St. John's University is making a bold statement on the international recruiting trail, and the message is crystal clear: Rick Pitino is building a global powerhouse. The Red Storm have landed their fourth international recruit this offseason, adding Senegalese forward Babacar Sane to an already impressive 2026-27 roster.
Sane, who committed to St. John's on Tuesday, brings a unique blend of experience and athleticism. At 23 years old, he's no ordinary freshman. The 6-foot-9 forward began his professional journey with the NBA G League Ignite, a program designed to develop top prospects for the NBA draft. After going undrafted in 2024, he signed with the Utah Jazz, then bounced between G League affiliates Salt Lake City Stars and Iowa Wolves before taking his talents overseas.
This past season, Sane played for Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany's top professional league, where he averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Those numbers aren't just stats—they're proof that he can compete at a high level against seasoned professionals. His journey also included a stint with a Tunisian team, giving him a diverse basketball education that few college players can match.
Sane joins a recruiting class that's entirely international. Alongside him are Quinn Ellis, Djordije Jovanovic, and Lazar Stojkovic, forming a trio of prospects from across the globe. Add in a pair of high-profile transfers, including former Syracuse standout Donnie Freeman, and it's clear that Pitino is casting a wide net to reshape the Red Storm's identity.
For St. John's fans, this isn't just about adding talent—it's about a strategy. By targeting experienced international players who have already faced professional competition, the Red Storm are betting on maturity and versatility. Sane, in particular, fits that mold perfectly: a high-level athlete with G League seasoning and European pro experience.
As the 2026-27 season approaches, St. John's is quietly assembling a roster that could surprise the college basketball world. With Pitino at the helm and a pipeline stretching from Senegal to Serbia, the Red Storm are proving that the best talent isn't always found in your backyard.