St. John's Basketball: Top 4 opponents to watch in 2024 non-conference schedule

The non-conference campaign in Coach Rick Pitino's first year at St. John's Basketball was an interesting one, filled with ups and downs. The key moments included wins over Utah and West Virginia, as well as defeats to Dayton, Michigan, and Boston College.

The Red Storm ultimately didn't make the NCAA Tournament but with the hope of a new roster, is hoping to bounce back in 2025. The non-conference campaign has been released, including participating in the Baha Mar Bahamas Championship, featuring two of Baylor, Virginia, and Tennessee. With the Bears and Vols two projected preseason top-20 teams, playing them instantly will boost their strength of schedule.

But which of the other nine confirmed opponents should be key games to watch? Here's a list of four matchups to keep an eye on.

4. Quinnipiac - Nov 9th (H)

The Bobcats were the regular-season winner in the MAAC last season and although they lost leading scorer and MAAC POY forward Matt Balanc, they return two other double-digit scorers (Amarri Tice and Paul Otieno), as well as Savion Lewis, one of the top returning passers in the country at 7.3 apg. Among the mid-major "buy games", the Bobcats and its potent offensive will represent a tough challenge.

3. New Mexico - Nov 17th (N, Madison Square Garden)

It's the big-time "father vs son" battle, as Richard Pitino will take on his hall-of-fame father. The younger coach had to retool his roster, losing key guards Jamal Mashburn and Jaelen House, along with star freshman forward, JT Toppin. They do return breakout star Donovan Dent, who averaged 14.1 ppg and 5.4 apg, along with forward transfers, Filip Borovicanin and Atiki Ally Atiki. The Lobos have a good chance at being a contender in the Mountain West next season.

2. Georgia - Nov 24th (N, Bahamas)

The Bulldogs' rotation could be one of the younger ones among power conference teams but there's plenty of talent. Sophomore guards Silas Demary Jr. and Blue Cain are breakout candidates to watch, while 5-star frontcourt prospects, Asa Newell and Somto Cyril could have a big impact. Transfer guards Dakota Leffew and Tyrin Lawrence will be the veterans to watch for Georgia, who could be a surprising team in the SEC.

1. Kansas State - Dec 7th (N, TBD)

At the start of the offseason, Kansas State looked to be a bottom-tier team in the Big 12. They landed Michigan transfer Dug McDaniel to run the backcourt but the frontcourt had multiple holes. However, the Wildcats landed several key players late in the transfer portal process, including Achor Achor, Kentucky's Ugonna Onyenso, and former Illinois star forward, Coleman Hawkins.

This new core could put Kansas State among one of the top teams in the Big 12 and a potential top-25 roster to start out the 2024-25 season. And that should make them the strongest "confirmed" opponent for the upcoming season for St. John's Basketball.