St. John’s University opened its offseason training camp this week, with head coach Rick Pitino greeting players on the practice floor and outlining an ambitious vision for the coming season.
The Red Storm are coming off two consecutive 30‑win campaigns that produced Big East regular‑season and tournament championships, a stretch that has placed the program back among the nation’s elite.
Overcoming Adversity
Veteran guard Donnie Freeman, a transfer from Syracuse, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a non‑contact drill, casting doubt on his availability for the start of the year.
The coaching staff responded by adding Hungarian forward Zsombor Maronka to the roster, a move that brings a fresh dimension to the frontcourt.
Global Talent Arrives
Pitino’s roster now features a quartet of international newcomers: Canadian guard Quinn Ellis, Senegalese forward Babacar Sane, Serbian big man Djordije Jovanovic and Serbian guard Lazar Stojkovic, each bringing a distinct skill set to the mix.
The international influx also includes French guard Tounde Yessoufou, who elected to stay in college after withdrawing from the NBA Draft, committing to the Red Storm for the upcoming campaign.
Building on Experience
Key contributors Ian Jackson and Ruben Prey, who helped the team reach the Sweet Sixteen last season, have both elected to return, providing continuity and leadership on the court.
The coaching staff is counting on that blend of experience and fresh talent to chase a third straight NCAA Tournament appearance, a feat not achieved since the 1998‑2000 era, and to finally break through to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1999.