At this time last year, Greg Williams Jr. and Josh Roberts were afterthoughts, freshmen who would see infrequent playing time.

Now, they will be essential, their development a major key in Mike Anderson’s first season as St. John’s coach.

“Their roles are going to change from what it was last year,” Anderson said on Saturday during the school’s annual Dribble for the Cure event on campus that raises money for cancer research. “There’s a lot of opportunities for those guys. I tell them every time they come to practice or workouts, they’re auditioning for me, so perform well.”

Both Williams and Roberts took the high road when asked about last season, describing it as a learning experience, rather than gripe about lack of playing time under former coach Chris Mullin. Obviously, they wanted to play more — Roberts appeared in 19 games, averaging 5.9 minutes; Williams appeared in 28 games, averaging 8.4 minutes — but there were some positives to watching. Williams and Roberts feel it prepared them for this season and bonded them over their similar situations.

“We’re looking forward to each minute we have, make the most of it, and showcase what we can do,” said Williams, who is nursing a minor back issue. “Last year was essential for us just to grow, just to watch the older guys and what they do and add it to our games to use that this year.”

They will be needed, after the program lost starters Marvin Clark II, Shamorie Ponds and Justin Simon. The 6-foot-9 Roberts, in particular, will be important, especially if N.C. State transfer forward Ian Steere doesn’t receive a waiver to be immediately eligible and has to sit out the first semester.

“If you look at our basketball team, size is going to be an issue,” Anderson said. “Josh is an energy guy. He’s a rebounder, athletic forward, can rim-run, get you some extra rebounds on the offensive glass. He’s got to be a finisher. His development is going to be important for us.”

Anderson’s up-tempo, pressing style could be a perfect fit for the uber-athletic Williams, who is dynamic in the open court. It was one of the main reasons the 6-foot-3 guard from Louisiana opted to stay at St. John’s after the coaching change. He felt Anderson, who recruited him in high school while at Arkansas, and his staff could help him mature as a player and accentuate his strengths.

“I knew what he was about, and it was all positive,” Williams said. “I felt I would thrive in his system.”

Soon, he will get his chance. So will Roberts. The two sophomores are ready to show what they can do.