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St. John’s Coach Rick Pitino Sends Strong Message on Top Transfer Portal Player

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 7:02 PM ET

St. John’s capped a historic 2024-25 season by locking down its first Big East regular-season championship since 1992, finishing with a 31-5 overall record and 18-2 in conference play.

The Red Storm averaged 78.5 points per game and held opponents to 65.8 points per game, both of which led the Big East.

Pitino, in just his second season, transformed the Red Storm into national contenders, earning Big East Coach of the Year.

Now, he just got his latest win, with the 2025 Big Sky Player of the Year, Dylan Darling, officially committing to play for St. John's in 2025-26.

Amid the celebration, head coach Rick Pitino took to X on Saturday with a clear directive: “Loved Dylan Darling’s workout at SJU. Hard worker and talented point guard. Love his PHD! Exactly what our culture is all about. Excited!”

Loved Dylan Darling’s workout at SJU. Hard worker and talented point guard. Love his PHD! Exactly what our culture is all about. Excited!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) April 26, 2025

Darling, the 6-foot-1 point guard from Idaho State, averaged 19.8 points and 5.7 assists en route to First Team All-Big Sky and Big Sky Newcomer of the Year honors.

Prior to playing for the Bengals, Darling spent two seasons at Washington State.

His commitment via the transfer portal fills the final piece in St. John’s backcourt, joining standout transfer Ian Jackson.

Pitino’s “PHD” reference underscores the traits he prizes: Passion, Hunger and Drive.

Darling’s arrival promises lineup flexibility, late-game poise, and a complementary style to Jackson’s scoring punch.

For Darling, it’s an invitation to join a culture built on hard work, discipline and a singular goal: bringing St. John’s basketball back to the Final Four.

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

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