St. John's adds Cincinnati transfer Dillon Mitchell

Cincinnati transfer Dillon Mitchell, a former five-star recruit and top defensive talent, has committed to St. John's, further strengthening Rick Pitino's powerhouse transfer class. Mitchell, who previously played at Texas and Cincinnati, averaged nearly 10 points and 7 rebounds last season, and is known for his athleticism, versatility, and defensive prowess. His addition complements St. John's recent acquisitions of other high-profile transfers, including Ian Jackson, Joson Sanon, Bryce Hopkins, and Oziyah Sellers, positioning the team as a likely preseason top-five contender. Pitino has prioritized building his roster through the transfer portal, focusing on proven college talent over high school recruits. Mitchell cited the coaching staff's focus on player development and addressing weaknesses as key reasons for his decision. The revamped roster aims to maintain St. John's strong defensive identity while improving offensive output for the upcoming season.