How Jalen Brunson helped St. John's land transfer commitment

Rick Pitino went 20-13 in his first season back in the Big East. He now has St. John's poised to do even bigger things in Year 2, especially with the news that the Red Storm have landed a top Big East player from the transfer portal.

Kadary Richmond averaged 15.7 points, seven rebounds and 5.1 assists last season for Seton Hall, earning All-Big East honors while leading the Pirates to the NIT championship. The senior guard entered the transfer portal in late April hoping to make the most out of his stellar season and his final year of eligibility.

Per ESPN, Richmond has committed to Pitino and St. John's.

"They were big on life after basketball and player development," Richmond said of the reason he committed to St. John. "That stood out to me, the way they kept it real from day one. They are going to allow me to showcase my ability and become a better basketball player and person. I'd like to make a long run deep into the NCAA tournament and eventually win a national championship. I'm ready to get to work and see what Coach Pitino has in store."

It's also worth noting that the recent basketball "revival" in the city of New York helped sway Richmond the Red Storm's way.

"Seeing what Jalen Brunson is doing for New York City right now, winning in New York is a big thing," Richmond said. "I want to be a part of that."

Pitino is currently on a roll in the transfer portal and he's adding pieces to the puzzle that could make the Johnnies very interesting next season.

Richmond is Pitino's second big-time transfer portal addition in the past two days. Yesterday, Utah transfer Deivon Smith committed to the Red Storm. Smith averaged 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists last season for the Utes.

The pieces are aligning. 

"I like the vision that was put together," Richmond said of what Pitino is building at St. John's.