"I've Never Seen Anything Like This": The Making and Molding of St. John's

"Roughly 30 minutes before taking the podium at St. John's media day, Rick Pitino is in his office, talking on the phone with his former player Daniss Jenkins. Pitino is beaming with pride because the 6-foot-4 guard, who is currently on a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons, put up 19 points and 6 assists in a recent preseason game."

"Only two players remain from that 2023-24 roster: 6-foot-9 senior forward Zuby Ejiofor and 6-foot-7 senior forward Sadiku Ibine Ayo. This media day, the team is introducing a whopping 11 new players, seven transfers and four freshmen. Despite the heavy turnover, there has never been more buzz around the program. St. John's will enter the season ranked No. 5 in the country and among the favorites to cut down the nets in April."

Rick Pitino celebrates former player Daniss Jenkins' preseason performance while preparing for St. John's media day. Only two players from the 2023-24 roster remain: Zuby Ejiofor and Sadiku Ibine Ayo. The team adds 11 new players, including seven transfers and four freshmen, and enters the season ranked No. 5 nationally. The program carries high expectations and a public goal of a national championship. The recruiting focus emphasized maturity and work ethic, supported by a substantial NIL budget. The talent includes the nation's top-rated transfer class, and players express optimism that the new roster can quickly cohere.

Read at Hoops HQ