The St. John’s basketball program cracked the Top-25 of the Way-Too-Early rankings.
Perhaps it is a little late in the offseason for Way-Too-Early rankings as August comes to a close but the St. John’s basketball program is happy to be included in the rankings no matter what it is called.
The Johnnies cracked the ESPN Way-Too-Early Top-25 published earlier in the month at No. 25 after a successful first offseason under Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino.
St. John’s loaded up on transfer portal players and most recently landed Harvard transfer Chris Ledlum in late July after he originally committed to Tennessee upon entering the portal earlier in the offseason.
Ledlum decided to leave Knoxville and reenter the portal after a short stint in the Volunteers’ offseason program.
ALSO READ: Rick Pitino says Chris Ledlum makes “complete roster”
Joel Soriano is the lone rotational player returning for the Johnnies but the additions of players like Jordan Dingle, Daniss Jenkins, Nahiem Alleyne, RJ Luis, Glenn Taylor Jr., and Zuby Ejiofor should have the Red Storm competing near the top of the Big East.
“It might take time for the revamped St. John’s roster to get going, but on paper, there’s more than enough talent to be a factor toward the top of the Big East,” Jeff Borzello said when cultivating the rankings.
“Especially when factoring in Rick Pitino on the sideline.”
St. John’s basketball looking to quickly return to national relevance
St. John’s also landed two freshmen this offseason in 4-star guard Simeon Wilcher and 3-star forward Brady Dunlap, both who were committed to other programs at some point during their senior seasons of high school.
“The Red Storm have undergone one of the biggest roster transformations in the country this offseason, with nine players leaving via the portal and 12 fresh faces — including 10 transfers — entering,” Borzello continued.
ALSO READ: Rival coach says Rick Pitino is best in country
“It’s clear Pitino didn’t plan on wasting any time looking to turn things around and immediately get back to the NCAA tournament.”
St. John’s has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2019 and have not won a game in the Big Dance — or made the semifinals of the Big East Tournament — since 2000.
The debut of Rick Pitino and the new look Johnnies will come on November 7 against Stony Brook.