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St. John's Basketball: Eligibility Drama Shadows Season
13 Oct
Summary
- Several key players face eligibility hurdles before the season.
- St. John's is ranked 23rd by KenPom despite lineup uncertainties.
- The Big East conference is projected to be significantly deeper this season.
The St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team is preparing for the 2026-27 season with key player eligibility decisions still up in the air. Forwards Babacar Sane and Keyshawn Hall currently have temporary restraining orders allowing them to play, while Reed Bailey is eligible due to a California court ruling.
However, the team awaits final clearance for international player Quinn Ellis. Coach Rick Pitino is confident all players will be eligible, which would significantly boost their national standing. KenPom's early rankings place St. John's at No. 23, a surprisingly low projection given the potential roster.
Significant talent departed from last season's Sweet 16 team, with only Ian Jackson and Ruben Prey returning. The projected starting lineup includes guard Ian Jackson, big man Ruben Prey, and five-star transfer Tounde Yessoufou. The full strength of the roster, including Sane, Hall, and Ellis, will determine the team's ceiling.
The Big East conference is expected to be much stronger this season, with all 11 teams ranked in the top 90 nationally. St. John's is currently the second-highest ranked team in the conference at No. 23, trailing only UConn at No. 11.
