It has been a rough time for AJ Storr since he transferred to the Kansas basketball program. While he entered the portal as one of the most coveted players in the country, Storr has not lived up to expectations in Lawrence.
The former All-Big Ten Team selection is preparing for his second-ever appearance in March Madness as the Jayhawks gear up for a No. 7 vs. 10 seed matchup on Thursday. Storm the Paint site expert Kevin Connelly transcribed a few quotes during Storr's media availability on Wednesday ahead of KU's matchup against Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament.
AJ Storr explains why he does not regret leaving St. John's
Mike Anderson coached in Queens from 2019-2023 before Rick Pitino made his way to the Big East. In just his second year at the helm, Pitino has revived SJU's program and transformed them into the conference's champion. Storr admitted that even he had no idea the school would turn around so quickly.
"Obviously [Rick] Pitino is a good coach. One of the best ever. The program is obviously going to turn around in a positive way, but I didn’t know they were going to be this good... I loved living in New York. I miss New York. A great city, Times Square was a fun place to go, many more places. I love New York... [on playing St. John's] I was just thinking ‘that’s crazy’. To play against my old school, obviously it’s not the same coach but it’s still the school I went to my freshman year, which is like a crazy feeling."
After leading Wisconsin in scoring en route to a No. 5 seed in the tournament in 2023-24, Storr's junior year has been everything but what fans expected. He is averaging 5.8 points per game on a dismal 37.7%/27.5%/65.9% slash line. Head coach Bill Self has attempted to find lineups that he can flourish in, but he has simply not worked out.
If Kansas defeats Arkansas and St. John's prevails over No. 15 seed Omaha, the Jayhawks and Red Storm will meet in the Round of 32. Storr holds an opportunity to show his former school what they are missing, but he will have to step up his play for that to happen.