St. John's Secures Hungarian Forward
St. John's University announced the signing of Hungarian forward Zsombor Maronka, who will join the roster for the upcoming season after veteran Donnie Freeman was ruled out for the year with a torn Achilles tendon.
Coach Rick Pitino praised the 6‑foot‑8 wing as a knockdown shooter and terrific passer, noting that his ability to stretch the floor should complement the team's existing perimeter threats.
Maronka arrives after two seasons in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga with Hamburg Towers, where he averaged 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, and added 5.6 points and 3.2 rebounds across 13 EuroCup appearances.
The forward also contributed to Hungary's qualification campaign for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, bringing international experience that Pitino believes will aid the Red Storm's depth.
Maronka becomes the fifth overseas prospect added by St. John's this offseason, joining players such as Quinn Ellis, Babacar Sane, Djordije Jovanovic and Lazar Stojkovic, all of whom are expected to enrich the program's global outlook.
His brief partnership with Spanish forward Ruben Prey offered a glimpse of his adaptability on the international stage.
International Reach
The signing underscores the Red Storm's strategy of bolstering talent through diverse pathways, blending European skill sets with the program's historic emphasis on versatile, high‑energy play.
With the new additions, the Red Storm hopes to maintain competitiveness in the Big East and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, leveraging the shooting and passing acumen of their newest foreign recruit.