After reestablishing themselves as a powerhouse in the Big East under legendary head coach Rick Pitino, St. John’s Red Storm have quickly become one of the most intriguing programs in college basketball. Following a strong 2024–25 campaign, the Red Storm proved their resilience by overcoming early struggles in the 2025–26 season to once again capture the Big East title and make an impressive run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
A major part of that success stemmed from Pitino’s aggressive and strategic use of the transfer portal. Last season, St. John’s constructed a versatile, athletic roster capable of competing with the nation’s best. Key additions like Bryce Hopkins, Oziyah Sellers, and Ian Jackson played pivotal roles in the team’s deep postseason push, bringing scoring, energy, and defensive intensity.
Now, with another offseason underway, the Red Storm are once again looking to reload rather than rebuild—and they may already be closing in on a major addition. According to recruiting insider Joe Tipton of On3 Sports, St. John’s is emerging as the frontrunner to land Kentucky transfer Mouhamed Dioubate.
Dioubate, a Queens native, is scheduled to visit St. John’s, and all signs point toward strong mutual interest. Known for his toughness, defensive mindset, and physical style of play, he fits the exact mold that Pitino values in his system. His potential arrival would not only add depth but also reinforce the identity that St. John’s has built—long, athletic, and relentless on defense.
Before transferring to Kentucky Wildcats, Dioubate began his collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he spent two seasons developing his game. During his time at Kentucky under head coach Mark Pope, he appeared in 31 games and made 10 starts, averaging 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest. While those numbers may not immediately jump off the page, they highlight his consistency and ability to contribute in multiple areas.
What makes Dioubate particularly valuable is his two-way impact. He brings energy on both ends of the floor—whether it’s battling for rebounds, defending multiple positions, or finishing plays in transition. His athleticism and physicality allow him to disrupt opposing offenses, something that has become a defining trait of Pitino’s squads at St. John’s.
However, the Red Storm still face a significant challenge this offseason: replacing Zuby Ejiofor. Over the past two seasons, Ejiofor has been the emotional and physical backbone of the team, providing leadership, scoring, and a dominant presence in the frontcourt. His departure leaves a void that won’t be easy to fill.
While Dioubate may not replicate Ejiofor’s scoring output, he offers a different kind of value. He projects as a high-level role player who can seamlessly fit into the system, doing the “dirty work” that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for winning games. His defensive instincts, hustle, and willingness to embrace his role could make him an immediate contributor.
For St. John’s, the strategy appears clear: secure strong complementary pieces like Dioubate while continuing the search for a marquee star in the transfer portal. If Pitino can strike that balance again, the Red Storm will not only remain competitive in the Big East but could also position themselves for another deep NCAA Tournament run.
Momentum is clearly on their side. With a proven coach, a strong culture, and a track record of maximizing transfer talent, St. John’s is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for players looking to elevate their game on a national stage.
If Dioubate ultimately commits, it would signal yet another win for Pitino and his staff—and a warning to the rest of the conference that the Red Storm are far from slowing down.
