Rick Pitino has secured his most significant recruiting victory since returning to St. John’s, officially landing five-star forward Malachi Jordan. The commitment marks the program’s highest-ranked recruit since Rysheed Jordan signed in 2013, providing a crucial talent boost for a squad that advanced to the Sweet 16 in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. With veteran Ruben Prey returning to the lineup, the Red Storm now possess a balanced core capable of challenging for a deeper postseason run.
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Jordan’s decision to join the Big East was a late-stage upset, as St. John’s entered the recruitment process after the prospect had already visited powerhouses like USC, Kansas, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee. Despite the crowded field, Pitino’s reputation for player development and character-driven coaching tipped the scales. Jordan praised the head coach’s integrity, noting that Pitino’s promise to help him reach his full potential was the deciding factor in a recruitment that featured intense competition from elite national programs.
This signing represents a pivotal moment for St. John’s basketball, which is looking to translate its recent tournament success into sustained dominance. By acquiring a top-25 talent, Pitino has addressed a key area of need and signaled that the Red Storm are no longer just a mid-major contender but a serious blue-blood threat. The addition of Jordan, combined with the returning leadership of Prey, sets the stage for a highly competitive 2027 season where St. John’s aims to push past the Sweet 16 and contend for a national title.
Source: Yahoo Sports
