A former Kentucky basketball player will play for Rick Pitino at St. John’s next season.

The world of college basketball has always been one of high drama, fast-paced decisions, and shifting allegiances. The transfer portal, with its ever-growing influence, has played a major role in reshaping the dynamics of college sports, allowing players to make swift transitions between programs and take on new challenges. A notable example of this phenomenon occurred when a former Kentucky basketball player announced that he would be transferring to St. John’s University to play under legendary coach Rick Pitino in the 2025–2026 season. This move has sent ripples through the college basketball landscape, as it symbolizes not only the changing nature of college sports but also the re-emergence of St. John’s as a competitive force under Pitino’s leadership.

This article delves into the transfer of the former Kentucky player to St. John’s, exploring the player’s journey, the significance of his decision, and how this move aligns with the larger trends in college basketball today.

The Player: Who Is This Former Kentucky Wildcat?

Before we explore the implications of this transfer, it’s important to establish who the player is and why his decision is so significant. The former Kentucky player in question is Trey Harris, a guard who originally hails from Lexington, Kentucky, and joined the Wildcats as part of a highly touted recruiting class. Harris was known for his strong athleticism, shooting ability, and defensive prowess. A 6-foot-5 guard, Harris made an immediate impact upon arriving in Lexington, but his career at Kentucky was marked by inconsistent playing time, a crowded backcourt, and a series of injuries that hampered his development.

Harris had initially been a standout in high school, playing at one of the most prestigious programs in Kentucky, where he was a prolific scorer and a dynamic all-around player. He had been recruited to Kentucky by former head coach John Calipari, who saw in him the potential to be a versatile player who could thrive in Kentucky’s fast-paced, offensive-oriented system.

However, as time passed, it became clear that Harris struggled to earn consistent minutes on the court due to the Wildcats’ deep roster and the competitive nature of the SEC. With the presence of several high-level recruits in Kentucky’s backcourt, Harris found himself in a challenging position, often playing a supporting role rather than being the focal point of the offense. Despite his potential, the combination of factors including injury setbacks, the sheer volume of talent around him, and Kentucky’s overall struggles with team chemistry meant that Harris never fully emerged as the player many had expected.

In 2024, with a new coaching staff under Mark Pope and a reorganization of the roster, Harris found himself once again facing a tough decision: stay and compete for a limited role, or explore new opportunities that might give him a chance to prove himself. Ultimately, Harris chose the latter and decided to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.

The Transfer Portal: A New Era of Mobility

The NCAA Transfer Portal has revolutionized college athletics in recent years, particularly in basketball. Whereas players once had to sit out a year when transferring between programs, the portal now allows athletes to move between schools with relative ease. For players like Harris, the portal offers a chance to reset their college careers and seek out programs that provide more playing time, a better fit, or a fresh start.

In this case, Harris’ decision to enter the portal was driven by his desire for more playing time and an opportunity to take on a more significant role on a team. The Kentucky program had undergone significant changes, and while the Wildcats had immense talent, Harris was not projected to be a starter in their upcoming lineup. By entering the portal, Harris could explore programs that were a better fit for his skill set and where he could make a larger impact.

As Harris sifted through offers from multiple programs, one school stood out: St. John’s University, under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino. Pitino, who had returned to the college basketball scene with the Red Storm, was in the midst of rebuilding the program into a competitive force in the Big East Conference. Harris was intrigued by the idea of playing for a coach with Pitino’s pedigree, especially considering that Pitino’s teams are known for their up-tempo style of play, defensive intensity, and ability to develop guards.

Rick Pitino’s Influence at St. John’s

Rick Pitino’s arrival at St. John’s in 2023 signaled a new era for the Red Storm. Pitino, one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball history, had previously found success at Louisville, where he won a national championship and established a dominant program. His return to the college ranks, following a brief stint in professional basketball in Greece, was met with excitement and anticipation from both the St. John’s community and the broader college basketball world.

Pitino’s coaching philosophy revolves around tough defense, quick transitions, and developing players to their fullest potential. His system often focuses on making his players stronger on both ends of the floor, emphasizing defensive intensity, full-court pressure, and a relentless work ethic. Pitino’s reputation for turning around struggling programs is well known, and his track record of developing NBA-caliber talent speaks for itself.

At St. John’s, Pitino inherited a program that had experienced some challenges in recent years but was poised for a turnaround with the right leadership. The Red Storm had a solid foundation but lacked consistency and had struggled to compete at the top of the Big East. Under Pitino, there was a clear emphasis on bringing in players who could thrive within his defensive-oriented, fast-paced system. Pitino’s ability to identify players who fit his style, as well as his proven success at developing talent, made St. John’s an appealing destination for transfers like Harris.

Harris’ Decision to Join St. John’s

In the end, Harris chose St. John’s because it represented the opportunity to restart his college career, play for a legendary coach, and join a program with a bright future. Rick Pitino’s style of play and his history of developing guards was a major draw for Harris. At St. John’s, he would have the chance to be a more prominent figure on the team, taking on a leadership role in the backcourt and contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts.

Harris’ skill set made him a perfect fit for Pitino’s system. A versatile guard, Harris possesses the ability to play both on and off the ball, which would allow him to thrive in St. John’s uptempo offense and aggressive defensive schemes. His athleticism and length would make him a disruptive force on defense, while his scoring ability could provide an added dimension to the Red Storm’s offense. Harris had also gained valuable experience playing at Kentucky, a program with high expectations and a constant focus on winning at the highest level.

By transferring to St. John’s, Harris was not only seeking more playing time but also a program that could help him reach his potential. Pitino’s development of guards, particularly those who play both sides of the ball, offered Harris the perfect environment to elevate his game and gain national recognition.

St. John’s and the Future of the Big East

The addition of Harris to St. John’s is significant not just for the Red Storm but for the entire Big East Conference. With Pitino at the helm, St. John’s has the potential to become a true contender in one of the most competitive basketball conferences in the country. The Big East has long been known for its depth of talent, and teams like Villanova, UConn, and Creighton are perennially strong, but Pitino’s presence at St. John’s signals that the Red Storm are ready to compete at a higher level.

Harris’ arrival adds another dynamic player to Pitino’s roster, which already includes several talented transfers and recruits. His ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor will be a crucial asset as St. John’s looks to challenge the top programs in the conference. With the combination of Pitino’s coaching acumen and Harris’ potential, St. John’s has a chance to become one of the more intriguing teams in college basketball.

The Broader Impact of the Transfer Portal on College Basketball

The decision of Harris to transfer from Kentucky to St. John’s is a testament to the growing influence of the transfer portal in college basketball. This mechanism has allowed players to find new opportunities, reset their careers, and seek playing time at programs that align more with their goals and needs. While this has led to some challenges for traditional powerhouses like Kentucky, it has also opened up new possibilities for programs like St. John’s, which can now attract experienced players who may not have initially considered the school.

The growing mobility of college basketball players is reshaping the sport. No longer are athletes bound by the limitations of their initial commitments. The portal has democratized college basketball to an extent, allowing programs that may not have the same historical pedigree as the elite schools to compete for top-tier talent. The ability of Rick Pitino to use the portal to his advantage is just one example of how the transfer system is altering the landscape of college basketball.