Overview
- Zuby Ejiofor, the Big East preseason player of the year and lone returning starter, anchors the Red Storm after averaging 14.7 points and 8.1 rebounds last season.
- Rick Pitino retooled with a top-rated transfer class featuring Bryce Hopkins, Joson Sanon, Ian Jackson, Dillon Mitchell, Oziyah Sellers and Dylan Darling.
- In a 96-94 exhibition defeat to Michigan, St. John's allowed 52.2% shooting while hitting 39.7%, underscoring early chemistry and defensive gaps.
- St. John's opens Nov. 3 at home against Quinnipiac, which enters as the MAAC preseason favorite led by league preseason player of the year Amarri Monroe.
- The Red Storm are picked to repeat as Big East champions, with early nonconference tests against Alabama at Madison Square Garden plus matchups with Iowa State, Kentucky and UConn.