St. John’s has landed one of the biggest remaining names in the college basketball transfer market, with committing to the Red Storm and giving head coach Rick Pitino another major piece for the upcoming season.
Hall announced his decision Tuesday evening, choosing St. John’s as he continues his pursuit of another year of college eligibility. The 6-foot-7 forward is currently ineligible under NCAA rules, but his situation could change as legal challenges surrounding eligibility restrictions continue to unfold.
Hall was among the athletes who received a preliminary injunction from an Ohio judge in July that could potentially open the door for an additional season. The NCAA later secured a stay of that ruling, meaning Hall’s eligibility remains unresolved while the legal process moves forward. If he ultimately receives clearance, his arrival could significantly raise St. John’s ceiling.
The veteran forward has established himself as a highly productive scorer throughout his college career. After beginning at George Mason and later playing for UCF, Hall transferred to Auburn, where he became one of the Tigers’ most important offensive weapons. He led each of his last three teams in scoring and saved his most impressive statistical season for Auburn.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Hall averaged 19.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He shot 45.1% from the field, connected on 37.9% of his three-point attempts and converted 85.7% of his free throws, demonstrating an ability to score efficiently from multiple areas of the floor.
St. John’s already experienced Hall’s offensive impact firsthand. During last season’s Players Era Festival, he posted 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists as Auburn defeated the Red Storm 85-74. His performance provided St. John’s with a direct look at the scoring ability Hall could now bring to its own lineup.
The addition becomes even more significant because St. John’s recently lost Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman to a season-ending Achilles injury. If Hall is cleared to play, he could step directly into the starting power-forward role and help fill the void created by Freeman’s absence.
Hall’s addition would also give Pitino a formidable group of experienced and talented players. He could join a projected lineup featuring Quinn Ellis, Ian Jackson, Tounde Yessoufou and Ruben Prey, creating a roster with considerable scoring ability, size and versatility.
The former Auburn standout also brings valuable experience from playing major minutes and carrying offensive responsibility at multiple programs. His ability to rebound, create his own shot and stretch the floor from three-point range could give St. John’s another dynamic offensive option.
Hall went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft but subsequently signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat and appeared in five Summer League games. His return to college, assuming he receives eligibility, would provide him with another opportunity to showcase his game while potentially helping St. John’s make a serious postseason push.
For Pitino and the Red Storm, the commitment represents a potentially massive final addition to the roster. If Hall is granted eligibility, St. John’s could enter the season with legitimate Final Four aspirations and one of the more talented veteran groups in college basketball.
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