Overview

• Rick Pitino has assembled the No. 1 ranked transfer class, featuring Ian Jackson, Bryce Hopkins, Dillon Mitchell, Joson Sanon, and Oziyah Sellers.
• Concerns remain about Ian Jackson’s suitability as a point guard, with analysts noting his scoring-first mentality and limited playmaking experience.
• St. John’s faces challenges in the frontcourt after losing big men Khaman Maker and Vince Iwuchukwu to the transfer portal.
• Pitino’s roster overhaul is backed by a reported $10 million budget, positioning St. John’s as a major player in the NIL era of college basketball.
• The coach’s efforts earned him ‘The Looie’ Men’s Division I Coach of the Year award, recognizing his transformative impact on the program.