St. John’s Basketball is on the Rise: Rick Pitino’s Red Storm is Bigger and Better Than Ever! The excitement around St. John’s basketball is building as the team prepares to kick off the 2025–26 season. Mark your calendars for November 3, when the Red Storm will take the court at their home base, Carnesecca Arena, facing off against Quinnipiac. This season marks Rick Pitino's third year leading the squad, and with it comes fresh hope and ambition.
Last year, Pitino’s team faced a tough exit in the second round against Arkansas, but this offseason has seen a significant overhaul. The Red Storm didn’t just rebuild—they transformed, thanks to a surge of new talent and a strategic advantage in both the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. The influx of resources and players has made them one of the most dynamic and talked-about teams heading into the new season.
However, the team has said goodbye to some key contributors. RJ Luis Jr., last season’s top scorer and a vital force on the floor, has moved on, signing a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics. Alongside him, Simeon Wilcher and Brady Dunlap have also left, leaving gaps that needed to be filled. But here’s the twist—St. John’s has expertly leveraged NIL deals and transfers to not only fill those gaps but to upgrade their roster dramatically. The result? One of the nation’s most impressive incoming classes ready to make an impact.
Introducing the 2025-26 Newcomers at St. John’s
Leading the charge for this revamped roster is Ian Jackson, a Bronx native who returns home after a freshman year at North Carolina. Jackson’s time at UNC was marked by limited playing time under coach Hubert Davis, but he came into college with high expectations, having once been considered a potential NBA lottery pick. Known for his explosive scoring ability and athleticism, Jackson’s challenge this season will be to broaden his game under Pitino’s tutelage—developing his defensive skills and playmaking to become a more complete player. If he succeeds, don’t be surprised if he’s back in conversations for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Jackson is joined by a strong supporting cast including Bryce Hopkins from Providence, Joson Sanon from Arizona State, Oziyah Sellers from Stanford, and Dillon Mitchell from Cincinnati. This group of wings and forwards brings versatility and scoring threats from all over the court, aligning perfectly with Pitino's fast-paced style.
The team didn’t stop there. Adding grit to the backcourt is Dylan Darling, a determined point guard from Idaho State, while frontcourt depth is boosted by Handje Tamba, a 6’11” rim protector known for his size and energetic defense.
St. John’s Takes NIL to a New Level
One of the most compelling stories of the offseason is how St. John’s continues to harness NIL advantages. Zuby Ejiofor, a returning starter, recently recommitted under a significant NIL contract, exemplifying the program’s growth not just in talent but in financial muscle. Thanks largely to the support of longtime booster and entrepreneur Mike Repole, St. John’s basketball has become one of the best-funded and most ambitious programs in the nation.
This infusion of resources is more than just money—it’s a game changer that allows Rick Pitino to blend elite coaching with a roster that few others can match in quality and depth. St. John’s has established itself as a NIL powerhouse, consistently ranking near the top nationally in investment, which could translate into deeper runs come March.
2025-26 St. John’s Basketball: Schedule and Ticket Info
For fans eager to catch the action, here’s a look at St. John’s upcoming games, including preseason exhibitions and the regular season lineup:
Exhibition Games:
- October 18, 2025 | vs. Towson | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY | 2:00 PM
- October 25, 2025 | vs. Michigan | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 7:00 PM
Regular Season Highlights:
- November 3, 2025 | vs. Quinnipiac | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY | Time TBA
- November 8, 2025 | vs. Alabama | Madison Square Garden, NYC | Noon
- November 15, 2025 | vs. William & Mary | Carnesecca Arena | 6:00 PM
- November 24-25, 2025 | Las Vegas Invitational at Michelob ULTRA Arena
- December 6, 2025 | vs. Ole Miss | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 8:00 PM
- December 20, 2025 | vs. Kentucky | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
- January through March 2026 include challenging matchups against top Big East rivals with games at Madison Square Garden, away venues like Hinkle Fieldhouse, the Fiserv Forum, and more.
Tickets for all games are available online, providing a chance for fans to support the team in person throughout this promising season.
But here’s where it gets controversial: With such an aggressive NIL strategy and major roster turnover, is St. John’s risking team chemistry and long-term program stability? Or is this bold approach exactly what college basketball needs in a new era of player empowerment?
What do you think? Could this ambitious rebuild under Pitino lead St. John’s to the national spotlight once again, or is there too much pressure on a team undergoing so much change? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation about one of college basketball’s most intriguing stories this season!
