St. John’s Basketball: Aiming for a Greater Presence at Madison Square Garden

As the 2025 basketball season approaches, St. John’s University is pushing to elevate its game environment and fan engagement by seeking a record number of games at the iconic Madison Square Garden (MSG). Athletic Director Ed Kull envisions a future where the team plays up to 14 games at the legendary venue, a significant increase from the nine games played there last season.

Current Plans for Games at MSG

While Kull’s ambitious plan may face scheduling challenges due to competing events at MSG, the team is guaranteed to host at least 11 games there. The arrangement includes:

• Seven conference matchups at MSG
• Potentially three league games against Seton Hall, Butler, and DePaul, which may either take place at MSG or the Carnesecca Arena

Key Matchups to Watch

• League Games: Seton Hall, Butler, DePaul
• Non-League Contests: Alabama, Ole Miss, and Iona
• Exhibition Game: Michigan

Kull expressed his determination to maximize the number of games at MSG during a recent event announcing the partnership with Adidas. He stated, “I want them all at MSG… If they have the open dates, they want to give it to us.” This strong desire comes from a growing confidence in the fan base and the team’s potential.

Rising Season Ticket Sales

In a testament to the excitement surrounding the program, St. John’s has seen a surge in season ticket sales, jumping to 8,000 from last year’s 5,600. Kull’s goal is to increase that number to 10,000. The rising demand for tickets reflects a renewed enthusiasm and commitment from the fan base, which Kull emphasizes is crucial for the team’s growth.

Coach Rick Pitino’s Unique Tribute

In a lighthearted yet meaningful gesture, Head Coach Rick Pitino has named one of his racehorses “Zuby” after star forward and co-captain Zuby Ejiofor. This connection showcases the bond between coach and player, highlighting Pitino’s trust in Ejiofor as he enters his third year under the coach’s guidance.

Fun Fact

• The horse named Zuby, currently in training in Saratoga Springs, NY, is described by Pitino as “slow” and has yet to enter an official race, adding a humorous twist to the story.

Ejiofor responded with gratitude, stating, “It means a lot, obviously. I don’t think there’s a lot of guys that he’s named horses after.”

Conclusion: A Season to Look Forward To

With their aspirations to play a significant number of games at Madison Square Garden and a growing fan base, St. John’s basketball is gearing up for an exciting season. The excitement surrounding new partnerships, increased ticket sales, and a supportive community sets the stage for what could be a transformative year for the Red Storm.

For more information on the St. John’s basketball program, visit their official website, or follow their updates on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to rally behind St. John’s as they embark on this promising journey!