UNIONDALE, NY — You can take Joel Soriano out of his home state of New York, but you can never take New York out of him.
The 6-10 Dominican-American Soriano, a native of Yonkers, NY, and proud alum of St. John’s University — made his return to familiar stomping grounds this past Wednesday — as the Charlotte Hornets’ G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, who Soriano signed with last June, faced off against the Long Island Nets at Nassau Coliseum.
“Seeing some fans from St. John’s, seeing a couple of my family members here, it’s always love just coming back to my hometown and playing in front of my city,” Soriano told Latino Sports in an exclusive interview following the Swarm’s 104-98 win. “It felt great being out there.”
Joel Soriano was more than willing to take the time for an interview after the Swarm’s 104-98 win over the Nets on Wednesday at Nassau Coliseum – Image Credit: Latino Sports
Once a Fordham Ram in the Bronx, and once a member of the Red Storm in Queens, where he capped off his collegiate basketball career, Soriano, now a pro, has adjusted well to his newest venture, and continues to do so, day-by-day.
“It’s been good, definitely when I first got in, there was a different type of pace to the game,” he explained regarding the transition from College Hoops to the G League. “Different types of physicality, and speed. Trying to get adjusted to it, I feel like I have been coming along, just staying level headed, working.”
Joel Soriano signing for a young Swarm fan following a game earlier this season – Image Credit: Greensboro Swarm
In nearly 30 games played under his belt as a Swarm, 28 approximately, Soriano, 26, coming off the bench, has gone on to record the following: 5.5 points per game (46.8% FG) this season with 6.3 rebounds per game, and 1.1 blocks per game.
He’s taken advantage of each opportunity given to him, while becoming comfortable in his role, stating, “From the staff, from the GM’s, from the front office — it’s been nothing but love from them. It’s been great. I’m proud of how it’s been going so far.”
So far so good as Soriano adjusts to the G League, however, next month, he will be greeted with yet another difficult challenge, perhaps, a stepping stone in his professional basketball career — participating for the Dominican Republic National Team in the FIBA Qualifiers — recently announced on his Instagram.
Joel Soriano’s official announcement of playing with the Dominican Republic National team in the upcoming FIBA Qualifiers – Image Credit: @joelsoriano11_ on Instagram
“On the 21st and the 24th (of February), I’m going down there to try and represent my country,” Soriano revealed. “Going down there to try to get some wins and stack them up for the World Cup.”
While this is a massive opportunity, one Soriano is already locked in on, this doesn’t mark the first occasion where the dynamic forward has represented his D.R. roots on the grand stage. He previously played for FIBA’s Under-18 (U-18) Dominican Republic National Team in the 2018 Americas Championship, among other levels in their national system.
Believe it or not, he, along with St. John’s Men’s Basketball, actually went up against FIBA’s Under-22 (U-22) Dominican Republic National Team and their Senior National Team during the summer of 2022 in Santo Domingo, D.R.
Joel Soriano slams one down during St. John’s vs. Dominican Republic back in the summer of 2022 – Image Credit: St. John’s Men’s Basketball
“It’s a big honor, both of my parents are from the DR,” Soriano said of representing and paying homage to his Dominican ties.
“Being able to play for their country, not a lot of people get an opportunity like that, so I’m just trying to be humble and take it step by step, so I’m very excited to get down there.”
A one step at a time approach with the ultimate goal set for 2028 with the Summer Olympics. When asked how much it would mean to him to have the potential chance to play for the Dominican Republic National Team, alongside star-studded Dominican-American Karl-Anthony Towns — a dream-like scenario if the D.R. qualified — Soriano stated, “It’s a big dream, definitely on my bucket list. We gotta get out of Pool Play and win some games to make it to the World Cup for now, but that’s definitely a dream and a goal I’m aspiring to have.”
Despite Soriano moving on to bigger and better things, enhancing his skill set on the professional hardwood, while becoming the greatest version of himself, his love and connection with New York still follows him wherever he goes. Especially his genuine bond with St. John’s Men’s Basketball and the university as a whole.
Once a Johnnie, Always a Johnnie – Image Credit: St. John’s Men’s Basketball (Photo captured during St. John’s visit to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic during the summer of 2022)
“Love them to death, love you guys,” he said, emphasizing his appreciation for St. John’s. “I wish I was back out there with you guys. Miss you guys to death, but I’m still watching. Go Johnnies!”
Outside of hooping himself, whenever he has the time, Soriano makes sure to zone in on his former team, which includes several teammates he played with less than a year ago.
“I watch pretty much every game, probably missed about two, but I’ve been locked in,” Soriano said. “We still got a group chat going, we still talk. Pretty much all the guys. We were a very tight group, even though things didn’t go as we planned — we are still tight on and off the court.”
Joel Soriano finished his collegiate career as one of only six St. John’s players to record 1,100 points and 800 rebounds in just three seasons with the program, stat courtesy of St. John’s – Image Credit: St. John’s Men’s Basketball
As many have kept in touch with Soriano, friends on and off the court, the Red Storm has experienced one of their greatest starts to a season in the program’s history — a 18-3 overall record currently, paired to a 9-1 record in Big East Conference play — resulting in their best start since 1984-1985.
“They’re dogs. They are hounding, they hound the ball. They’ve shown me a lot. That’s probably the best defensive team St. John’s has had in a long time, so I am very proud of those guys…
I’m happy to see them succeeding and putting on for the city of New York.”
On the key takeaway he had from learning under legendary head coach Rick Pitino, Soriano stated, “His consistency. Just how hard the game is, and how hard you have to bring it every day if you want to succeed and achieve stuff in this game.”
Just like many in New York, Joel Soriano has watched this year’s St. John’s Men’s Basketball team nearly every game and is proud of the product they continue to put out there – Image Credit: Tomasso DeRosa/Latino Sports
Additionally, Soriano had much praise and glowing remarks for his former Johnnie teammate, RJ Luis Jr., a Dominican-Ecuadorian junior wing, rising his NBA draft stock week-in and week-out — recording 17.4 points per game this season, which is good for fourth among the Big East Conference scoring leaderboard.
“He’s playing great,” Soriano said of Luis Jr.’s progress. “Everything carries winning. So when you win, everything else will follow. He’s doing a great job leading that team — not just playing for himself — but for his teammates, defensively and offensively. He’s a great two-way player. His draft stock is rising for sure, so I hope they (NBA scouts) see that as well.”
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Julio
January 30, 2025 at 7:43 pm
Smart to cover young talent under development.