Why St. John's Basketball Can Win 30 Games for Third Straight Year

Here's why the St. John's Red Storm can win 30 games once again.

Mar 26, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino speaks with the media during a press conference ahead 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

As the college basketball season gets closer, the St. John’s Red Storm are a team that is expected to once again be one of the best in the country. However, with some looming eligibility concerns, just who will be on the team when the campaign kicks off is a question. 

Following one of the best years in a long time for the program, St. John’s is hopeful to keep the momentum going this coming season. Over the offseason, the team was once again aggressive in the transfer portal to improve, and the talent that they got could result in this coming year being a special one. 

However, with the eligibility rules of college athletics being a bit of a mess, who will be able to play for St. John’s is a hot topic. Recently, Babacar Sane sued the NCAA over his eligibility status, and Keyshawn Hall is also waiting to see if he will be able to play following a commitment to the Red Storm. 

While some of that is out of their hands, this is still a very good roster and one that is arguably going to be the team to beat in the Big East. However, just how good they can be will be the question. 

St. John’s Can Win 30 Games Once Again

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: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Following a 20-win season in Rick Pitino’s first year, St. John’s has been able to win at least 30 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 1984-85 and 1985-86 seasons. 

Winning 30 games is a great accomplishment, and one of the reasons why they have been so successful is because of how they perform against the other teams in the conference. 

In each of the last two seasons in the Big East, St. John’s has been able to total a record of 18-2. The Red Storm have proven to be the team to beat in the league, and this coming season will be no different. 

As expected, the UCONN Huskies and Danny Hurley will be their main competition. However, St. John’s has been able to win back-to-back Big East titles, and the conference runs through them right now. 

While who is actually able to play will determine the ceiling for the team, them being the team to beat in the Big East should remain true. Pitino has done an excellent job turning this program around, and winning 30 games for the third straight year would be a great accomplishment.