A New Chapter for the Red Storm
St. John’s men’s basketball program is set to welcome a fresh face this season as Hungarian forward Zsombor Maronka steps in to fill the void left by injured guard Donnie Freeman.
Maronka, a 6‑foot‑10 power forward, arrives after six years of professional play across Europe, most recently with Hamburg Towers in Germany’s top division.
The move comes after Freeman’s Achilles injury forced the Red Storm to adjust its 15‑man active roster, a change made possible under recent NCAA guidance that allows teams to replace sidelined players with international talent.
Maronka’s commitment was first reported by veteran reporter Roger Rubin of Newsday, and his arrival marks the ninth international signing of the offseason for St. John’s, joining returning globals such as Ruben Prey, Casper Pohto, Lefteris Liotopoulos and Fotis Konstantinidis.
European Roots, New Beginnings
Born in Budapest, Maronka honed his craft in Spain’s CB Prat before embarking on a six‑year European odyssey that included stints in Germany and Hungary’s national team duties in FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Known for his off‑the‑dribble shooting, quick decision‑making and fluid mobility, he averaged 7.1 points and 4.0 rebounds last season while shooting 41.2% from the field and 35.8% from three‑point range.
Internationally, he contributed 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game for Hungary in the recent qualifiers, underscoring his ability to perform on bigger stages.
His reunion with Ruben Prey, a teammate from the 2021‑22 season in Spain, adds a familiar chemistry to the lineup and could prove pivotal as the Red Storm looks to blend experience with fresh energy.
Coach Mike Anderson has praised Maronka’s versatility, noting that his shooting range and defensive mobility will provide the team with additional options as they navigate a demanding schedule.
With the new addition, St. John’s aims to maintain its competitive edge in the Big East while leveraging the diverse backgrounds of its global roster.