Under the tutelage of coach Rick Pitino, St. John’s University men’s basketball program is encountering a great reawakening. This is evident in the recent commitment of Idaho State point guard Dylan Darling, the current Big Sky Conference Player of the Year, to St. John’s, marking yet another significant success for Pitino in the transfer portal.
A Rising Star Joins the Red Storm
A 6’1” point guard, Dylan Darling, from Idaho State, committed to St John’s after a standout season at his former program. The left-handed guard who had a total average of 19.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, earning him the Big Sky MVP honors and Newcomer of the Year award in 2024-2025.
His move to St. John’s has not been a conventional one. Having spent two seasons at Washington State, he nearly walked away from basketball entirely as he had difficulties performing in the Pac-12, Darling. In an interview with the Idaho State Journal, he stated, “I almost gave up basketball a year ago. I was just not enjoying it.” However, his move to Idaho State rejuvenated his career, leading to his breakout season that caught the attention of many.
NEWS: Idaho State transfer point guard Dylan Darling has committed to St. John’s, he told @On3sports.
The 6-1 sophomore averaged 19.8 points and 5.7 assists per game this season. https://t.co/DjUIm49hih pic.twitter.com/xMQDVYAS02
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) April 25, 2025
Rick Pitino’s Building a Powerhouse
So far, Pitino’s influence at St. John’s has been nothing short of transformative since he took the helm in 2023. Pitino has a reputation for rejuvenating programs. At St. John’s, he’s already led the team to a Big East regular-season and tournament title in the just-concluded season, placing him as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Despite a disappointing loss to Arkansas, which led to their March Madness exit, he has, without hesitation, begun building his roster ahead of next season.
In recent days, Darling’s move marks the fourth transfer to the program, following the additions of forwards Dillon Mitchell from Texas, Bryce Hopkins from Providence, and wing Joson Sanon from Arizona State. These talents’ accusations have created excitement among fans, but also pose questions about significant roster management.
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Darling’s arrival is a solution to the program’s daring needs, having been hit by significant departures like RJ Luis Jr., who entered the portal after the total average points of 18.2 per game in the 2024-2025 season. With Deivon Smith, Kadary Richmond, and Aaron Scott, who are starters who are also graduating, the coach needed to strengthen his backcourt, and Darling’s skill set makes him a perfect player required at this time.
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