en-us SportSpyder - The Latest St. John's Red Storm Basketball News https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/news It’s clear how Rick Pitino wants to build next season’s roster: bring in established, ready-to-compete players with multiple years of professional experience in Europe, made possible by the NCAA’s recent, relaxed interpretation of player eligibility for non-NBA pros. His latest addition fits the mold to a tee. First reported by the New York Post’s Zach […] Tue, 12 May 2026 20:03:46 GMT Thomas Cavanagh https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56597710 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56597710 false false Rick Pitino and St. John’s added international forward Babacar Sane, continuing one of college basketball’s most fascinating roster rebuilds entering 2026-27. Tue, 12 May 2026 19:32:40 GMT Rodney Knuppel https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56597343 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56597343 false false St. John’s foray into the international market continued Tuesday. Tue, 12 May 2026 16:28:47 GMT Zach Braziller https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56594930 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56594930 true false Next year’s Players Era Festival, which St. John's will play in, will have a new format, it was announced Thursday. Fri, 08 May 2026 04:17:21 GMT Zach Braziller https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56549726 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56549726 true false QUEENS, N.Y.– The St. John's Athletic Department gathered on Tuesday night to celebrate and remember all the athletic and academic accomplishments of the 202... Wed, 06 May 2026 15:14:41 GMT https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56529625 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56529625 false false For the first time, St. John's Athletics will take part in BTIG Charity Day, a star-studded event that brings together some of the biggest names in sports an... Mon, 04 May 2026 16:14:13 GMT https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56506591 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56506591 false false Last season, St. John’s took on a monstrous non-conference slate against teams like Iowa State, Alabama, and Kentucky. Although they weren’t able to pick up a signature victory before Big East play started, that isn’t deterring them from taking on top competition in their upcoming schedule. First reported by Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, the […] Fri, 01 May 2026 22:24:58 GMT Thomas Cavanagh https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56482356 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56482356 false false The St. John’s offseason has defined itself by searching for a new center to fill the hole left. However, a recent miss in that search has left St. John’s desperately looking both at home and overseas for a big man. If head coach Rick Pitino doesn’t see any good fits, he may be looking for a player already on the roster to take the helm. St. John’s Center Search Defines Offseason This offseason has been an intriguing one for the Red Storm, with players leaving for the NBA Draft, such as Ejiofor and ; the team needs some replacements. They also lost a few bigger names to the transfer portal, including , who hit the against in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Johnnies must secure some significant recruits if they hope to three-peat as Big East Champions. They had early success in getting a forward, similar in size to Ejiofor, named . Freeman dominated at Syracuse and was one of the most sought-after forwards in the portal. The 6’9″ sophomore has the ability to be a ‘Zuby” archetype; however, Pitino is still looking for a bonafide center. So far, Freeman is the Johnnies’ lone addition from the portal. Massamba Diop Saga The center that St. John’s had been very openly pursuing was . Diop, a 7’1″ center from Arizona State, was possibly the most talented center to enter the transfer portal this offseason. The battle to land him quickly narrowed down to St. John’s and the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Diop toured both campuses, with this past weekend; the Johnnies waited with baited breath for a response. However, on Tuesday, a big letdown for the Red Storm. With this star center unavailable, St. John’s has a couple of options moving forward. European Potential Pitino is no stranger to European basketball. He coached in Greece for a few years during his time away from the NCAA. It follows that he knows how to get guys from overseas. So far, two of St. John’s additions have come from Europe. , a center from Serbia, is . So why not use him? That’s not really a possibility; with him only being 18 years old, it may be beneficial if he doesn’t jump into any giant roles immediately. Existing Potential With all these talks of guys from across the country and world coming to Queens, commentators often forget about the person who already has a locker. , one of only a few returners for the Red Storm, shined brightly last season. Despite limited minutes due to the positive production from Ejiofor and , Prey came to play in the Johnnies’ last game against Duke in the Sweet 16. He went 4-4 from three-point range, and after blocking a shot from , the Red Storm were in a groove. However, Prey never saw any action in the second half, where St. John’s . The decision to bench the stunning sophomore after the final whistle blew, as the momentum of the game slowly lapsed for the Johnnies following his removal. If Prey can continue to improve as he enters his junior year, there is a very real possibility he can be the Johnnies’ starting center. But we will have to wait and see if Pitino has any more major moves planned. © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:35:12 GMT CJ Iatauro https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56466158 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56466158 false false The Red Storm knew they needed a big man who could fill Zuby Ejiofor’s gargantuan shoes and serve as the face of their vaunted defense. Unfortunately for them, it doesn’t look like they are going to get that kind of player in the portal this year. Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop, one of the most […] Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:09:22 GMT Thomas Cavanagh https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56446590 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56446590 false false St. John’s search for a Zuby Ejiofor replacement continues. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:31:48 GMT Zach Braziller https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56446370 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56446370 true false The Johnnies have so far landed five new players, and all of them are big for their position. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:35:27 GMT Zach Braziller https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56434166 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56434166 true false Last week, St. John’s shored up its starting backcourt by adding English pro Quinn Ellis to form a tandem with the returning Ian Jackson. Now, they are filling out their bench with an experienced lead guard who has decided to stay in New York City. Columbia redshirt senior guard Avery Brown committed to St. John’s […] Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:59:36 GMT Thomas Cavanagh https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56390071 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56390071 false false The Johnnies have prioritized older players, a trend that continued on Thursday. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 22:49:36 GMT Zach Braziller https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56375398 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56375398 true false Thursday put an appropriate cap to Zuby Ejiofor’s memorable St. John’s career and his fantastic senior season. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:40:53 GMT Zach Braziller https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56368193 https://sportspyder.com/mcb/st-johns-red-storm-basketball/articles/56368193 true false