St. John’s University men’s basketball, affectionately known as the Red Storm, has been a topic of growing excitement among fans and analysts alike. With a storied history, a revitalized roster, and a legendary coach in Rick Pitino, the team is making waves in the 2024-25 NCAA season.
This article dives into the latest developments surrounding St. John’s basketball, addressing key questions fans are asking on platforms like Google and YouTube, from roster updates to performance metrics, coaching impact, and future prospects. Drawing from recent online discussions, including posts on X and web sources, we’ll explore why St. John’s is a team to watch.
A Brief History of St. John’s Basketball
St. John’s basketball has long been a staple of New York City sports culture. Founded in 1907, the program has a rich legacy, with 11 Big East regular-season championships and two Final Four appearances (1952 and 1985). The Red Storm, formerly known as the Redmen, play their home games at Carnesecca Arena and the iconic Madison Square Garden, a venue that amplifies their presence in the basketball world. Despite periods of struggle in the 2000s and early 2010s, the program has seen a resurgence under recent coaching regimes, particularly with Rick Pitino at the helm since 2023.
The team’s historical success includes producing NBA talents like Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson, and Walter Berry. However, recent years have been marked by a hunger for a return to national prominence, with fans eagerly awaiting a breakthrough season. The 2024-25 campaign is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for St. John’s, as they blend veteran leadership, young talent, and strategic coaching to compete in the highly competitive Big East Conference.
The Rick Pitino Era: A Game-Changer for St. John’s
In March 2023, St. John’s made headlines by hiring Rick Pitino, a Basketball Hall of Fame coach with a track record of turning programs around. Pitino, who previously led Louisville to a national championship in 2013 and took Iona to the NCAA Tournament, brought instant credibility to the program. His arrival sparked optimism among fans, who saw his hiring as a signal that St. John’s was serious about reclaiming its place among college basketball’s elite.
Pitino’s coaching philosophy emphasizes tough defense, efficient offense, and player development. His impact was immediate, with the 2023-24 season showing marked improvement in team cohesion and competitiveness. By the 2024-25 season, Pitino’s influence was evident in the team’s style of play, often described as “bully ball” for its physicality and dominance in the paint.
Pitino’s Vision for 2024-25
Pitino has been vocal about his goals for St. John’s, emphasizing a return to the NCAA Tournament and building a sustainable winner. In a June 2025 interview on WFAN, Pitino expressed confidence in his roster while dismissing rumors of coaching the New York Knicks, reaffirming his commitment to St. John’s. He also highlighted upcoming games against Baylor and Iowa State in Las Vegas, signaling a challenging non-conference schedule designed to prepare the team for Big East play.
Fans on YouTube and Google frequently ask about Pitino’s impact, with queries like “How is Rick Pitino doing at St. John’s?” and “Will St. John’s make the NCAA Tournament under Pitino?” The consensus is that Pitino’s experience and recruiting prowess have elevated the program’s ceiling, with many believing a deep tournament run is within reach if the team improves its outside shooting.
The 2024-25 Roster: A Blend of Talent and Grit
One of the most common questions on Google and YouTube is about the St. John’s roster: “Who is on the St. John’s basketball team?” and “Who are the new players for St. John’s in 2025?” The 2024-25 roster is a dynamic mix of transfers, returning players, and international talent, designed to maximize versatility and physicality.
Ian Jackson: A highly touted freshman guard, Jackson is a cornerstone of the team’s future. Known for his athleticism and scoring ability, he’s expected to be a breakout star.
Joson Sanon: Another young guard, Sanon complements Jackson with his playmaking and defensive tenacity. Fans on YouTube have praised his highlight-reel dunks and hustle plays.
Oziyah Sellers: A versatile wing, Sellers adds scoring depth and defensive flexibility to the lineup.
Bryce Hopkins: A transfer from Providence, Hopkins brings experience and toughness, particularly on the boards and in the paint.
Zuby Ejiofor: A Kansas transfer, Ejiofor addresses a critical need for interior presence. Described as a “paint finisher” and elite rebounder, he’s a key piece of the starting lineup.
A notable addition for 2025 is Casper Pohto, a 6-4 Swedish guard who committed to St. John’s after attending Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. Pohto’s commitment, announced in June 2025, adds international flair and shooting potential to the backcourt.
Projected Starting Lineup
Posts on X have speculated about the starting five, with a projected lineup of Jackson, Sanon, Sellers, Hopkins, and Ejiofor. This group is described as “formidable” and more offensively potent than the 2023-24 squad that won the Big East. The lack of a traditional point guard has raised questions among fans, but Pitino’s system relies on multiple ball-handlers to create a fast-paced, fluid offense.
Roster Questions from Fans
YouTube comments and Google searches often focus on roster depth and specific player roles. Queries like “Who is St. John’s best player?” and “How good is Ian Jackson?” reflect excitement about the team’s young stars. Jackson and Sanon are frequently highlighted in highlight videos on YouTube, with fans noting their potential to be NBA draft picks. Meanwhile, Ejiofor’s rebounding and Hopkins’ versatility address past weaknesses, making this one of St. John’s most balanced rosters in years.
Performance in the 2024-25 Season
Early Season Success: As of January 2025, St. John’s has compiled an impressive 13-3 record, with their three losses coming by a combined five points. This resilience has fans buzzing, with YouTube videos analyzing the team’s ability to compete in close games. Despite a subpar 30% three-point shooting percentage (96-320), the Red Storm have thrived on elite defense and interior dominance.
