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Rick Pitino Sends Strong Message to Incoming St. John's Transfer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 3:24 PM ET

The St. John's Red Storm have emerged as one of the top college basketball programs in the country, led by head coach Rick Pitino.

Pitino is fresh off his second season leading the program, having helped St. John's win the Big East Tournament title.

The Red Storm entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed. They wound up defeating Omaha in the first round and fell to Arkansas in the second round.

After a disappointing finish to the season, then Big East Tournament championship added Imran Suljanovic, a 6-foot-8 small forward from Austria.

Suljanovic's pledge to St. John's led to a response from Pitino.

The longtime college basketball head coach is seemingly excited about the Red Storm's newest addition, sharing high praise for the young star.

"Was watching Imran on film and had to see him in person," said Pitino. "Traveled outside Bologna where he impressed me more with his overall game than what I watched on film. Shoots, passes, handles, and is extremely agile. Great potential!!! Very excited to have him join the Johnnies."

Was watching Imran on film and had to see him in person. Traveled outside Bologna where he impressed me more with his overall game than what I watched on film. Shoots, passes, handles, and is extremely agile. Great potential!!! Very excited to have him join the Johnnies.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) April 22, 2025

Suljanovic was originally offered to play for St. John's on April 18. According to 247Sports, the Red Storm are listed as Suljanovic's only official college basketball offer.

According to Joe Tipton, Suljanovic played for Austria's FIBA U18 team last summer. He capped off the tournament averaging 22.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Pitino continues to add to St. John's roster, having recently received a commitment from former five-star prospect Ian Jackson. While a couple of players, such as Simeon Wilcher and RJ Luis Jr., decided to transfer, the future looks bright for the Red Storm.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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