Overview
- The Red Storm enter 2026–27 widely seen as Rick Pitino’s best roster since his return, backed by a No. 13 preseason ranking and strong exhibition play.
- In exhibitions the team beat No. 7 Texas at Madison Square Garden, shooting 62 percent in the first half, using full‑court pressure and forcing turnovers to show early offensive promise.
- St. John’s is deep in scoring options with Ian Jackson, Tounde Yessoufou and Keyshawn Hall all capable of 20-point games and Quinn Ellis singled out by Pitino for his playmaking and game feel.
- Three newcomers — Reed Bailey, Keyshawn Hall and Babacar Sane — are playing under court orders while the NCAA has ruled Sane ineligible and Sane has a Nov. 9 injunction hearing that could alter the roster.
- Coaches flag guard depth and fundamental consistency as immediate concerns and say fast decisions from upcoming hearings and the Nov. 2 regular-season opener will quickly test minutes management and postseason seeding prospects.