The transfer portal has opened, and there is a flux of players wanting to find their next team. St. John’s and Rick Pitino have been dealt a blow, but there is a silver lining.
St. John’s March Madness hero guard Dylan Darling and another guard, Joson Sanon, have both entered the transfer portal. Other departures include Lefteris Liotopoulos, Imran Suljanovic, Sadiku Ibine Ayo, and Kelvin Odih. However, there is one addition in Pitino’s plan. European guard Quinn Ellis recently committed to Pitino’s team. They also have multiple visits lined up for next season.
Rick Pitino has made big strides for the St. John’s basketball program. In three years with the Red Storm, Pitino has won two Big East tournaments and been the Big East regular season champion in 2025 and 2026. Pitino won the AP Coach of the Year, Big East Coach of the Year, and Henry Iba Award in 2025.
Fans react to Dylan Darling and other stars leaving Rick Pitino’s St. John’s
St. John’s has garnered some serious talent in these three years. Rick Pitino has led some great players and has laid a strong foundation for the future. Players like Ian Jackson, Dillon Mitchell, Zuby Ejiofor, and Bryce Hopkins have helped Rick Pitino’s cause. However, he has had some struggles along the way.
Fans online were divided on St. John’s stars entering the transfer portal.
“He blew that last shot in the tournament,” one fan said about Dylan Darling.
“The commitment of Quinn Ellis definitely pushed him out the door but something tells me Ian Jackson is staying,” another said about St. John’s transfer portal activity.
“@Kentuckymbb,” one fan speculated.
“For a guy who was supposed to be a sharp shooter, he was the streakiest shooter ever & ice cold in big spots. Bye,” one fan said about Joson.
“Come home Joson @arizonambb. The prodigal son returns,” another commented.
“Smh,” one fan expressed discontent.
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