St. John's to Tip Off Season Nov. 2 Against Monmouth
The No. 13 Red Storm look to capitalize on a roster overhaul during their home opener at Carnesecca Arena.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Basketball
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St. John's University kicks off its 2026-27 men's basketball season on Nov. 2, 2026, at Carnesecca Arena in Queens. The team enters the campaign ranked No. 13 in preseason polls after finishing its preseason schedule with a 3-0 record.
Why it matters
The program is undergoing a significant transition, featuring a 10-player roster turnover and a coaching focus on establishing fundamental discipline. Coaches expect the new squad to be a top contender, projecting a second-place finish in the Big East.
The new roster includes Keyshawn Hall, who averaged 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season, and Tounde Yessoufou, who averaged 17.8 points per game. The team recently defeated Texas 87-74 to conclude their preseason.
The players
Keyshawn Hall
He is a key addition to the roster who averaged 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last season and is currently eligible to play under a temporary restraining order.
Tounde Yessoufou
A high-scoring newcomer to the program, he averaged 17.8 points per game during the previous season.
Babacar Sane
He is a roster member currently eligible to play pending a court hearing scheduled for November 9.
The details
The coaching staff is prioritizing defensive pressure and fundamental improvements, including rebounding and passing, to foster a new winning culture. While the team welcomes 10 new players, only two individuals remain from the previous season's primary rotation.
Timeline
The season opener against Monmouth is scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026.
A court hearing for Babacar Sane is set for Nov. 9, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The team's success hinges on integrating a massive influx of new talent to meet the high expectations set by Big East conference preseason projections. Matching this second-place conference outlook would mark a significant shift for a program attempting to build a new winning culture.
The roster overhaul means the team will rely heavily on the production of transfers like Keyshawn Hall and Tounde Yessoufou to maintain their No. 13 ranking. Fans should monitor the rotation closely during the opening game to see how the new defensive scheme functions against Monmouth.
The takeaway
Building a cohesive unit with 10 new players requires immediate improvement in fundamentals like passing and blocking out. Success this season will likely depend on whether the coach can successfully establish a winning mentality before conference play begins.
What happens next
Babacar Sane has a court hearing scheduled for Nov. 9, 2026, which will determine his ongoing eligibility for the team.
Further reading
For more on local collegiate athletics, visit the New York City Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily News.
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