The St. John’s basketball team already made one addition to its roster for next season with Arizona State guard Joson Sanon, but its offseason is only beginning.
While the Red Storm have not had any defections yet, the expectation is that formal announcements on who will be retained and which players enter the transfer portal will come next week.
Still, that’s not precluding Rick Pitino and his staff from eyeing talent in the portal.
Providence star Bryce Hopkins, who is being courted by the Johnnies and Georgetown, is expected to be in New York for a visit this weekend. The former All-Big East First Team selection tore his ACL two seasons ago and returned for just three games this year prior to suffering a setback.
His decision is an interesting one as he and Zuby Ejiofor could combine to create not only one of the best frontcourts in the Big East, but in the country, or he could opt to play for his ex-coach at Providence in Ed Cooley.
Regardless, his knee injury should not be a concern for either program in their pursuit of the 6-foot-7 standout.
Former St. John’s recruiting target Mackenzie Mgbako also entered the portal on the first day it opened but a rekindling with the Red Storm is not likely. The McDonald’s All-American decommitted from Duke after Kyle Filipowski announced his return to Durham and Indiana, Kansas, Louisville, and the Johnnies were the finalists. Mgbako had an up-and-down career with the Hoosiers but is not expected to land in Queens.
A major name in the transfer portal dropped on Thursday when Georgia guard Silas Demary Jr. announced his intentions to look for a new school and will be heavily pursed by St. John’s.
The sophomore was recruited by the Red Storm when Mike Anderson was still the head coach of the program but opted for Georgia. He averaged 13.5 points per game and scored 15 points in a victory over the Johnnies this season.
Competition will be fierce for Demary, perhaps from NC State – his hometown school – and new head coach Will Wade, but could be a perfect player to pair in the backcourt with Sonon to replace Kadray Richmond and Deivon Smith.
The transfer portal is still in the very early stages this season, but St. John’s will be a contender for the top players that are looking for a new home.