By SAM LANCE
Rick Pitino hasn’t wasted any time rebuilding the St. John’s roster for next season. The latest addition? Providence transfer forward Bryce Hopkins.
Hopkins — the 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward from Oak Park (IL) — is the second portal commitment for Pitino this offseason, joining former Arizona State wing Joson Sanon. Hopkins, who began his college career at Kentucky, will provide the Johnnies with a solid one-two punch in the paint with big man Zuby Ejiofor set to make his return.
Now he comes to a St. John’s team that is expected to lose Deivon Smith, Kadary Richmond and Aaron Scott to graduation and RJ Luis and Brady Dunlap to the NBA and/or the portal.
“We are so excited to have Bryce Hopkins part of our family,” Rick Pitino wrote on social media. “He epitomizes everything I love in a basketball player; Passionate, Hungry, and Driven. Can’t wait to work with him! Will become a great one for St John’s.”
Last season at Providence, Hopkins played just three games due to a knee injury. He had surgery on a torn ACL in January 2024 and reaggravated the injury this season. When he was healthy, Hopkins averaged 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 40% from the field. His last full season was in 2022-23. That year, Hopkins averaged 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Friars. He also shot 45.2% from the field and 36.4% from 3-point range. Hopkins played his freshman season at Kentucky before transferring to Providence. He’s played in just 17 games the past two years. Assuming he stays healthy, this is a huge get for St. John’s with several of its pieces from last year’s Big East championship team out of eligibility. Hopkins is ranked the No. 6 overall transfer by 247Sports and No. 80 by Evan Miya. Photo: Field of 68 Follow Sam Lance on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookWe are so excited to have Bryce Hopkins part of our family. He epitomizes everything I love in a basketball player; Passionate, Hungry, and Driven. Can't wait to work with him! Will become a great one for St John's.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) March 31, 2025
