A Global Addition
St. John’s basketball program has taken a decisive step toward maintaining its recent dominance by securing the commitment of Spanish guard Gildas Gimenez. The move reflects Coach Rick Pitino’s intent to blend proven winning culture with fresh talent as the Red Storm aim for an unprecedented third consecutive Big East regular‑season and tournament championship.
Gimenez arrives after a standout season at CIA Bella Vista Prep in Arizona, where his team captured the Chipotle Nationals championship. The guard’s collegiate journey began in the United States, but his roots trace back to a strong developmental path in Spain, where he refined his skills against top‑level competition.
International pedigree and future impact
Having logged minutes for Real Madrid’s youth sides and represented the Spanish National Team, Gimenez brings a blend of European tactical acumen and competitive fire. His résumé includes a stint at the U18 FIBA EuroBasket in 2025, where he averaged 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
While the coaching staff acknowledges that his playing time may be limited in his freshman year, they stress that his work ethic and basketball IQ will contribute to the squad’s depth and future success. Pitino described Gimenez as embodying the qualities prioritized in the St. John’s basketball program, highlighting his professionalism and dedication.
Gimenez is one of two freshmen on the Red Storm roster this season, accompanied by 4‑star center Theo Edema. Both newcomers are expected to gain experience and make an impact later in their careers with the Johnnies, adding to a recruiting class that emphasizes global talent and versatility.
St. John’s aims to win an unprecedented third straight Big East regular‑season and tournament championships, a feat that would cement the current era as one of the most successful in school history. The addition of Gimenez underscores the program’s strategy of leveraging international experience to sustain competitive excellence.