A Highly Touted Arrival
Theo Edema, a 6‑foot‑11 center who grew up in southwestern Nigeria and starred at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, announced his commitment to St. John's University. The prospect, ranked among the top‑50 recruits of the 2027 class, will reclassify to the 2026 cycle, giving the Red Storm an early boost for the 2026‑27 campaign.
At Cushing Academy he helped the team to a 29‑6 record and a NEPSAC Class AA championship, averaging 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks per game. His defensive prowess earned him the NEPSAC Class AA Defensive Player of the Year award, underscoring a skill set that blends size, physicality and post‑play polish.
The Decision Behind the Commitment
Edema considered offers from a deep pool of programs, including Stanford, Maryland, BYU, Syracuse, Auburn and Creighton, before landing with St. John's. He cited head coach Rick Pitino’s reputation for shaping NBA‑ready talent as a decisive factor, noting that Pitino’s track record of developing big men played a central role in his choice.
The commitment brings the Red Storm’s scholarship count to twelve for the upcoming season, a roster that already features several international signings and transfers from the portal. The addition of Edema is expected to immediately impact the team’s interior presence and depth.
What This Means for St. John's
St. John's now bolsters a class that blends seasoned veterans with fresh talent, positioning the program for a competitive push in the Big East. The signing also highlights the university’s growing appeal on the global recruiting stage, reinforcing its ambition to return to national prominence.