Dillon Mitchell looking forward to showcasing diverse X-Factor ability for St. Johns

The mere mention of the phrase “point forward” brought a smile to Dillon Mitchell’s face.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Zach Braziller about the inside buzz on St.

John’s.It was once his position, back in his high school days at powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida, and it’s becoming a big part of his value to St.

John’s as the regular season nears.More frequently, the 6-foot-8 Mitchell has the ball in his hands, whether it is starting a fast break after a defensive rebound or bringing it up against pressure.He is initiating offense and comfortable doing it.“That’s something that I feel I’ve always been pretty good at, and [the coaching staff] loves it,” Mitchell said on Monday during a meet and greet with St.

John’s fans at an Applebee’s near campus.“It’s something I’ve always been natural at I feel like, and I haven’t really worked on it throughout my college career, because not every school I was at wanted me to do that or needed me to do that.

With the way that we play and style we play — playing fast — when I get a rebound they tell me to bring the ball up and push it myself.”In the first exhibition against Towson, Mitchell sparked fifth-ranked St.John’s after a slow start.

He was even better in Saturday’s overtime loss to preseason No.7 Michigan, producing 13 points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes.

He’s too big for a guard and too athletic for a forward.There was one play in which Mitchell caught a rebound in traffic and took off the other way, weaving through traffic.He wound up missing the layup.

It was impressive nonetheless.The highlight: Two big dunks that brought the crowd to its feet, one over Michigan All-American forward Yaxel Lendeborg.“Mind-blowing.

Two huge plays to get the crowd hyped,” teammate Zuby Ejiofor said.“I’ve said this previously, he’s kind of the X factor of this team.

We’re looking forward to seeing a lot m...