G: Joson Sanon (FR)
Height/Weight: 6’5”/180 lbs.
Previous School: Arizona State
2024-25 Stats: 11.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.0 APG, 36.9% 3pt
Offensive Impact
Clear upgrade to the St. John’s perimeter offense (37% from 3 as a freshman).
Doesn’t need a ton of time to get his shot off, fairly high release.
Quality spot up shooter that should see improved consistency in year 2.
High volume off screens last season. Limited success but expect that to improve under a coach putting him in better spots.
No real playmaking ability, looking to score off the bounce.
Handle also isn’t great. He profiles more as an off the ball guard.
Perimeter reliant. 8th percentile in shot attempt rate at rim, 6th percentile in efficiency, per Synergy.
We believe his interior scoring ability is a bit better than the numbers show.
Not much creativity around the rim, but he has burst and can score it with both hands.
Overall, Sanon will be creating most of his offensive value from behind the arc but has the potential to be a serviceable secondary creator.
Defensive Impact
Defense is a concern on the surface. -0.2 DBPM last season, per Torvik (worst on ASU)
His length and athleticism fit the mold for a Pitino perimeter defender. Potential upside on that end.
Lack of physicality when guarding the ball, opens hips too early, and footwork is rather poor. Not the greatest lateral mover, which was surprising.
Gets beat on the first step often.
Contests well when he stays in front.
Pitino can most likely fix some of these issues but consider him a significant downgrade defensively from the group they had last season.
Sanon will need to gain Pitino’s trust on the defensive end in order to be in a 30+ minute per game role. He has the physical frame to become better, but year 1 was not encouraging.