Rick Pitino Rebuilt St. John's Basketball Roster

The team integrated 10 newcomers to address significant roster turnover after a successful 30-7 campaign last season.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Basketball

Rick Pitino Rebuilt St. John's Basketball Roster

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St. John's head coach Rick Pitino has overhauled the team roster with 10 newcomers following the departure of five players via the transfer portal and three others who declared for the NBA Draft. This transition follows a successful season where the program achieved a 30-7 record and secured back-to-back Big East championships.

Why it matters

The complete roster transformation was necessary to replace significant talent lost to professional drafts and off-season transfers. Building chemistry with a large group of new players remains a top priority for the coaching staff ahead of the upcoming schedule.

The roster features 10 newcomers, including six players from Europe and four from Africa, joining returning players Ian Jackson and Ruben Prey. This follows a previous season where the team finished with a 30-7 record.

The players

Rick Pitino

He serves as the head coach for the St. John's men's basketball team and is a veteran leader in collegiate athletics.

Ian Jackson

He is a returning player for St. John's who provides continuity for the roster.

Ruben Prey

He is an established player returning to the St. John's basketball program.

The details

The coaching staff successfully rebuilt the lineup through a combination of recruiting and the transfer portal to offset the losses of five transfers and three NBA Draft prospects. The new group is currently focused on adapting to the coaching style and developing team chemistry during summer training sessions.

The team finished last season with a 30-7 record.
The roster was rebuilt during the 2026 offseason.
The season opener against Monmouth is scheduled for November 2, 2026.
Non-conference games against Arizona and Alabama are set for December 2026.
Full team development is expected by January and February 2027.

Season Trajectory

The team is attempting to maintain the momentum of their back-to-back Big East championships while integrating a majority of new faces. This rebuild strategy will determine if the program can remain a contender for the NCAA Tournament as they prepare for high-profile non-conference matchups.

The high number of newcomers means the rotation is currently fluid, with the team facing critical early tests against Monmouth, Syracuse, Oregon, Arizona, and Alabama. Fans should monitor how the coaching staff integrates these international recruits before the conference schedule begins.

The takeaway

Maintaining championship-level performance requires balancing experienced returners with the rapid integration of new international talent. The team's ability to gel before the December gauntlet against major programs will define their season outlook.