John Redden is a spark plug. The energy he provided the Billikens helped turn games in SLU’s favor all season.
As the Conference USA tournament began, Redden knew that he would have to increase that intensity. He would have to do whatever was necessary to prevent his career at SLU from ending.
Redden said, “I wanted to come out and play well. I knew that I had to do anything I could to keep the season going.”
He turned up his defense and provided the unexpected, but necessary, slashing and scoring the Bills needed to win the C-USA crown. The team fed off his defensive intensity.
“He kept increasing his intensity. He increased it every game,” coach Lorenzo Romar said. “We’re really in a zone as a team. We’re really clicking on defense.”
Redden entered the contest against Southern Miss seven minutes into the game. He provided increased pressure and helped the Bills to a 29-28 lead at halftime.
When Redden entered the game in the second half, it was tied at 38. When he exited with six minutes left, the Bills held a four-point lead and were on their way to victory.
Redden continued his inspired play against Cincinnati. After Kenyon Martin’s injury, Romar anticipated a run from the Bearcats. Redden helped hold the Bearcats in check the rest of the game.
He pressured Cincinnati point guard Kenny Satterfield into six turnovers and held him to 16 points. Satterfield tried to make up for Martin’s lost points, but Redden shut him down.
Redden added seven points and four assists to the Billikens’ offensive attack. His slashes and drives through the lane helped soften the Bearcats’ post defense and freed up Justin Love for open jumpers on the perimeter.
Redden continued to increase his intensity and defensive pressure against Tulane. He helped shut down the Green Wave guards and created chaos in the backcourt. Redden spurred a Billikens’ defense that forced Tulane into 23 turnovers.
He hit key free throws at the end of the game that helped SLU maintain its lead. Redden finished the game with seven points, all from the free-throw line.
Redden saved his best effort for the championship game against DePaul. Redden smothered Blue Demon’s point guard Rashon Burno, holding him scoreless in 32 minutes. Redden’s effort frustrated Burno into fouling out.
“It felt good to stop him. We knew he contributed a lot to their team. He brings great momentum for them. I wanted to try to keep him scoreless and try to stop that momentum,” Redden stated.
Redden also had, according to coach Romar, the play of the game. DePaul had gained the momentum and was looking to cut SLU’s lead down even more. But Redden broke up an alley-oop pass by Burno, stole the ball and helped the Billikens regain control of the game.
Redden’s effort wasn’t limited to defense. Redden scored a game- and
career-high 19 points. Many baskets beat the buzzer and helped SLU maintain their lead throughout the game.
“My role is to play defense. But today I had to step up. I wanted to do whatever I could to preserve the victory,” Redden said.
But Redden had other motivation against DePaul.
“I talked with my dad before we left. We talked about what I needed to do. Unfortunately, he wasn’t here for the game (against DePaul). I wanted to win this for him,” Redden said.
Redden’s effort in the tournament earned him All-Tournament honors.
“It was a big surprise. I never thought that I’d be named to it,” he said. “I just wanted to go out and work hard and do what I could to help us win.”
Redden’s energy, intensity and desire will have to continue as the Billikens enter the NCAA Tournament. Hopefully, Redden’s play can continue to translate into victories for SLU.
