A very talented guard just entered the college basketball transfer portal, and he could soon be a target of Rick Pitino and St. John’s.
The focus of the college basketball world is on the Sweet 16 games in the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments. However, there is a big story going on in the background for every team. And that is college basketball’s version of free agency, the transfer portal.
More than 1,000 players have entered the portal to take their talents elsewhere for 2025-26. The St. John’s Red Storm are expected to be aggressive on the transfer market after landing several players that played a big role in their first Big East title in 25 years this season.
The Johnies need to fill the holes left by departing players Kadary Richmond, Deivon Smith, and Aaron Scott this offseason. Earlier this week they addressed one spot by landing Arizona State guard Joson Sanon. Yet, the program needs more impact guards, and Pitino’s son Richard just lost a player that could interest his father.
Could St. John’s target former Xavier star Ryan Conwell?
Just days after Xavier hired Richard Pitino to be their next head coach, it was revealed that star guard Ryan Conwell is entering the transfer portal. In 33 minutes a game for the Musketeers, Conwell averaged 16.5 points, 2.7 boards and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.0% from the field and 41.2% from three.
Pitino revealed before their second round loss to Arkansas last week that he has no plans of bringing into elite recruits from high school this offseason. He will focus exclusively on transfer portal players because they can get the St. John’s closer to reaching the Final Four for the first time in over 40 years. The school has never won a national title.
Conwell would certainly be a big addition for the school especially if top scorer RJ Luis Jr. also departs to enter the NBA Draft. Luis Jr. was the only players on the roster that averaged more points per game last season than Conwell.
More college basketball news:
- Kentucky basketball beats out LSU, Arkansas and USC for elite shooter in portal hours before facing Tennessee in Sweet 16
- Power 5 schools reportedly worried about St. John’s, UConn and mid-majors soon dominating college basketball
- St. John’s quickly land elite talent to bolster Final Four hopes for next season