Rick Pitino’s St. John’s has had a turbulent offseason, losing as many as five players to the transfer portal against just two additions. As such, there is a reason to believe that the Red Storm might not be able to do well in the next season.
NCAA analyst Jon Rothstein took the argument further, claiming that St. John’s 2026-27 season roster is the “least talented” in the last three years.
“Things are trending now, in my opinion, that St. John’s is going to have its least talented roster in the last three years, based on what we’ve seen so far,” Rothstein said. “I also think you can make the case that there are no guarantees that St. John’s will have an All-Big East, first-team caliber player.”
The analyst further clarified his stance, acknowledging the presence of star players such as Ian Jackson, Donnie Freeman and Quinn Ellis.
“I’m not saying that Ian Jackson can’t have a breakout season, moving back to his natural position of shooting guard,” Rothstein added. “I’m not saying that Donny Freeman, one of the great physically imposing players I’ve seen in practices across the country the last couple years, can’t blossom under Rick Pitino. And I’m not saying that Quinn Ellis, this international point guard, can’t live up to the hype and be an All-Big East player. I’m not saying that.”
The current roster feels more projection-based. The transfer portal additions include players with upside like Donnie Freeman, Kyle Cuffe Jr., and Avery Brown. But there is a doubt if they can prove themselves on the Big East stage.
NCAA Analyst Doubts There Will be No St. John’s Representation in All-Big East Team
Rick Pitino’s 2024-25 and 2025-26 teams featured several big names such as RJ Luis Jr., Kadary Richmond, Zuby Ejiofor, and Bryce Hopkins. All of them have an All-Big East pedigree that helped fuel back-to-back conference championships and a Sweet 16 run.
However, in the present scenario, Rothstein thinks the roster has no one who can get the nod for the All-Big East preseason first team as of today.
“But the fact remains, we haven’t seen it yet. If I was doing an All-Big East preseason first team as of today, I would not have a St. John’s player on it,” Rothstein continued. “I would have Silas Demery Jr. and Braylon Mullins from UConn. I would have Tyler Perkins from Villanova. I would also have Nigel James from Marquette. And I would probably have Devin Royal, the transfer from Ohio State, who is going to play for Kevin Willard at Villanova.
“Because I am somebody who rewards past production. Until I see it, I do not make the proclamation.”
It’s important to note that this offseason, St. John’s has prioritized international recruiting and developmental pieces, which is a different and interesting approach taken by Rick Pitino, who in the past has relied on major stars and experienced veterans.
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