’ contributions and leadership will remain critical as St. John’s pursues its goals of a Big East championship and a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament. His competitive fire, now fueled by past remarks from former teammates, adds an extra layer of intensity to the team’s approach. The Red Storm’s ability to stay focused, execute game plans, and handle the emotional elements of high-profile matchups like Providence will determine their success as the season reaches its critical stages. Ultimately, St. John’s will rely on both talent and teamwork to maintain momentum and continue competing at a high level in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences.