The college basketball world is buzzing with anticipation, and St. John’s is at the heart of it all—a place it hasn’t been in decades. With the Associated Press (AP) preseason poll set to drop on Monday, the Red Storm is poised to crack the top 10 for the first time since the 1991-92 season. Yes, you read that right—26 years of waiting could finally pay off. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this hype justified, or are we setting ourselves up for another season of unmet expectations? Let’s dive in.
St. John’s won’t tip off until November 3 against Quinnipiac, and fans will have to wait until Saturday’s exhibition game against Towson for a first look. Even then, the true test won’t come until October 25, when they face Michigan at Madison Square Garden. Yet, the real excitement begins Monday, when the AP rankings reveal where the Red Storm stands nationally.
Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, entering his third season, has St. John’s fans dreaming big. “ESPN had us at five,” Pitino noted. “AP will have us wherever, but the real test comes against Michigan and Alabama [on November 8].” And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about the ranking—it’s about proving they belong there.
The Red Storm’s roster is stacked. Returning All-Big East first-teamer Zuby Ejiofor is a frontrunner for Preseason Player of the Year, and the team has added a top-ranked transfer class, including sharpshooters like Ian Jackson (North Carolina), Oziyah Sellers (Stanford), Bryce Hopkins (Providence), and Joson Sanon (Arizona State). Last season’s Achilles’ heel—poor shooting—has been addressed, and the team looks ready to build on its impressive 31-5 record from last year.
But let’s not forget the competition. Michigan, Alabama, and Iowa State—all likely ranked—will challenge St. John’s early. And then there’s the Big East rivalry with Connecticut: Will the Huskies overshadow the Red Storm, or is this St. John’s’ year to dominate?
The schedule is brutal, with matchups against Alabama, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Iowa State, Baylor, and an undetermined high-major foe in Las Vegas. This slate could either catapult St. John’s to the top or expose their weaknesses. And that’s the beauty of it—this season is anyone’s guess.
For the first time in a generation, St. John’s fans are eagerly awaiting Monday’s rankings, dreaming of a season-long stay in the national spotlight. But the question remains: Can they handle the pressure, or will they crumble under the weight of expectations?
One thing’s for sure: The fun starts now. Let the debates begin—and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments. Is St. John’s the real deal, or is this just another year of hype? Your take could be the most controversial one yet.
