Full Breakdown
St. John's Basketball Pursues Key Transfers Amid Roster Changes
4/10/2026, 12:08:56 PM
Core Event: St. John's Targets Mo Dioubate and Abdi Bashir
St. John's University is actively pursuing key transfers to enhance its basketball roster as the NCAA transfer portal remains open. Among the top targets are Mo Dioubate, a 6-foot-7 wing from Kentucky, and Abdi Bashir, a former Kansas State guard. Both players are expected to visit the campus soon, with Dioubate's visit scheduled for Tuesday and Bashir's on April 13th.
Player Profiles and Performance
Mo Dioubate, who averaged 8.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 21.6 minutes per game at Kentucky, is noted for his defensive skills and rebounding ability. He has participated in the NCAA Tournament three times, showcasing his experience at a high level. Dioubate has also engaged in Zoom calls with St. John's and Virginia, indicating interest from multiple programs, including Creighton, Baylor, Mississippi State, Maryland, and Providence.
Abdi Bashir, a four-star recruit, previously played at Monmouth before transferring to Kansas State. He averaged 14 points, two rebounds, and one assist per game, demonstrating his shooting prowess with a 44.4% success rate from three-point range. Bashir's ability to score in various ways, including off the dribble and through screens, makes him a valuable addition to any team. His performance against top competition, including a 38-point game against Rutgers, highlights his potential impact.
Roster Changes and Coaching Staff Adjustments
St. John's is in a transitional phase as it seeks to fill the void left by departing players, including Zuby Ejiofor, Bryce Hopkins, Oziyah Sellers, and Dillon Mitchell. The only player with remaining eligibility who has opted to leave is Sadiku Ibine Ayo, who is exploring options for playing time and NIL opportunities. Additionally, assistant coach Greg Youncofski is leaving to join Richard Pitino's staff at Xavier, further contributing to the program's changes.
Official Statements & Responses
St. John's head coach Rick Pitino has expressed the need to build a competitive roster through the transfer portal, emphasizing the importance of attracting talented players to replace those who have departed. The coaching staff is actively evaluating potential recruits to ensure the team remains competitive in the upcoming season.
Criticism & Opposition
While the focus on transfers is crucial for St. John's, some critics argue that relying heavily on the transfer portal may disrupt team chemistry and hinder the development of homegrown talent. Concerns have been raised about the long-term implications of frequent roster changes on team cohesion and performance.
What's Next: Upcoming Visits and Recruitment Efforts
As St. John's continues its recruitment efforts, the visits from Dioubate and Bashir will be pivotal in shaping the team's future. The coaching staff is expected to remain active in the transfer portal, targeting additional players to strengthen the roster ahead of the next season.
