We now live in a world where collegiate athletes can essentially become free agents. The transfer portal allows players to seamlessly leave their respective universities to find a new home. The St. John’s Red Storm leverages these player movements to strengthen its roster.
Each move in the Big East dictates each team’s competition and power rankings. But who is leaving the program, and who is joining the “Johnnies?”
Players Leaving St. Johns
While no players have officially announced their intent to depart, announcements are expected as soon as next week. The only official players to depart so far are seniors who graduated.
G Kadary Richmond: The guard served as St. John’s team captain and was a member of the pre-season All-Big East team. Richmond was the team’s third-leading scorer, averaging 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.
G Deivon Smith: A former four-star high school recruit, Smith played for four programs during his collegiate career. With St. Johns, he was a stat stuffer, averaging 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. The Johnnies will miss his presence next season.
G Aaron Scott: A 6’7 senior transfer from North Texas played in all 36 games for the Johnnies. He posted a season-high 21 points against Villanova and shot 81% from the line on the year.
Players Joining St. Johns
Rick Pitino’s Red Storm plans to be very active in the transfer portal and has officially signed their first player.
G Joson Sanon, Arizona State: The 6’5 freshman and former five-star recruit had aspirations of being a one-and-done before dealing with ankle injuries throughout the season.
The volume scorer averaged 11.9 points per game on 42.2% shooting from the field and 36.9% from three. He will help the Johnnies immensely, as they desperately need better shooters and players who can create their own shots.
The Transfer Portal’s Impact on St. John’s
The departures of Richmond, Smith, and Scott leave gaps in scoring, leadership, and all-around effort. Three players made massive impacts, as none of them played less than 30 games this season.
The incoming transfer brings St. John’s much-needed scoring and shot-making ability, which the Johnnies lacked in their tournament loss. They shot an abysmal 28% from the floor.
A player like Sanon should bring a spark to St. John’s offense, bringing a dynamic scorer and good shooter from behind the arc.
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Coach Rick Pitino and his staff intend to be aggressive this offseason. They are targeting players who can put the ball in the basket and score at a high rate as they look to improve their offensive woes.
According to reports, St. Johns also seeks additional players in Providence star Bryce Hopkins, Indiana’s Mackenzie Mgbako, and Georgia guard Silas Demary Jr.
The recent player signings keep St. Johns on track to replicate their successful 31-5 season. The Big East should be wide open next season, with the Johnnies returning as the early favorites.
If the team successfully integrates new players and improves its overall scoring, it could be even better than last season and make a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament.
Fans in Queens can expect a chip on the Johnnies’ shoulders, as Pitino will have them ready to fire on all cylinders when the 2025 season begins.
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