“(The difference is) the speed of the game. Even though I ran a lot in high school the Big East is super fast,” said Boothe. Boothe learned just how quick the game has become after his freshman season at St. Johns averaging 3.0 points per game and 2.5 assists per game.
The talented sophomore guard more was excited to get his feet wet last season coming off the bench and contributing. However, the 5’9 floor general who started eight games as a freshman was not happy with the Red Storm’s finish least season (11-19 overall, 5-13 Big East. “I don’t like it,” Boothe told RedstormReport.com regarding losing. “I have never lost that much in my life.”
As many of his fellow teammates did this summer Boothe remained on the St. John’s campus and worked on improving his game. Head coach Norm Roberts has been impressed with his point guards improved strength while noting that his shooting consistency from about 15 feet has improved. Boothe noted that he has worked on his jump shot over the summer and fans should a runner added to his repertoire of shots when driving the lane. “I think we all stayed here this summer to really get better,” Booth stated. “Because all of us were winners before we got here and we just want to get back to winning.”
Boothe knows that many Red Storm fans desire the same thing. While St. Johns was picked to finished 14th in the 16-teamBig East conference; the former Christ The King star refuses to look too far head of himself. “Every team (is the team to beat in the Big East). We have to play every team like they are the best team. We have to play every game like it’s our last,” said Boothe.
With a point guard like Boothe who brings speed and defense to the table in his first year as a started there is no doubt the future is bright for the Red Storm. “Malik has a chance to be one of the best point guards to ever play here,” head coach Norm Roberts said. That’s pretty high praise for a sophomore point guard. However, after a disappointing 2007-2008 season there are nothing but higher expectations for Boothe and the Red Storm.
