The St. John's Red Storm backcourt is undergoing a significant reshuffle this offseason. Shortly after securing a commitment from European combo guard Quinn Ellis, the program has lost a beloved figure, as fan-favorite Dylan Darling has entered the transfer portal.

The redshirt junior guard, who has one season of eligibility remaining, becomes the fourth Red Storm player to enter the portal this spring. His departure marks the end of a brief but memorable chapter in Queens, where he left an indelible mark on the team's tournament history.

Darling's journey to St. John's was a story of proven success seeking a bigger stage. After beginning his career at Washington State and Idaho State, he arrived as a heralded transfer, fresh off a Big Sky Player of the Year campaign where he averaged 19.8 points and 5.7 assists. The transition to high-major basketball in the Big East, however, presented challenges. After a slow shooting start to the season, he was moved to a bench role, a decision that ultimately unlocked his clutch gene.

It was in this reserve capacity that Darling cemented his legacy. His fearless play produced two of the season's most electric moments: a game-winning step-back three to seal Coach Rick Pitino's 900th career win against Xavier, and another clutch triple in a massive upset over then-No. 3 UConn. Pitino himself famously praised Darling's courage, saying he had "balls as big as church bells."

For the season, the 6-foot-2 guard averaged 6.9 points and 2.6 assists over 35 games, eventually reclaiming a starting spot. While his overall shooting percentages (39.8% FG, 27.7% 3PT) reflect the adjustment to a tougher conference, his late-game heroics are what fans will remember. As the transfer portal continues to churn, St. John's will look to build on its foundation, while Darling seeks a new home to showcase the poise and shot-making that made him a Red Storm favorite.