Predicting St. John’s Basketball Starting Lineup for Season

The St. John’s Red Storm are set to start the 2026-27 men’s college basketball season with an exhibition game against the Drexel Dragons at Carnesecca Arena.

In a great turn of events, the Red Storm are going to have their entire roster available for the game. There were a lot of players stuck in eligibility limbo, but head coach Rick Pitino will have his full allotment of players for the first exhibition game.

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With a deep and talented roster, this team could do some damage once the regular season rolls around. Who is going to be the first players on the court? Let’s take a crack at predicting who the starting five will be for St. John’s this season.

Quinn Ellis, Point Guard

An international addition, Quinn Ellis was cleared and deemed eligible right before the exhibition slate began. He is someone who will bring vast experience of high-level basketball as a 23-year-old who has played professionally and represented Great Britain in competition.

Pitino has already sung his praises, believing Ellis is as good as the best point guards he has had during his time with the Red Storm, Kadary Richmond and Daniss Jenkins. That puts immense expectations on him entering his first season in Queens.

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Ian Jackson, Shooting Guard

A former five-star recruit in high school, Ian Jackson began his collegiate career with the North Carolina Tar Heels. He transferred to St. John’s for his sophomore season and had some bumps in the road, but is now fully bought in.

He was named one of the team’s captains and has drawn praise from Pitino, who believes he will be one of the best players in the country. Reports indicate he has been torching teammates in practice and is poised for a breakout campaign.

Year 2 under Pitino should be an exciting one.

Tounde Yessoufou, Small Forward

Mar 7, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) shoots a free throw during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES…

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Publish date : 2026-10-14 15:00:00

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