After two seasons at Providence plagued by injuries, the former All-Big East striker Bryce Hopkins finds a new home in Queens and a chance to write a different end.
It is more than two years since Bryce Hopkins conquered the Big East Stormender and came from the busy rotation of Kentucky to become a Breakout star in Providence. Now, with the scars of two injuries-colored seasons behind him, Hopkins goes to New York City to participate in one of the most compelling rebuilding of the game under Hall of Fame head coach Rick Pitino.
Bryce Hopkins ➡️ St John’s
The Johnnies have officially announced the signing of their last transfer 👀 pic.twitter.com/ismwew6eh
– NCAA March Madness (@MarchmadnessMBB) April 1, 2025
According to Jeff Borzello of ESPN, Hopkins has committed itself to switching to St. John’s, so that the Red Storm adds a tent to what a transforming offsean is for a program that is already full of speed.
For Hopkins it is the next chapter in a career that has seen his share in highlights and heartache – and an opportunity to shine again under the brightest lights in college basketball.
From promise to pain – and back again
The journey of Hopkins was anything but linear. After arriving in Kentucky as a recruit of four stars, he struggled for minutes in the John Calipari system, on average only 2.1 points in limited action. He crossed to Providence for the 2022-23 season and did not waste time prove that he was among them. Under Ed Cooley, Hopkins had an average of 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds, earned all-Big East subjessions and established itself as one of the most physical and versatile attackers of the conference.
But the road has since been full of setbacks. After he decided to stay in Providence despite the departure from Cooley to Georgetown, Hopkins tore his ACL halfway through the 2023-24 season. He briefly returned the following year and showed flashes of his former dominance – on average 17.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in three games – before knee pain put him aside again for the season.
All in all, he only played 17 games for two years.
Now, with renewed health and a relentless conviction in his game, Hopkins gambles in itself – and on Rick Pitino.
The Pitino Effect: A star that is rebuilt under a legend
There was no drama in Hopkins’s transfer decision. He entered the portal with a ‘non -contact’ indication, a calm but clear signal that his mind had already been made up. He wanted to play for Pitino.
And why not?
We are so excited to have Bryce Hopkins a part of our family. He embodies everything I love in a basketball player; Passionate, hungry and driven. I can’t wait to work with him! Will be a great for St. John’s.
– Rick Pitino (@realpitino) March 31, 2025
In just his second year, Pitino St. John’s led to the highest winning percentage in four decades, with both Big East titles sweeping and reduced the program to national prominence. The red storm was not only a feel-good story-she was a candidate, and now, with Hopkins in the fold, they are not going to go somewhere.
Hopkins gives Pitino a ready-made replacement for Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr., who declared the NBA concept and entered the transfer portal. And he won’t be alone.
This season, St. John’s of the Arizona State Transfer Guard Joson Sanon has already added and continues to chase Georgia striking Silas Demary Jr., one of the most sought after guards in the portal.
The return of forward Zuby Ejiofor contributes to the depth of the front court, but Hopkins is the center. On 6-foot-7 he is the kind of multidimensional scorer and rebounder who thrives in the Pitino and when healthy, one of the most complete players in the Big East.
With Bryce Hopkins and Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s demonstrably have the best PF/C combination in college basketball next season. pic.twitter.com/9kv5oyj7ff
– Jon Rothstein (@jonrothstein) April 1, 2025
A redemption device in the making
When the last two years are about frustration and patience, this will be about opportunities next season. Hopkins knows what he is capable of. This also applies to the Grote East. And now, that’s how Madison Square Garden will.
✍ ✍️
Welcome to Queens, @Brycehopkins! ⚡️
🗞️: https://t.co/CC14TTTTIDM2 pic.twitter.com/puay2duld1
– St. John’s men’s basketball (@Stjohnbball) March 31, 2025
There is a poetic symmetry for everything – a resident of Chicago who played in Kentucky and found his voice in Providence, now that the city entered that never sleeps, with a legendary coach on his side and something that was left to prove.
Bryce Hopkins did not finish his story at Providence. But in Queens he can write the end that he has always imagined.
