St. John’s Men’s Basketball to Participate in “A Day at The Races”

5/15/2024 2:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Flat Top Collective to host a private event at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, August 9 to benefit Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) efforts

QUEENS, N.Y. – The St. John's men's basketball program will participate in "A Day at the Races" hosted by Flat Top Collective on Friday, August 9 at Saratoga Race Course. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Rick Pitino and special guests will join loyal Red Storm supporters in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for an afternoon at the historic race track with proceeds directly benefiting St. John's student-athletes through the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives of the Flat Top Collective.

The action-packed event will be held in the Paddock Suite that overlooks the historic saddling area where a private reception with food and drinks will be available to guests throughout the race day. All attendees will be treated to a Q & A session with Pitino who will discuss the upcoming season. Guests will also receive an exclusive quarter zip shirt while Flat Top Collective will auction select items that are exclusive to the event.

The event begins at 12 p.m. and post time for the first race of the day is set for 1 p.m. Limited event packages are available for $1,250 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets for "A Day at the Races" visit FlatTopFund.com.

St. John's is coming off a 20-win campaign in its first year under Pitino. The Red Storm earned 11 victories in BIG EAST play, marking the program's most since the 2010-11 campaign. St. John's won six of its final seven games and made its first appearance in the BIG EAST Tournament semifinals since 2000.

The Johnnies return five letterwinners and have signed seven newcomers for the 2024-24 campaign. Junior wing RJ Luis Jr. is the Red Storm's top returning scorer and rebounder after averaging 10.9 points and 4.6 boards, respectively, in 23 appearances last season. Zuby Ejiofor, Simeon Wilcher, Brady Dunlap and Sadiku Ibine Ayo are also back for their second season in Queens.

St. John's welcomes four transfers, including 2024 All-BIG EAST First Team selection Kadary Richmond (Seton Hall), Deivon Smith (Utah), Aaron Scott (North Texas) and Vincent Iwuchukwu (USC). The Red Storm's four-member transfer class is rated No. 3 in the nation according to 247Sports.com. The Johnnies also inked three incoming freshmen to National Letters of Intent during the NCAA's Early Signing Period. Consensus four-star recruit Jaiden Glover as well as Lefteris Liotopoulos and Khaman Maker will also make their way to Queens next season.