Rick Pitino Commends Quinn Ellis for Veteran-Like Play in St. John's Exhibition Win

Quinn Ellis scored three points in St. John’s exhibition opener on October 14, 2026, but coach Rick Pitino expressed admiration for his performance. The new point guard attempted only two shots, focusing instead on facilitating for his teammates during the game, which ended with St. John’s defeating Drexel 81-52 at Carnesecca Arena. Pitino stated, “Quinn is the only one on the team who really understood how to play. He didn’t even care about looking at the basket. He played like a veteran.” He noted that while other players were seeking three-point shots, Ellis understood the importance of making the defense work. Ellis contributed significantly with six assists, six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks in 27 minutes of play. Pitino compared him favorably to other top point guards he has coached, emphasizing his ability to create opportunities for others. Babacar Sane, a teammate, praised Ellis for his passing skills, joking that he owed him money for assists. Ellis was recently cleared to play by the NCAA after a period of uncertainty regarding his eligibility. The 23-year-old previously played in the EuroLeague for Olimpia Milano and opted for St. John’s over several prestigious programs, citing the opportunity to develop under Pitino. He acknowledged the need for the team to improve their chemistry and communication as they adapt to a new system. Pitino expressed satisfaction with the team's overall effort and highlighted Ellis's standout performance.