Get ready for a basketball season like no other—St. John’s is making history before the first ball is even tipped! For the first time in over three decades, the Johnnies are kicking off the year ranked in the top-10 of the Associated Press preseason poll, landing at an unprecedented No. 5. But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: this isn’t just about rankings—it’s about the buzz, the expectations, and the target on their backs after a monumental offseason. And this is the part most people miss: this ranking isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to the program’s resurgence under Rick Pitino, who’s engineered the nation’s No. 1 transfer portal class, according to 247Sports.com. Names like Ian Jackson, Dillon Mitchell, and Bryce Hopkins aren’t just additions—they’re game-changers. Pair them with returning star Zuby Ejiofor, and you’ve got a roster that’s turning heads nationwide.
But let’s not forget the road ahead. St. John’s faces one of the toughest non-conference schedules in program history, including showdowns with Michigan, Alabama, and Kentucky. Controversial take: Could this team be overhyped, or are they truly championship material? Pitino himself downplays the ranking, saying, ‘You’re going to find out with Michigan and Alabama if we’re for real.’ Yet, the excitement is undeniable. Fresh off Big East regular-season and postseason titles, and their first NCAA Tournament win since 2000, the Red Storm is riding a wave of momentum. With 13 games slated for Madison Square Garden—the most ever at the current arena—this season feels like a homecoming for the program.
Here’s the bigger picture: St. John’s isn’t just ranked; they’re part of an elite Big East trio alongside Connecticut (No. 4) and Creighton (No. 23). They’re also sharing the spotlight with powerhouses like Purdue, Houston, and reigning champ UConn. But the real question is: Can they live up to the hype? With a bull’s-eye on their back and a schedule that’s unforgiving, this season will test their mettle like never before. As Pitino puts it, ‘We could open 10-0 and still not know if we’re great.’ So, what do you think? Is St. John’s the real deal, or is this ranking setting them up for a fall? Let’s debate it in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
