Rick Pitino Sees Improvements for St. John's Basketball

St. John’s basketball team is poised for a stronger season, addressing previous concerns regarding lateral quickness and size. The roster has been bolstered by the addition of two 7-foot players, USC transfer Vince Iwuchukwu and freshman Khaman Maker, alongside high-caliber athletes like Utah transfer Deivon Smith and Seton Hall transfer Kadary Richmond. Coach Rick Pitino noted the competitive nature of practices, highlighting the physical improvements compared to last season. Despite the absence of key players, including highly regarded Portuguese forward Ruben Prey and projected starter RJ Luis, the team has shown depth and talent. Returning forward Zuby Ejiofor and 6-foot-7 Aaron Scott have emerged as consistent performers, while rising sophomore Simeon Wilcher has also made a strong impression. Pitino emphasized the unpredictability of practice, stating that any player could stand out on a given day, which he finds impressive. Luis and four-star freshman Jaiden Glover are currently recovering from injuries but are expected to return to full practice by September. Their non-contact work is ongoing, and the team is optimistic about their contributions once cleared. Meanwhile, Prey is still in the process of obtaining a student visa, and Greek guard Lefteris Liotopoulos is competing internationally, delaying his arrival until September. Overall, St. John’s is gearing up for a promising season, with a talented roster and a competitive atmosphere in practice, setting high expectations for the upcoming games.