St. John’s University has received NCAA approval for point guard Quinn Ellis to compete in the upcoming basketball season, head coach Rick Pitino announced Tuesday following a courtroom session in Queens. Ellis, a 23-year-old guard from Sheffield, England, was granted one year of eligibility, clearing a significant hurdle for the Red Storm’s roster ahead of the new season.
Pitino and associate head coach Steve Masiello had attended court to support fellow player Keyshawn Hall, who is engaged in a legal dispute with the NCAA regarding his eligibility. Hall, an Auburn transfer, had secured a temporary restraining order that remains in place pending further legal proceedings. While Hall’s case is ongoing, Ellis’s eligibility decision marks an immediate win for St. John’s.
Ellis, a former EuroLeague player, comes to St. John’s after a notable professional career. Last season, he played for Olimpia Milano in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A, averaging 7.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. In his inaugural EuroLeague campaign, he posted 8.2 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, shooting 37.7 percent from three-point range. He earned several accolades during the 2025 season, including Best Young Player in the Italian league as well as MVP honors in both the Italian Cup and Supercup.
The NCAA had previously updated its eligibility guidelines in May with heightened scrutiny on international players, specifically focusing on compensation rules related to payments above “actual and necessary expenses” from overseas professional teams. Ellis’s clearance suggests the NCAA found him compliant with these policies.
Ellis had attracted interest from multiple NCAA programs such as Duke, BYU, Louisville, Houston, and Kentucky before committing to St. John’s on April 14. The coaching staff views Ellis as an elite playmaker who will address key needs on the team’s perimeter. Returning guard Ian Jackson and Baylor transfer Tounde Yessoufou join Ellis to form a promising backcourt.
Pitino praised Ellis for his athleticism, speed, and basketball IQ, noting the guard’s ability to create opportunities and deliver under pressure. “He’s a legit 6-foot-4, lightning fast, great athlete and a great basketball player,” Pitino said. The coach emphasized Ellis’s court vision and playmaking skills, likening his potential impact to that of previous top point guards Kadary Richmond and Daniss Jenkins, though acknowledging Ellis’s playing style is distinct.
With Ellis now eligible, St. John’s looks to a season bolstered by the addition of a versatile and experienced guard capable of elevating the team’s competitiveness in a challenging college basketball landscape.