Pitino: No HS recruiting this year

[Applecane]

Saw a clip on Sports Center.
He said this past year's haul was enough.
He said he needs the portal to replace three of his top players.
Even with the portal, I never thought we'd get to the point where a team would completely shutdown HS recruiting.
But maybe I haven't been paying close enough attention.
The guy certainly knows what he's doing. St. John's is ranked sixth.
Must be nice to be King of New York.

 

[passitback]

Saw a clip on Sports Center.
He said this past year's haul was enough.
He said he needs the portal to replace three of his top players.
Even with the portal, I never thought we'd get to the point where a team would completely shutdown HS recruiting.
But maybe I haven't been paying close enough attention.
The guy certainly knows what he's doing. St. John's is ranked sixth.
Must be nice to be King of New York.

I'm a season ticket holder, and am very much a die hard St. John's fan. I'd be stunned if we don't have a few players that will portal lined up by now.

Truth is we are losing far too much production from guys graduating to expect high schoolers to come in and fill those voids.

This year may be a one off, because Rick is currently recruiting 2026 high schoolers, mainly point guards.

 

[Cookie917]

Saw a clip on Sports Center.
He said this past year's haul was enough.
He said he needs the portal to replace three of his top players.
Even with the portal, I never thought we'd get to the point where a team would completely shutdown HS recruiting.
But maybe I haven't been paying close enough attention.
The guy certainly knows what he's doing. St. John's is ranked sixth.
Must be nice to be King of New York.

There was some football team that did this and didnt sign any HS prospects a year or two ago. I think this is still the exception instead of the rule and basketball is a different animal. You are vying for 5 spots, not 22. You can be 1 and done, not 3 and done. HS kids can take over NCAA bball easier and at a higher % than football.

So basically if you sign a big HS class and they develop how you want them and dont leave in the portal I can foresee it not being uncommon to skip a random year of HS croots to go get proven guys.

 

[Applecane]

I'm a season ticket holder, and am very much a die hard St. John's fan. I'd be stunned if we don't have a few players that will portal lined up by now.

Truth is we are losing far too much production from guys graduating to expect high schoolers to come in and fill those voids.

This year may be a one off, because Rick is currently recruiting 2026 high schoolers, mainly point guards.

I was at the Garden on Saturday vs Seton Hall. It did my heart good to see MSG jam packed. It was almost like a religious revival.
I've read that it's possible Luis and Ejiofor will stay on another year. The Johnnie's have a big money guy behind them these days.

 

[passitback]

I was at the Garden on Saturday vs Seton Hall. It did my heart good to see MSG jam packed. It was almost like a religious revival.
I've read that it's possible Luis and Ejiofor will stay on another year. The Johnnie's have a big money guy behind them these days.

Garden was rocking...



Lately Rick hasn't been mentioning Luis as one of the players leaving. I think it is because RJ is leaning towards staying. I also believe Zuby will stay, and anyone else Rick really wants to keep. With Repole bankrolling Rick, money is no issue.


Re: 2025 recruiting
Rick needs to replace Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, and Deivon Smith. These guys are all seniors, and very mature (physically and mentally). This is a big reason why Rick isn't prioritizing high schoolers.


Re: RJ
I think RJ gets a draft grade and returns back to Queens to continue developing. He needs to work on his defense, three point shooting, free throws, his handle...