Among the reasons prized Seton Hall transfer Kadary Richmond picked St. John’s, at the top of the list was Rick Pitino’s history of player development, and in particular his work in improving his players’ jump shots.
The 6-foot-6 Richmond’s one weakness is his long-range jumper.
This past season, the All-Big East first-team selection shot just 27 percent from deep.
He is a career 33.7 percent 3-point shooter.
Improve in that area, and the lead guard’s NBA prospects drastically improve.
“I’ve always believed if you’re a very good foul shooter you can become a great jump shooter, and we’re going to work on that right away,” Pitino told The Post. “Donovan Mitchell came into [Louisville] with a very poor jump shot and he left with a great jump shot. Terry Rozier came in with an average jump shot and left with a great jump shot. I told him, ‘Kadary, you’re going to leave with a good jump shot.’ I’m hoping someday he’s playing for the New York Knicks.
“I feel he’s a unique talent, one of the best passers I’ve seen, a highly intelligent basketball player. He’s been extremely well-coached in all phases of the game by Shaheen Holloway.”
Richmond is coming off a career-best season at the free-throw line in which he shot 80.7 percent.
He’s a lifetime 75.4 percent free-throw shooter.
So he has that base to work with.
The Brooklyn native has never attempted more than 1.8 3s per game in a season.
That, Pitino expects, will change this year.
“He’s got decent form,” Pitino said. “You know what he’s not? He’s not a spot-up shooter, and that’s what he’s gotta learn. He has to learn to spot up.”
An NBA scout, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the problem with Richmond’s jumper is its inconsistency, and it is what is holding him back from being drafted.
If it improves, that would change.
“They’re going to have to really work on that,” the scout said. “But I think Rick’s structure of player development will be really good for him.”
One narrative that has followed Richmond from his first stop at Syracuse to his three years at Seton Hall is that he doesn’t always bring it in practice — that he will turn it on when the lights are on for games.
Pitino, who is big on his players putting in extra work, doesn’t seem concerned about that.
“I said, ‘Kadary, first of all, if you’re coming here, you gotta understand, you’re going to have player-development sessions every day,’ ” Pitino said. “If you don’t love the game and love to get better, why would you ever consider St. John’s? He said, ‘I’m all in, coach.’ I broached the subject, and his comments were, ‘I’m all in.’ ”