St. John's men's basketball has officially signed Senegalese forward Babacar Sane for the upcoming 2026-27 season. The 6-foot-8 athlete has experience across high-level leagues globally and was notably impressive while playing in Germany's top league, the Basketball Bundesliga. Head Coach Rick Pitino praised Sane's versatility and athleticism, highlighting input from former player Gorgui Dieng as influential in the decision. Sane has previously competed in the NBA G League and has been a contributor to the Senegalese National Team.

By the Numbers
  • Sane averaged 9.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 30 games for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.
  • In the G League, he recorded 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds across 75 games, with an average of 11.8 points in his final stint with Iowa Wolves.
State of Play
  • St. John's is bolstering its roster after a successful season, including a Sweet 16 appearance.
  • Sane joins other notable recruits like Avery Brown and Donnie Freeman as part of the team's future strategy.
What's Next

With Sane's addition, the Red Storm aims to build on last season's success and enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming 2026-27 season. The coaching staff looks forward to integrating him into the lineup and maximizing his potential.

Bottom Line

Babacar Sane's commitment is a strategic move for St. John’s as they aim to strengthen their squad after achieving back-to-back BIG EAST championships. His international experience and proven scoring ability could play a significant role in the team’s future success.