Rick Pitino has seemingly put the finishing touch on St. John’s roster, adding a major piece that could push the Red Storm firmly back into the Final Four picture.
Auburn transfer Keyshawn Hall, regarded as one of the best players still available in the transfer portal, announced Tuesday evening that he is joining St. John’s. Hall shared the news on social media shortly before 7 p.m.
Hall expressed his excitement about playing for Pitino and developing under the St. John’s coaching staff, making it clear that his primary focus is winning with the Red Storm.
The 6-foot-7 forward, like several veteran college players, is currently facing eligibility restrictions while pursuing a potential fifth season through the courts. Hall was among the athletes who received a preliminary injunction from an Ohio judge in July. However, the NCAA later secured a stay of that ruling, temporarily putting the decision on hold while the appeal process moves forward.
The situation is separate from a broader federal ruling issued by a Colorado district court, which was also temporarily paused following an NCAA request.
Hall went undrafted in the most recent NBA Draft but earned an Exhibit 10 deal with the Miami Heat. He subsequently appeared in five Summer League games.
Should Hall ultimately receive another year of college eligibility, St. John’s would add a proven scoring threat to its roster. During his college career, Hall played for George Mason, UCF and Auburn, and he led each program in scoring during his final season with the team.
His most recent campaign with Auburn was particularly impressive. Hall averaged 19.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 45.1% from the field, 37.9% from three-point range and 85.7% at the free-throw line.
St. John’s has already experienced Hall’s impact firsthand. During last season’s Players Era Festival, he produced 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists as Auburn defeated the Red Storm 85-74.
If he is cleared to play, Hall could immediately step into the starting power forward role, filling the vacancy created by Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman’s season-ending Achilles injury.
His arrival would also give Pitino an impressive core featuring Quinn Ellis, Ian Jackson, Tounde Yessoufou and Ruben Prey. With Hall potentially joining that group, expectations around St. John’s could rise significantly heading into the new season.
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