St. John’s Basketball Beat Out NBA Team for Keyshawn Hall

The St. John's Red Storm battled with an NBA team to land Keyshawn Hall.

Auburn Tigers forward Keyshawn Hall (7) takes the court as Auburn Tigers take on South Alabama Jaguars during the first round of the National Invitation Tournament at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The St. John’s Red Storm had a lot of work to do with their roster this offseason, given how many players weren’t returning to the program.

Three players from the rotation, Joson Sanon, Dylan Darling and Sadiku Ayo, entered the transfer portal. As did Kelvin Odih and Oziyah Sellers. Zuby Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell also departed to begin their pro careers.

That group includes the six players who averaged the most minutes per game last season, and a player who tied for ninth. In terms of games played, that is seven of the 10 guys who appeared in at least 30 games.

So, head coach Rick Pitino hit the transfer portal again and came away with some incredibly talented players. Among that group is Keyshawn Hall, formerly of the Auburn Tigers, whom St. John’s had to actually beat out an NBA team to secure his services.

Keyshawn Hall chose St. John's over Miami Heat

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 shared by Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel (subscription required), Hall was a member of the Miami Heat’s summer league team this year. He played well enough that they wanted to sign him to an Exhibit 10 contract, but at the final hour, he decided to return to the collegiate ranks with the Red Storm.

Winderman noted that a six-figure payday was likely for Hall had he signed with the Heat. He would have been guaranteed $91,000 and then would have had a G League contract on top of that.

However, that pales in comparison to what he could earn in college with NIL money flowing as much as ever. While not fully in the clear when it comes to being eligible, Hall does have one thing working in his favor: he never signed his Exhibit 10 deal or a professional deal, as some of the other players who are attempting to go back to college have.

Should the NCAA rule against Hall, he will still be eligible to sign with Miami, should they still want him, or another NBA team. Alas, for now, his focus is on getting eligible to play with St. John’s.

Keyshawn Hall brings dynamic scoring, rebounding to Red Storm

Feb 21, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers guard Keyshawn Hall (7) warms up before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Neville Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Should Hall be allowed to play collegiately for the 2026-27 campaign, Pitino is getting another bona fide scorer on the wing. He led the Auburn Tigers with 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.

He is as reliable as it gets when it comes to scoring and rebounding, averaging at least 16.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in three consecutive seasons.

If Hall is allowed to play, the Red Storm will be his fifth team in as many years. He began his collegiate career with the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels before transferring to the George Mason Patriots for one season.

As a junior, he suited up for the UCF Knights before landing with Auburn for his senior year.