St. John's men's basketball is making it clear: they're not backing down from a challenge. After a grueling non-conference schedule last season that featured powerhouse programs like Iowa State, Alabama, and Kentucky, the Red Storm are doubling down on their commitment to elite competition. While they didn't secure a signature win before Big East play began last year, their upcoming slate suggests they're hungry to change that narrative.
According to a report from Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, St. John's has agreed to a home-and-home series with the Arizona Wildcats, a matchup that promises to deliver high-intensity basketball and plenty of excitement for fans. The first leg of the series will tip off at the iconic Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2026, as part of the Naismith Hall of Fame Series. The Red Storm will then travel to Phoenix for the return game during the 2027-28 season.
Arizona enters this series riding a wave of momentum. Fresh off their first Final Four appearance in 25 years, the Wildcats are poised for another deep NCAA Tournament run. Under the leadership of head coach Tommy Lloyd, Arizona has been a model of consistency, winning 24 or more games in each of his five seasons and reaching the Sweet Sixteen in four of them. While there was speculation that Lloyd might leave for the North Carolina job following Hubert Davis's firing, he put those rumors to rest by signing a five-year contract extension, ensuring stability in Tucson.
The Wildcats will look different this season after losing key contributors from their Final Four team, including five-star freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, as well as seniors Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, and Anthony Dell'Orso. However, they retain two potential preseason All-Americans: Motiejus Krivas, who averaged 10.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game in 2025-26, and Ivan Kharchenkov, who posted 10.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Lloyd has also strengthened the backcourt through the transfer portal, adding rising sophomores Derek Dixon from North Carolina (6.5 ppg, 2.7 apg) and J.J. Mandaquit from Washington (5.2 ppg, 3.2 apg). The freshman class is equally impressive, headlined by shooting guard Caleb Holt—the third-ranked player in the class of 2026—and top-30 small forward Cameron Holmes.
For St. John's, this series represents another opportunity to test themselves against elite competition on a national stage. As their non-conference schedule currently stands, the Red Storm are also slated to face Alabama in Birmingham, adding to what is shaping up to be a thrilling season. Whether you're a fan of the Big East or the Big 12, this home-and-home series is one to watch—and a reminder that college basketball's best teams are never afraid to go toe-to-toe.