St. John’s Red Storm are entering their fourth season under head coach Rick Pitino, a tenure that has already begun to turn the tide for a program that struggled for years. The team’s recent NCAA Tournament appearances in the past two years have raised optimism that Pitino’s influence can push the program back into the spotlight, and the coach’s reputation for revitalizing underperforming units adds weight to those expectations.
A Transfer‑Heavy Approach
The Red Storm are counting heavily on the transfer portal to construct a roster capable of competing at a high level in the 2026‑27 season. By tapping into the nationwide network of players looking for new opportunities, the program hopes to fill gaps left by graduating seniors and to add immediate impact talent that can elevate its performance.
The projected starting five reflects that strategy, featuring point guard Ellis, a 6‑5 guard with EuroLeague experience, alongside Ian Jackson, who returns to the program and is expected to shift to a wing role after previous challenges. Tounde Yessoufou, a transfer from Baylor, brings a proven scoring touch, while Keyshawn Hall, a recent SEC addition, could become the team’s leading scorer if his eligibility is cleared. Veteran presence is slated to come from Ruben Prey, who is entering his third year and is projected to approach a double‑double average.
While the roster looks promising, eligibility concerns linger for a few of the newcomers, creating a minor but notable hurdle that the coaching staff must navigate before the season begins. Nevertheless, the combination of Pitino’s coaching pedigree, the strategic use of the transfer market, and a core of talented players positions St. John’s to make a serious push for NCAA Tournament inclusion and to re‑establish itself as a consistent contender in the coming years.