Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball program is one of the most historic pipelines to the NBA, producing 60+ NBA/ABA players across multiple eras. Known for its New York roots and Big East prominence, St. John’s has developed Hall of Famers, All-Stars, and elite guards dating back decades.
Best NBA Players From St. John’s Red Storm (All-Time Greats)
- Chris Mullin – Hall of Famer, Dream Team member, and one of the greatest shooters ever
- Mark Jackson – All-Star and one of the NBA’s all-time assist leaders
- Metta World Peace – NBA champion and Defensive Player of the Year
- Walter Berry – Elite scorer and former National Player of the Year
- Dick McGuire – Hall of Fame guard and early NBA star
St. John’s elite tier is defined by high-IQ guards, toughness, and New York-style playmaking, with multiple Hall of Fame-level careers.
Notable St. John’s Players in the NBA (Modern Era)
- Julian Champagnie
- Shamorie Ponds
- Justin Simon
- Tariq Owens
While St. John’s doesn’t produce large modern NBA classes annually, it continues to send versatile wings and guards into professional basketball.
Full List of St. John’s Red Storm NBA Players
Here are many of the St. John’s alumni who reached the NBA:
- Chris Mullin
- Mark Jackson
- Metta World Peace
- Walter Berry
- Dick McGuire
- Al McGuire
- Kevin Loughery
- Malik Sealy
- Felipe López
- Jayson Williams
- Bill Wennington
- Zendon Hamilton
- Roshown McLeod
- Omar Cook
- Marcus Hatten
- Anthony Glover
- Bootsy Thornton
- Erick Barkley
- Lamont Middleton
- Lavor Postell
- Ron Artest
- Justin Simon
- Julian Champagnie
- Ponds Shamorie
- Dwight Hardy
- D’Angelo Harrison
- JaKarr Sampson
- Sir’Dominic Pointer
- Marcellus Sommerville
- Chris Obekpa
- Orlando Sanchez
- Kris Joseph
- Lavern Tart
- Rodney Dent
- Earl Monroe
- Mel Davis
- Sonny Dove
- Reggie Carter
- George Johnson
- Richie Guerin
- Max Zaslofsky
- Harry Boykoff
- Bob Cousy
- John Warren
- Ed Macauley
- Ray Felix
- Willie Naulls
- Ken Sears
- Connie Simmons
- Jim Spanarkel
- Ken Bannister
- Vinny Johnson
- Bill Melchionni
- Freddie Crawford
- Joe Lapchick
- Johnny Kerr
- Lou Carnesecca
(St. John’s has produced 60+ NBA players in total.)
St. John’s NBA Legacy
St. John’s NBA identity is built around elite guard play and basketball IQ, shaped by decades of Big East competition. The program has produced:
- Multiple Hall of Famers
- Numerous All-Stars and franchise guards
- A long history of NBA-ready perimeter players
Few programs outside the traditional blue bloods can match St. John’s historical depth of NBA talent, particularly in the backcourt.
Summary
- St. John’s has produced 60+ NBA players
- Features multiple Hall of Famers and All-Stars
- Known for elite guards and playmakers
- One of the most historic NBA pipelines outside blue bloods