A New Chapter for the Red Storm
St. John’s has sealed its offseason roster by announcing the addition of Hungarian forward Zsombor Maronka, a 6‑foot‑10 big man whose blend of size, shooting and international pedigree promises to deepen the Red Storm’s frontcourt.
Maronka arrives after a stint with Hamburg Towers in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga, where he logged 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while also seeing action in the EuroCup, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim.
The 27‑year‑old previously wore the colors of CB Prat in Spain three years ago, sharing the court with projected starting center Ruben Prey, and he also represented Hungary at the senior national team level, gaining valuable experience on the European stage.
His arrival comes at a critical juncture, following the season‑ending torn Achilles tendon suffered by Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman, a loss that left a void in the paint that the coaching staff hopes Maronka can fill.
Head coach Rick Pitino has emphasized that Maronka’s skill set will complement existing pieces such as Babacar Sane and Quinn Ellis, providing depth and flexibility as the team looks to compete in the upcoming conference schedule.
With five international players now on the roster, St. John’s is positioning itself as a program that leverages global talent to enhance competitiveness, a strategy that could pay dividends in the highly competitive landscape of college basketball.