St. John’s men’s basketball team is set to unveil a reshaped roster in an exhibition game against Drexel on Wednesday night in Queens, marking the return of head coach Rick Pitino to the sidelines. After consecutive seasons capturing the Big East regular-season and tournament titles and reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999, the Red Storm face significant lineup changes and eligibility questions entering the new season.
Last year’s team lost key contributors Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Bryce Hopkins, all selected in the NBA draft—a first for St. John’s in the modern era to have three players drafted simultaneously. Only Ian Jackson and Ruben Prey remain from the core group. Several others, including Dylan Darling, Sadiku Ibine Ayo, Joson Sanon, and Imran Suljanovic, transferred elsewhere.
The offseason was highlighted by a flurry of additions, featuring highly rated transfers and international recruits. Notably, the program secured forwards Reed Bailey from Indiana and Keyshawn Hall from Auburn late in August, along with point guard Quinn Ellis and forward Babacar Sane, both international prospects. This influx helped St. John’s assemble the country’s top-ranked transfer class, according to recruiting analysts, led by Tounde Yessoufou from Baylor and Hall. However, Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the spring and will be sidelined for the entire season.
A critical development on Tuesday involved key eligibility rulings. Quinn Ellis was cleared by the NCAA to compete, addressing last season’s deficit at point guard. Hall successfully maintained a temporary restraining order in New York Supreme Court, allowing him to play pending further legal proceedings. His case centers on the NCAA’s exclusion of the 2022 high school class from a five-year eligibility rule, which his legal team claims constitutes a breach of contract.
Similarly, Bailey’s eligibility is protected under a temporary restraining order tied to a broader case in California, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for October 20. Babacar Sane’s situation is more complex: the NCAA declared him ineligible in August due to his “intent to professionalize” after signing a short-term Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz earlier this year. Although Sane did not participate in training camp or play professionally, the NCAA argues the contract voids his amateur status. His lawyers contend the NCAA has inconsistently applied these standards, citing comparisons to players with similar or more extensive professional experience who retained eligibility.
A hearing for Sane’s preliminary injunction is set for November 9. During his initial court appearance, Judge Karina E. Alomar noted the need for further exploration of the legal and factual issues, questioning the relevance of Sane’s brief contract since he neither played nor trained under it. Meanwhile, Sane remains enrolled at St. John’s since July.
Should the group receive final clearance, the anticipated starting lineup features Jackson and Ellis in the backcourt, with Prey returning at center. The forward spots will likely see rotation between Yessoufou, Hall, and Sane, giving coach Pitino a versatile frontline that could start six players on any given night. The bench will feature promising contributors such as Hungarian sharpshooter Zsombor Maronka, transfer Bailey, freshman big man Theo Edema, and Greek guard Lefteris Liotopoulos, who has shown significant improvement. Sophomore Casper Pohto, who missed most of last season due to a hip injury, is expected to compete for minutes as Ellis’s backup.
Despite the evident talent and depth, Pitino has acknowledged challenges in team chemistry stemming from the group’s late assembly and diverse backgrounds—players hail from 10 different countries. With only limited depth behind the starting backcourt, maintaining health and cohesion will be crucial. Jackson and Sane have been named team captains, tasked with leadership roles following the departure of Ejiofor.
While the roster boasts potential Big East Player of the Year candidates in Yessoufou and Ellis and a blend of athleticism and scoring ability, the team faces a steep learning curve in forging unity. How quickly St. John’s adapts will heavily influence their prospects for another deep postseason run.