St. John's basketball has secured a highly touted recruit, 4‑star center Theo Edema, who will reclassify to the 2026 class and join the program this summer.
A frontcourt upgrade
Edema arrives with a reputation that stretches beyond his recent ranking. In his original 2027 cohort he was listed No.33 overall, and he also appeared at No.106 in the 2026 rankings, underscoring his versatility across two cycles.
During his prep years at Cushing Academy he led the squad to multiple state championships and a run to the National Prep Championship semifinals, a trajectory that caught the eye of several power‑programs.
The Red Storm beat out a field that included Maryland, Brigham Young and Stanford for his commitment, a decision that reflects both the program’s growing appeal and Pitino’s vision for the interior.
Pitino’s endorsement
Coach Rick Pitino has likened Edema to former standout Nelly Junior Joseph, noting a similar blend of size, footwork and defensive presence. He has signed the center to a two‑year development contract, signaling a focused plan to integrate him into the frontcourt rotation.
Edema will find immediate companionship in the paint with returning big men Lazar Stojkovic and Ruben Prey, a trio that promises depth and flexibility for the Red Storm’s upcoming campaign.