St. John’s Basketball Has One of Best Projected Starting Fives

The St. John’s Red Storm is one of several programs around the country that are awaiting eligibility rulings ahead of the 2026-27 men’s college basketball season.

A lot is riding on the decisions in court, with nearly half of the team’s projected rotation currently in limbo. International player Babacar Sane currently has a temporary restraining order that has made him eligible, for now, with a hearing set for Oct. 1.

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Point guard Quinn Ellis, a multi-million-dollar international player, is still not eligible. Neither are Keyshawn Hall and Reed Bailey, two players looking for a fifth year of eligibility under the new 5-in-5 rules.

Should St. John’s receive positive updates on those players, they have a potential starting five that is amongst the most talented in the country. As shared by Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports, their projected starters can go toe-to-toe with any team in the country.

St. John’s has best starting five in the country upside

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Right now, two returning players from their Sweet 16 team, guard Ian Jackson and big man Ruben Prey, are locked into the lineup. As is Tounde Yessoufou, a five-star transfer from the Baylor Bears, heading into his sophomore season.

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That is an incredibly strong trio to build a lineup around. Jackson has drawn praise from head coach Rick Pitino for the work he has put in this offseason, believing his guard is going to be one of the best backcourt players in the country.

He should be even better in his second season under Pitino, now fully bought into the system after transferring in from the North Carolina Tar Heels after his freshman year there.

Prey looks ready to break out after a strong summer debut with the Portugal national team. In…

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Publish date : 2026-09-24 10:00:00

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