Key Games and Highlights
Fans searching for “St. John’s basketball highlights 2025” on YouTube are treated to clips of high-energy performances, particularly in Big East play. The team’s 11-2 record before conference play included wins over strong opponents, setting the stage for a potential 20-win season, a mark not reached since 1999-2000. Upcoming games against Baylor and Iowa State in Las Vegas are highly anticipated, with YouTube previews emphasizing the challenge of facing these Power Five programs.
Areas for Improvement: The most frequent critique in online discussions is St. John’s poor three-point shooting. Fans on Google ask, “Why can’t St. John’s shoot threes?” and “Will St. John’s improve their shooting?” Analysts note that if the team can boost its perimeter game, they could be a “dangerous” NCAA Tournament contender. Pitino has addressed this, emphasizing shooting drills in practice, and the addition of Photo may help stretch the floor.
The Big East Landscape
Competitive Context: The Big East is one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, with powerhouses like UConn, Creighton, and Marquette. Fans often search for “How is St. John’s doing in the Big East?” and “Can St. John’s win the Big East in 2025?” The Red Storm’s 3-1 start in conference play last season set a strong foundation, and their current roster is seen as a step up. St. John’s victory in the 2023-24 Big East Tournament, as referenced in X posts, marked a significant milestone. The 2024-25 team is viewed as even stronger offensively, raising hopes for a repeat or better.
Rivalries and Key Matchups: Rivalries with teams like Villanova, Georgetown, and Seton Hall are a hot topic on YouTube, with fans seeking “St. John’s vs. Villanova highlights” and “St. John’s Big East games 2025.” These matchups at Madison Square Garden are electric, with the venue’s atmosphere often described as a home-court advantage. A January 2024 post noted the Garden’s energy during a win over Providence, underscoring its impact.
Fan and Media Sentiment
Posts on X reflect a mix of optimism and cautious hope. Fans and analysts praise the team’s grit and defensive prowess but express concern about their shooting woes. Comments like “St. John’s is a dangerous team if they start making shots” and “This is the best St. John’s team in decades” are common. YouTube channels covering college basketball have dedicated videos to St. John’s, with titles like “Why St. John’s Could Shock the Big East” and “Rick Pitino’s Masterplan for 2025.”
The Road to the NCAA Tournament
Current Projections: Analysts on YouTube and bracketology sites like ESPN and CBS Sports project St. John’s as a strong NCAA Tournament contender. Their early-season success, combined with a tough schedule, positions them well for a high seed. Fans frequently ask, “Can St. John’s make a deep run in March Madness?” The consensus is that their defensive intensity and rebounding could carry them to the Sweet 16 or beyond, especially if their shooting improves.
Challenges Ahead: The Las Vegas games against Baylor and Iowa State will test St. John’s mettle against elite competition. Additionally, the Big East’s grueling schedule means they’ll face top-25 teams like UConn and Marquette multiple times. Pitino’s experience in navigating tough schedules gives fans hope, but consistency will be key.
The Future of St. John’s Basketball
Recruiting and Development: Pitino’s recruiting has been a major talking point, with fans asking, “Who is St. John’s recruiting for 2026?” The addition of Pohto and the development of young stars like Jackson and Sanon suggest a bright future. Pitino’s ability to attract transfers like Hopkins and Ejiofor also bodes well for sustained success.
Long-Term Goals: The ultimate goal, as echoed in YouTube discussions and X posts, is a Final Four appearance, something St. John’s hasn’t achieved since 1985. Pitino’s track record and the current roster make this a realistic, if ambitious, target. Fans also hope for a return to national relevance, with St. John’s becoming a consistent top-25 program.
FAQs
Where does St. John’s basketball play their home games?
St. John’s plays its home games primarily at the Carnesecca Arena on their Queens, New York campus. They also host some high-profile games at the Madison Square Garden, which is one of the most iconic basketball arenas in the world.
How successful is St. John’s basketball historically?
St. John’s has made over 30 NCAA Tournament appearances and reached the Final Four multiple times, most notably in 1952, 1985, and 1986. They have won numerous Big East regular-season and tournament titles, making them a consistent contender in college basketball.
How did St. John’s perform in the most recent season?
In the 2024-2025 season, St. John’s showed strong improvement under Coach Pitino’s leadership, finishing with a competitive Big East record and securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament. They are expected to build on this momentum in the coming seasons.
How can I watch St. John’s basketball games?
St. John’s games are broadcast nationally on networks like ESPN, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports during conference play and NCAA tournaments. Many games are also streamed online through platforms like ESPN+ and the Big East Digital Network.
What is the recruitment outlook for St. John’s basketball?
St. John’s has been actively recruiting top high school and transfer talent to rebuild their roster. The program focuses on attracting versatile players who fit Coach Pitino’s defensive and fast-paced offensive style. Recent recruiting classes show promise for future success.
In Summary
St. John’s basketball is at a turning point in 2024-25, blending a legendary coach, a talented roster, and a passionate fanbase. Despite challenges like poor three-point shooting, their defensive prowess, physicality, and depth make them a formidable force. From Rick Pitino’s transformative leadership to breakout stars like Ian Jackson and Zuby Ejiofor, the Red Storm is capturing attention on YouTube, Google, and X. As they navigate a tough Big East schedule and aim for a deep NCAA Tournament run, St. John’s is proving they’re more than just a New York story, they’re a national contender.
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