Could a Deep Run Be Brewing for Pitino’s Red Storm?

As the college basketball world shifts its focus to Selection Sunday, there is a growing sense of intrigue surrounding the St. John’s Red Storm. At the heart of this momentum is senior forward Dillon Mitchell, whose high-flying athleticism and veteran leadership have made the "Johnnies" a dark horse to watch in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Mitchell, a former five-star recruit who has found his stride under head coach Rick Pitino, has become the face of a program that is finally starting to resemble the Big East power of old.

Mitchell has spent the 2025-26 season proving why he was one of the most sought-after transfers in the country. Known for his "ferocious" finishing ability, Mitchell has provided a consistent highlight reel for the Madison Square Garden faithful, often punctuated by his trademark windmill dunks. However, his value extends far beyond the spectacular. As a co-captain alongside Zuby Ejiofor, Mitchell has anchored the Red Storm's defense and served as a versatile "point forward," averaging nearly 11 points and 7 rebounds per game. His defensive prowess, particularly his ability to switch onto smaller guards, has been the cornerstone of Pitino's signature pressure defense.

The journey for Mitchell has been one of persistence. After stints at Texas and Cincinnati, the 6-foot-8 senior has seemingly found the perfect system in Queens. Coach Pitino has praised Mitchell’s leadership, recently stating that the players look up to him as the emotional heartbeat of the squad. With Mitchell operating as a secondary playmaker, St. John's has developed a multi-faceted offense that includes perimeter threats like Oziyah Sellers and interior force Handje Tamba. This balance has helped the Red Storm navigate a difficult Big East schedule and put them in a position to potentially secure a favorable seed on Sunday.

Speculation is mounting that St. John's could be this year’s "bracket buster." The combination of a Hall of Fame coach and an elite athlete like Mitchell makes them a nightmare for higher-seeded teams that haven't faced their level of physicality. Mitchell’s experience in 109 career games gives the Red Storm a level of tournament poise that many younger teams lack. He has already proven he can perform on the big stage, and with his senior season winding down, the motivation to leave a lasting legacy at St. John's is at an all-time high.

While the official brackets are yet to be revealed, the Red Storm's recent performances suggest they are peaking at the optimal moment. Whether it's a game-changing block or a momentum-shifting dunk, Dillon Mitchell remains the catalyst for everything St. John’s does well. If Pitino can guide this group through the first weekend, the basketball world might just witness a Red Storm that few saw coming. For Mitchell, the mission is simple: keep soaring until there are no games left to play.