Rick Pitino starts early recruitment, rebuilding St. John’s roster through the transfer portal

Since taking over as head coach of St. John’s in 2023, Rick Pitino has swiftly transformed the program, making the transfer portal the cornerstone of his roster construction. 

This bold strategy has allowed him to quickly assemble a competitive team in the highly competitive Big East Conference, prioritizing proven talent over traditional high school recruits.

Pitino’s approach reflects the changing landscape of college basketball, where the transfer portal has become a pivotal tool for reshaping rosters. While many programs once focused on developing high school recruits over several years, the veteran coach has embraced the new norm, opting for experienced players who can contribute immediately. 

This shift in strategy has yielded immediate success, with St. John’s finishing the 2024-25 season with a 30-4 record and securing its first Big East Championship in 25 years.

Key acquisitions have been instrumental in the team’s resurgence. Among the standout transfers is RJ Luis Jr., who joined from Massachusetts in 2023. Luis made an immediate impact, averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds this past season while earning Big East Player of the Year honors. 

However, after a successful season, Luis has entered the transfer portal, a decision that seems to be mutual between him and the program.

Kadary Richmond, another crucial addition from Seton Hall, has also been a key figure for Pitino’s team. Richmond, who earned All-Big East honors for the second consecutive season, averaged 12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.0 steals per game. His leadership in the backcourt was central to St. John’s success and its revitalization under Pitino.

Other notable transfers include Zuby Ejiofor from Kansas and Deivon Smith from Georgia Tech. Smith, known for his playmaking ability, provided stability at point guard, contributing key assists and rebounds. 

Pitino’s reliance on the portal is not just about filling gaps but about creating a roster that is both experienced and adaptable to his fast-paced, high-pressure system.