Early Starting Lineup Prediction for St. John's Basketball in 2026-27

What will the starting lineup look like for the St. John's Red Storm this season?

Mar 14, 2026; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard Ian Jackson (11) following the men's Big East Conference Tournament Championship against the Connecticut Huskies at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The St. John’s Red Storm will be getting set for the upcoming season soon, and while there are some question marks regarding the eligibility of some of their key players, this team has the makings of a special one. 

As Rick Pitino enters year four as the head coach of St. John’s, the expectations are going to be high for a program that he has helped turn around. After years of struggles, the Red Storm have been in the tournament the last two years, and the argument can certainly be made that they should have been in it during his first year as well. 

Now, with the transfer portal being key for how Pitino builds a roster these days, there are some new faces that have joined the program. With some new talent will come a new starting lineup for the team as well. Here is an early prediction of the starting five for St. John’s 

Point Guard: Quinn Ellis 

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

With the point guard position being arguably the most important on the court, bringing in Ellis should give Pitino a reliable player at the position. Coming over from the EuroLeague, Ellis brings some excellent size for the position at 6’5” and can do a lot of things well. With experience playing overseas, he could come over and be a star. 

Shooting Guard: Ian Jackson 

Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard Ian Jackson (11) controls the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks in the first half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After struggling at times in a role that wasn't suited for him, Jackson will be hoping for a much better second year with St. John’s. With his decision to return to the program, he clearly believes in what the team can accomplish. With Ellis coming in and Jackson sliding over to the wing, he should be poised for a much better season. 

Small Forward: Tounde Yessoufou 

Feb 21, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) passes the ball ahead of Arizona State Sun Devils guard Maurice Odum (5) during the second half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After a fantastic freshman season with the Baylor Bears, Yessoufou will be joining St. John’s as one of the best players to transfer this offseason. Last year, he averaged 17.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. With him and Jackson on the wing, the Red Storm have to feel good about what this duo can bring to the table. Coming into year two, it will be exciting to see what the second-year star can accomplish.

Power Forward: Keyshawn Hall 

Auburn Tigers forward Keyshawn Hall (7) dunks the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Wofford Terriers at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Wofford Terriers 93-62. / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

As the most recent addition to the team, the hope will be that Hall remains eligible this season, and if so, he is a massive addition. As one of the best scoring big men in the SEC last year, Hall could be the leading scorer for this St. John’s team. While his offensive game is off the charts, defense will be key for Hall to take his game to the next level.

Center: Ruben Prey

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; St. John's Red Storm forward Ruben Prey (17) forward Bryce Hopkins (23) reacts after losing to Duke Blue Devils during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Entering his third season with the program, there is a lot of hype surrounding the development of Prey. Last year, he had a little bit of a bigger role coming off the bench for St. John’s, and in 10.7 minutes per game, he averaged 4.3 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. With his role projected to increase, Prey could be a player who averages close to a double-double.