Rick Pitino's latest reinforcement might not make the impact he expects

The St. John’s Red Storm shone last season under Rick Pitino. The legendary coach took the team to the West Region second-round stage, where the Arkansas Razorbacks, led by Pitino’s nemesis, John Calipari, took them out 75-66. 

Coming off a 31-5 (18-2 in the conference) record, the Red Storm have high expectations for the 2025-26 NCAA season. The team received big news when Bryce Hopkins transferred to the program after spending the last three seasons with the Providence Friars. 

Hopkins is an intriguing prospect who also carries doubts after only playing three games last season. Before that, he played 14 games. Injuries have taken a toll on his body and derailed his progress, but if Pitino can bring the best out of him, Hopkins would be a menace.

Analyst says he’s wary about Bryce Hopkins’ potential impact on St. John’s

Analyst John Fanta isn’t so sure about which version of Bryce Hopkins the St. John’s Red Storm will see this upcoming season. On Thursday’s episode of “Field of 68: Offseason Grades,” Fanta noted that Hopkins’ inactivity in the last two years could affect how he performs this season.

Rick Pitino

“We don’t know what version of Hopkins we’re going to see. We really do not,” Fanta said. “The guy hasn’t played coordinated basketball at a high level in two years.”

In three games last season, Hopkins averaged 17 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals per outing, shooting 40% from the field, 40% from deep and 75% from the free-throw line.  If he can return to his best version, the Red Storm would elevate its game from Day 1.