Torch Sports

The sports section of St. John’s University’s independent student newspaper. @SJUTorch

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

"I will never have a team like this again. I may have some good teams but never ones with their attitude."

St. John's might've fallen short against No. 1 Duke in the Sweet 16, but their legendary 2026 season will never be forgotten.

More here ⬇️
#SJUBB
https://t.co/7dVFz3bQet

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

Playing in the NBA Finals is an achievement that eludes any professional basketball player. This is the reality for Brooklyn native and San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie, who is returning to New York after playing three years at St. John’s

https://t.co/dnNk3vSRcO

[Dave @SJUDave]

The pride of St. John’s, Julian Champagnie is going to the NBA Finals to play against his home town Knicks!!!

20 points 6 rebounds in 38 minutes!!!!

Let’s gooooooo Jules!!!! #sjubb

[Zach Braziller @NYPost_Brazille]

Julian Champagne, from unranked and undrafted, to the NBA Finals. What a story. #sjubb

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

And in Big East news former UConn guard Stephon Castle will be playing for a championship alongside Champagnie

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

Former St. John’s standout and San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie is heading to the NBA FINALS to take on the New York Knicks.

Either way you look at it a New York team has representation in this year’s finals.

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

Former St. John’s standout and San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie is heading to the NBA FINALS to take on the New York Knicks.

Either way you look at it a New York team has representation in this year’s finals.

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

@Itzdopey21 @AdamZagoria I think that is one way to sum it up

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

Update:

Tounde Yessoufou committed to St. John’s for close to $6 million, according to @AdamZagoria

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

Adding Zuby Ejiofor to a frontcourt that already has Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson can do wonders for the Knicks

[Dave @SJUDave]

Zuby Ejiofor will work out for the New York Knicks tomorrow, per source.

Ejiofor who is climbing draft boards, worked out for Raptors, Celtics and Grizzlies recently as well. The Big East Player of the Year has a handful more workouts prior to the NBA Draft on 6/23 #sjubb #nyk

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

Can’t for Yessoufou to join this team, as one of the final pieces to an always evolving roster

[Tounde Yessoufou @ToundeYessoufou]

First and foremost, I want to thank God for always giving me the strength, courage, and faith to persevere through every challenge and moment of adversity. I also want to thank my family for standing by my side through thick and thin, especially throughout this process and this important decision.

I usually don’t speak publicly about things like this, but I feel it’s important to address a few things. Ever since I was a kid, my dream has always been to play in the NBA, and that dream has never changed. At the same time, I’ve always believed in myself and have always been self-aware enough to understand what I need to do to put myself in the best position to succeed.

I’ve seen and heard the rumors and speculation surrounding my decision. The truth is, none of that affects me. My entire life, I’ve been criticized, doubted, and questioned, and I’ve learned to stay focused on what matters.

I want to make one thing very clear: my decision to attend St. John’s has nothing to do with money. My decision was based on basketball, development, and winning.

I love what Coach Rick Pitino has built at St. John’s. His experience, leadership, and résumé speak for themselves, but what stood out most to me was the belief he has in his players, his relentless work ethic, and his ability to help good players become great players while also helping them grow as men.

At every level I’ve played, my goal has always been to compete for championships. I made this decision based on where I believe I can best develop as a player, grow as a leader, and put myself in the strongest position to achieve my ultimate goals.

This was a basketball decision. This was a development decision. This was a winning decision.

That’s the truth.

#redstorm

[Tounde Yessoufou @ToundeYessoufou]

First and foremost, I want to thank God for always giving me the strength, courage, and faith to persevere through every challenge and moment of adversity. I also want to thank my family for standing by my side through thick and thin, especially throughout this process and this important decision.

I usually don’t speak publicly about things like this, but I feel it’s important to address a few things. Ever since I was a kid, my dream has always been to play in the NBA, and that dream has never changed. At the same time, I’ve always believed in myself and have always been self-aware enough to understand what I need to do to put myself in the best position to succeed.

I’ve seen and heard the rumors and speculation surrounding my decision. The truth is, none of that affects me. My entire life, I’ve been criticized, doubted, and questioned, and I’ve learned to stay focused on what matters.

I want to make one thing very clear: my decision to attend St. John’s has nothing to do with money. My decision was based on basketball, development, and winning.

I love what Coach Rick Pitino has built at St. John’s. His experience, leadership, and résumé speak for themselves, but what stood out most to me was the belief he has in his players, his relentless work ethic, and his ability to help good players become great players while also helping them grow as men.

At every level I’ve played, my goal has always been to compete for championships. I made this decision based on where I believe I can best develop as a player, grow as a leader, and put myself in the strongest position to achieve my ultimate goals.

This was a basketball decision. This was a development decision. This was a winning decision.

That’s the truth.

#redstorm

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

The future of St. John’s is looking brighter than ever before with more games being played at MSG against high caliber opponents

[Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein]

St. John's is in active discussions to play 16-18 games — including all 10 Big East regular season games — at MSG during the 2026-27 season, per Red Storm AD Ed Kull.

St. John's is aiming to play 3-5 non-conference games at MSG along with multiple Exhibition Games in October.

[Rick Pitino @RealPitino]

Super excited for the addition of Tounde. We will add one more scholarship player in the next 24 hours and are roster will be complete. Couldn’t be more fired up for this upcoming season!

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

St. John’s landed a completely different talent — one that may be an even better fit for the Rick Pitino blueprint. The Red Storm added potential first-round prospect and former Baylor forward Tounde Yessoufou.

https://t.co/8Mg1XK24Ik

[Jason Petrucci @Jpet_7]

The world awaits a decision from NBA draft prospect Milan Momcilovic…

Why St. John’s is his best choice ⬇️

#SJUBB
https://t.co/JXh7nYbH7j

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

It’s time for St. John’s to get serious and go big-game hunting. All offseason, the Johnnies have been linked to several big names, including No. 1 transfer Flory Bidunga, who chose the University of Louisville one week into the portal season.

https://t.co/GQUF4684oo

[Jason Petrucci @Jpet_7]

The Knicks and St. John’s are seriously the only teams making New York City proud.

[BIG EAST Conference @BIGEAST]

FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THREE YEARS THE RED STORM ARE BIG EAST BASEBALL CHAMPIONS 🏆

[NCAA Baseball @NCAABaseball]

Just a casual Sunday winning a CHAMPIONSHIP 🤭

#NCAABaseball x @StJohnsBaseball / @BIGEAST

[St. John's Baseball @StJohnsBaseball]

YOUR 2026 @BIGEAST CHAMPS 🔴⛈️

#RedStorm | #EveryTrip

[Torch Sports @TorchSports]

Rick Pitino follows a very strict code when recruiting his team. His St. John’s program was strictly looking for players that fit their PHD mentality: Passionate, Hungry and Driven.

https://t.co/xUPXUQsqOc