Buckle up, basketball fans—the Red Storm is brewing a tempest of talent and ambition that could redefine college hoops! As St. John's University gears up for the 2025-26 season, led by the legendary Rick Pitino, excitement is palpable. But here's where it gets controversial: is this powerhouse program relying too heavily on big-money deals to dominate, or is it just smart strategy in a changing game? Let's dive into the details and see what makes this squad a force to be reckoned with.
St. John's basketball is poised for a comeback, kicking off their regular season on November 3 at Carnesecca Arena against Quinnipiac. This marks the start of Rick Pitino's third year as head coach, and after a tough second-round playoff loss to Arkansas last season, the team has undergone a major overhaul. They've embraced the transfer portal and NIL opportunities—think of NIL as Name, Image, and Likeness deals, where players can earn money from endorsements, a relatively new rule that lets athletes profit from their personal brand. This influx of new talent has turned potential setbacks into a powerhouse lineup, positioning St. John's as one of the biggest players in college basketball recruiting.
Key players from last year, like leading scorer RJ Luis Jr., who now has a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics, and contributors Simeon Wilcher and Brady Dunlap, have moved on. Yet, the Johnnies have transformed this turnover into triumph, boasting one of the strongest incoming classes nationwide thanks to savvy use of NIL funds.
And this is the part most people miss—these financial tools aren't just about money; they're reshaping how teams build rosters, giving schools like St. John's an edge in attracting top talent. For beginners, imagine the transfer portal as a marketplace where players can switch schools freely, and NIL as a way for them to monetize their fame, much like professional athletes do. It's a game-changer, but it raises questions: does it level the playing field, or does it favor wealthier programs?
Let's meet the fresh faces joining the Red Storm for 2025-26. Leading the charge is Bronx native Ian Jackson, who transferred back home after a freshman year at North Carolina. There, under coach Hubert Davis, he felt underutilized despite his immense potential—he was once seen as a potential NBA lottery pick. Jackson brings explosive scoring ability and athleticism to the table, but Pitino's big challenge will be refining him into a well-rounded player, boosting his playmaking skills and defensive prowess. If successful, Jackson could rocket back into the conversation for the 2026 NBA Draft, potentially becoming a two-way star who excels on both ends of the court.
Jackson is part of a revamped squad that includes Bryce Hopkins from Providence, Joson Sanon from Arizona State, Oziyah Sellers from Stanford, and Dillon Mitchell from Cincinnati. This group is loaded with versatile wings and forwards who can score from anywhere on the floor, perfectly suiting Pitino's fast-paced, uptempo style. For example, think of these players as dynamic scorers who can drive to the basket, shoot from three-point range, or create opportunities for teammates—key in a high-energy offense.
Pitino has also added defensive grit with Dylan Darling, a tough point guard from Idaho State, and frontcourt strength through Handje Tamba, a towering 6'11" rim protector who brings size, energy, and shot-blocking ability to the mix.
St. John's is flexing its NIL muscle like never before. Returning starter Zuby Ejiofor, who anchors the interior, recently re-signed under a significant NIL agreement, highlighting how the program has mastered leveraging financial resources to assemble a competitive team. This NIL advantage, largely driven by longtime supporter and entrepreneur Mike Repole, has catapulted St. John's into the ranks of the most funded and ambitious programs in the country. They consistently rank among the top in NIL investments, enabling Pitino to combine his elite coaching expertise with unparalleled roster depth. But here's the controversy: critics argue this heavy reliance on NIL could widen the gap between haves and have-nots in college sports, making it harder for smaller schools to compete. Is this innovation or inequality? What do you think—does it enhance the game or undermine its spirit?
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, here's the full schedule with ticket links for fans eager to catch the action:
Exhibition Games
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | vs. Towson | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY | 2:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/rd29Zp3/)
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | vs. Michigan | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 7:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/75BdAGj/)
Regular Season
Monday, November 3, 2025 | vs. Quinnipiac | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/8jDEOGQ/)
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | vs. Alabama | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 12:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/p3ow8v8/)
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | vs. William & Mary | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY | 6:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/rG8EXzZ/)
Thursday, November 20, 2025 | vs. Bucknell | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY | 7:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/G9DR01Z/)
Monday, November 24, 2025 | vs. Iowa State | Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas | 11:00 AM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/o3kzgev/)
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | vs. Baylor | Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas | 11:30 AM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/9O5QLgO/)
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | vs. Ole Miss | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 8:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/AJDx9Ld/)
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | vs. Iona | Madison Square Garden, NYC | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/70B894l/)
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | vs. DePaul | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY | 1:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/kV0wOon/)
Saturday, December 20, 2025 | vs. Kentucky | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/gxadPD3/)
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | vs. Harvard | Carnesecca Arena, Queens, NY | 6:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/MbXap4O/)
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | at Georgetown | Capital One Arena, Washington, DC | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/W4EN1ek/)
Saturday, January 3, 2026 | vs. Providence | Madison Square Garden, NYC | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/q3xwM4e/)
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | at Butler | Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/789YmJQ/)
Saturday, January 10, 2026 | at Creighton | CHI Health Center, Omaha, NE | 1:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/rpZOQl8/)
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | vs. Marquette | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 6:30 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/2M8e1VO/)
Saturday, January 17, 2026 | at Villanova | Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA | 1:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/Vx5dWey/)
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | vs. Seton Hall | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 7:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/7A5vakd/)
Saturday, January 24, 2026 | at Xavier | Cintas Center, Cincinnati, OH | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/Oqj15bX/)
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | vs. Butler | Madison Square Garden, NYC | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/BJ1gRq0/)
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | at DePaul | Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/eO9N2Ay/)
Friday, February 6, 2026 | vs. UConn | Madison Square Garden, NYC | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/NdE1LbA/)
Monday, February 9, 2026 | vs. Xavier | Madison Square Garden, NYC | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/QLBg2RE/)
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | at Providence | Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/rd29ZdZ/)
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | at Marquette | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI | 8:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/w9bG5jE/)
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | vs. Creighton | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 12:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/y8bRMX4/)
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | at UConn | PeoplesBank Arena, Hartford, CT | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/Kmgokld/)
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | vs. Villanova | Madison Square Garden, NYC | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/75BdAqo/)
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | vs. Georgetown | Madison Square Garden, NYC | 1:00 PM | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/XZo5Wwn/)
Friday, March 6, 2026 | at Seton Hall | Prudential Center, Newark, NJ | Time TBA | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/7oZokRB/)
Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | Big East Tournament (All Sessions, March 11–14) | Madison Square Garden, NYC | Tickets (https://stubhub.prf.hn/l/DLXmV4R/)
With such a packed and prestigious schedule, including matchups against heavyweights like Alabama, Kentucky, and UConn, the Red Storm is set for an electrifying year. As we wrap up, I can't help but ponder: does St. John's approach represent the exciting evolution of college basketball, or is it a slippery slope toward commercialization that leaves tradition behind? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that NIL is revolutionizing the sport, or do you worry it's creating an unfair advantage? Let's discuss!
