The countdown to the start of the college basketball season is officially on as the St. John’s basketball team has reported to campus for offseason workouts and Rick Pitino is already starting to love his squad.
The Hall of Famer, entering his fourth season in Queens, has led the Johnnies to back-to-back 30-win seasons that culminated in a Sweet 16 appearance last year as well as its second straight Big East regular season and tournament championships.
“Another great group of young men,” Pitino posted on social media last week. “Passionate to bring it each practice, Hungry to learn, and driven to reach their potential! Going to be a fun season.”
St. John’s was dealt a tough blow already after Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman suffered a ruptured Achillies during a working in a non-contact drill. Freeman was a projected starter for the Red Storm entering the fall and his spot on the roster has been filled by Hungarian forward Zsombor Maronka.
Another great group of young men. Passionate to bring it each practice, Hungry to learn, and driven to reach their potential! Going to be a fun season.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) July 15, 2026
St. John’s was very busy overseas this spring by adding several impact players such as British point guard Quinn Ellis and Senegalese forward Babacar Sane. The program also notched commitments from international prospects in Montenegro forward Djordije Jovanovic and Serbian center Lazar Stojkovic.
However, the biggest addition to the roster was Baylor guard Tounde Yessoufou, who withdrew from the NBA Draft minutes before the deadline and committed to the Johnnies in one of the biggest moves this offseason.
The Red Storm also retained key reserves Ian Jackson and Ruben Prey from last year’s roster in hopes of continuing its dominance in the league.
St. John’s has not made three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances since the 1998-2000 seasons, and it will be looking to take the next step under Rick Pitino and reach its first Elite Eight since 1999.
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