St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino quickly came out with some public support after former player Mark Pope was named the new head men’s basketball coach at Kentucky. Since that time, we’ve heard some talk about a home-and-home series being scheduled between the Big East and SEC programs. But before they meet on the hardwood, a transfer portal recruiting battle occurred between Pope and Pitino. The Big Blue appears to have the upper hand. St. John’s is now out of this recruiting race just two days after Drexel transfer Amari Williams cut his list to three schools. Things can happen quickly in co…