Joson Sanon Chooses St. John’s: A New Chapter with Rick Pitino
In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, the transfer portal has become a pivotal element in shaping team rosters. This week, the portal has delivered a significant development for St. John’s University, as former Arizona State wing Joson Sanon has committed to the Red Storm. This decision marks a new chapter for both Sanon and the storied program under the guidance of legendary coach Rick Pitino.
Sanon, a 19-year-old freshman, has been one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. His commitment to St. John’s was confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday, and it has already sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. “Coach Pitino believes in me and my potential and what he can do for me,” Sanon shared with ESPN. “He preaches working hard, and I want to show him I’m the hardest working player that’s ever played for him. The way Coach P teaches defense is something I want to invest my time into.”
Sanon’s stats from his freshman year at Arizona State are impressive. He averaged 11.9 points in 28.3 minutes per game and shot 36.9% from beyond the arc. Despite entering the transfer portal just a day before his commitment, Sanon did not take visits to any other schools. His decision was influenced by his agent, Derek Malloy of LIFT Sports Management, who encouraged him to seize the opportunity to play for a Hall of Fame coach like Pitino.
“New York City, Madison Square Garden, Rick Pitino. If we weren’t the first to take it, I’d envy the person who did,” Malloy remarked, highlighting the allure of joining a program with such a rich history and promising future.
St. John’s had a strong season, earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament as the Big East regular-season and conference tournament champions. However, their journey was cut short with a 75-66 loss to John Calipari’s No. 10 seed Arkansas in the second round. The Red Storm’s shooting woes were evident in that game, as they went 2-for-22 from beyond the arc. Adding a dynamic shot maker like Sanon to the roster is a strategic move to address this weakness.
Looking ahead, Pitino will face the challenge of rebuilding his roster, as he is set to lose at least three starters from this season. Seniors Kadary Richmond, Deivon Smith, and Aaron Scott all played significant minutes, ranging from 27 to 32 per game. The status of juniors RJ Luis Jr. and Zuby Ejiofor, who are the team’s top scorers and most highly regarded NBA prospects, remains uncertain. Additionally, the team is likely to lose several players to the transfer portal.
- St. John’s was a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament.
- They lost 75-66 to Arkansas in the second round.
- Sanon averaged 11.9 points and shot 36.9% from 3-point range.
- More than 1,150 Division I players have entered the transfer portal since it opened.
The transfer portal has seen an unprecedented influx of players this year, with more than 1,150 Division I athletes entering since it opened on Monday. This surge far exceeds previous years’ totals at the same stage, underscoring the dynamic nature of college basketball today.
As St. John’s prepares for the upcoming season, the addition of Joson Sanon is a promising development. His talent and work ethic align perfectly with Coach Pitino’s vision, and fans are eager to see how this new partnership will unfold on the court. With the backdrop of New York City and the iconic Madison Square Garden, the stage is set for an exciting new era for the Red Storm.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.
Originally Written by: Jonathan Givony
