Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard shook his head and pursed his lips, figuring out how best to relay how impressed he was by the play of St. John’s freshman Kassoum Yakwe.
The Pirates had just escaped Sunday’s game at Madison Square Garden with a one-point win despite Yakwe’s career-high 16 points and 15 rebounds and despite four blocks from the 6-foot-7 forward who helped limit Seton Hall to just five field goals in the second half.
While calling Yakwe “terrific” and praising his rapid development, the coach maintained an unenthusiastic expression of awareness, knowing that this was just the beginning.
Seton Hall will have to see the high-flying forward many more times, likely facing a version even better than the freshman who had the best game of his young career.
“Yakwe times [blocks] great, he uses his length [and] he’s great on pick-and-rolls,” Willard said. “From when he got eligible to now, his progression has been tremendous. I thought he was the difference in the game.”
Yakwe’s recent efforts have been the difference in the Red Storm’s (8-20, 1-14) improved play in the past two games. The Mali native was named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll after recording his first career double-doubles — averaging 13.5 points and 13 rebounds — and helping end the team’s 16-game losing streak (against DePaul) before the near-upset of Seton Hall.
This month, Yakwe has provided the most concrete evidence for optimism in the team’s future, averaging 12 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 blocks and 1.2 steals.
Entering Thursday’s game against DePaul (8-18, 2-12) at Allstate Arena, Yakwe’s freshman-best 2.9 blocks ranked eighth in the nation.
“He’s a hard worker and a great, great kid,” St. John’s coach Chris Mullin said. “We see improvement each and every day with his game. He’s a special kid and he’s gonna be a good player, a special player.”
A few months ago, Yakwe didn’t know if he would be able to play this season. He sat out the first six games while awaiting a ruling on his eligibility. He made his first appearance on Dec. 2 and his first start on Jan. 9, but he didn’t feel completely comfortable playing in a new system with new coaches and new teammates, eclipsing 10 points just once in his first 16 games.
Too often, he was slowed by thought, the only way his athleticism and instincts could be contained. Now, it again is easy to just react and anticipate, allowing the defensive star to also shine on the other end and shoot over 60 percent from the field over the past six games.
“It’s been a big difference,” Yakwe said. “My coaches have helped me to develop more and get more confidence and play better with my teammates. I’ve been learning a lot.”
The difference in a month has been remarkable. The difference in a year could change the program.