St. John's University has made a significant move in the offseason, securing the commitment of Quinn Ellis, a highly touted point guard from Europe. This acquisition is expected to greatly enhance the Red Storm's lineup, bringing a blend of international experience and dynamic playmaking to the team.
European Star Quinn Ellis Joins St. John's in Major Offseason Move
In a significant development for collegiate basketball, St. John's University announced on a golden Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 2026, the signing of Quinn Ellis, a 23-year-old European point guard. This notable recruitment was initially brought to light by Zach Braziller of The New York Post. Ellis, a versatile combo guard originating from Sheffield, England, chose St. John's over other prominent programs including Duke, Kentucky, Louisville, BYU, and Houston.
Ellis's impressive resume includes seven years of professional play in Italy, most recently with the esteemed club Olimpia Milano. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in securing two Italian Cups, even earning the Italian Cup MVP title in 2025. His debut EuroLeague season was particularly standout, where he averaged a remarkable 8.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game across 35 contests. He demonstrated exceptional shooting prowess, hitting 49.3% from the field and 37.7% from beyond the arc against Europe's elite competition. Beyond his club success, Ellis has also been a key player for his home country, Great Britain, averaging 11.8 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in eight international appearances. During the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, he posted an impressive 17.5 points, 7.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds with 50% shooting in two games. His experience also extends to the NBA Summer League, having participated in three games for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2024.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 200 pounds, Ellis brings a commanding presence to the court. His nimble ball-handling, exceptional court vision, and robust physique are perfectly suited for Coach Rick Pitino’s defensively-oriented system. This addition is strategic, allowing fellow player Ian Jackson to transition back to his more natural role as a two-guard, and moving Dylan Darling to the bench, where he is anticipated to become one of the nation's premier backup point guards. With Ellis's commitment, St. John's now has eight scholarship players for the 2026-27 season. The team is also actively recruiting, with transfers Mouhamed Dioubate from Kentucky, Abdi Bashir from Kansas State, Leroy Blyden from Toledo, and DeSean Goode from Robert Morris currently visiting the campus.
The acquisition of Quinn Ellis underscores St. John's ambition to compete at the highest level of college basketball. His professional background, coupled with his strong international performances, suggests he will be an immediate impact player for the Red Storm. This move not only strengthens their guard position but also elevates the team's overall profile, signaling a promising future for St. John's basketball.
