There is always a certain kind of energy that is on the campus of St. John’s University whenever the media day comes rolling along.
Optimism, hope and anticipation all somehow seem to blend as the guys and the gals all continue the prepration for the first scrimmages and eventually the first games of the year.
After the incredible season the Men’s Basketball team had there are way more eyes on them and the Women’s Basketball squad.
As members of various media outlets all gathered seats in the iconic Carnesecca Arena, conversations between them started to fill as to what the hopes were for both programs.
Then the media session started to begin as Women’s Basketball Coach Joe Tartamella sat in front of the journalist to talk about his new staff, the additions of Beautiful Waheed to the squad and a variety of other topics.
One of the topics that was discussed was the fact that both the Men’s and Women’s programs have a wonderful opportunity to play in the World’s Most Famous Arena in Madison Square Garden and how that is leveraged for the programs and what possible plans are for the ladies playing in that venue for the year is going to be.
Fans are encouraged to view our highlight reel of some of the thoughts from Coach T in the video below:
The Women’s team is going to be a fascinating to watch as returning is going to be Skye Owen, Jailah Donald and Kylie Lavelle.
After finishing 2024-25 with a 16-15 record, Coach T and the ladies are hoping to regain the form that got them to the BIG EAST Tournament Quarterfinals.
A name that is going to be one to keep an eye on is that of Shaulana Wagner as she is one of the nation’s assist leaders and is in Queens after seeing playing time in Troy, Wabash Valley and Xavier.
Also going to be a big part of Coach T system is Brooke Moore as she is a defensive specialist from Georgia after playing at Liberty. One of the staples of the Women’s Basketball team is defense and it’ll be great to see what Moore as well as the rest of the returners from last season’s squad continue that tradition this season.
As for returning players Lavelle in her Senior Year with the squad after having a 2024-25 season leading the team in field goal percentage 52.2% and free throw percentage (84.0%).
After Coach T speak the ladies filled the room and answered the questions of the journalist, while everyone was coordinating those interviews things went by energetically and quickly.
Then it was time for Coach Rick Pitino and the Men’s Basketball squad to take center stage and to see if they can continue to capture the hearts and minds of Basketball fans in the New York City Area.
After winning the BIG EAST Conference and dancing in the NCAA Tournament there are going to be a ton of things to watch in the 2025-26 season, including the addition of Ian Jackson with the squad.
As the guys are going to face Towson in an exhibition game on Saturday (today 10/18/25) it’ll be fascinating to see what Coach Pitino does with his roster, how the rotation of the guys are going to be, what starters he is going to go with and a ton more.
To see some of the highlights from the Coach Pitino Press Conference fans are encouraged to view the video below:
The addition of Jackson is one that has all of New York a buzz, as he is going to bring an exciting style of play to Queens after being in North Carolina with the Tar Heels.
Ian averages 11.9 points, while starting in 12 games and during those games scored 15.3 points.
Some of the more memorable moments for Jackson included making an impact against Alabama, UCLA and Louisville.
Oh, and add Jackson to guys like Zuby Ejiofor and Sadiku Ibine and the Red Storm Men’s Basketball team is going to for sure make a ton of noise during the upcoming basketball season.
Ejiofor had himself some incredible moments with the Red Storm last season and thanks to his fine play was named as the Sports Communication Academic All-America Second Team, the BIG EAST Most Improved player and All-BIG EAST First Team Selection.
The exhibition game against Towson is going to be played at 2:00 p.m. today and fans can watch the two teams play on ESPN Plus before the official star of the Men’s Season, which is going to be a test against Michigan in the Bad Boy Mowers Series on October 25 at Madison Square Garden with the start time of that scheduled at 7:00 p.m.
To learn more about the St. John’s Athletics Program fans are encouraged to click on the link below: