Last season, St. John's faced an early hurdle that even legendary coach Rick Pitino pointed to: the absence of an elite point guard. That crucial gap has now been decisively filled. The Red Storm have secured a major commitment from Quinn Ellis, a seasoned point guard from England who brings professional experience and impressive accolades to Queens.

Ellis isn't just another recruit; he's a proven winner. Standing with great size for his position, he was named the Lega Basket Serie A's Best Young Player and Italian Cup MVP in 2025, helping Olimpia Milano to consecutive Italian Cup titles. His arrival underscores the growing trend of elite European talent enriching college basketball, a path famously blazed by teams like Illinois's 2026 Final Four squad.

This move creates immediate ripple effects. Shortly after Ellis's commitment, Dylan Darling, who started 15 games at point guard last season, entered the transfer portal. This shift signals a significant upgrade for St. John's, propelling them up to No. 13 in the latest CBS Sports Way-Too-Early Top 25 And 1 rankings for the 2026-27 season.

At the top of those rankings, Michigan holds firm at No. 1. The projection assumes the return of a formidable core—Morez Johnson Jr., Elliot Cadeau, and Trey McKenney—from their 2026 National Championship team. That veteran talent, combined with a stellar incoming class featuring Tennessee transfer J.P. Estrella and five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr., positions the Wolverines as a favorite to chase back-to-back titles. While the status of stars like Johnson and UCLA's Aday Mara remains to be officially finalized, the early landscape suggests a thrilling and competitive season ahead, with St. John's making a powerful statement about their intentions.