Bryce Hopkins Leads St. John's Resurgence After Tough Loss

Transfer forward has been key to Red Storm's six-game winning streak after early-season struggles.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Bryce Hopkins has been a different player for St. John's since a tough loss to Providence on January 3rd. Over the past six games, the senior forward has been the team's leader, averaging 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.8% from the field. Hopkins has been especially dominant in the second half, helping the Red Storm rally to key wins over Xavier and Villanova.

Why it matters

Hopkins' resurgence has coincided with St. John's six-game winning streak, which has helped the team climb to 25th in the national rankings. After struggling in close games earlier in the season, the Red Storm have now won three straight by single-digit margins, with Hopkins playing a crucial role down the stretch. His ability to step up in crunch time has provided the team with a much-needed closer.

The details

After the loss to Providence, Hopkins said he felt a 'switch' turn on, and he's played with more freedom and aggression since then. Over the past six games, he's been the team's leader in plus-minus at +75. In the second half against Xavier and Villanova, he scored 14 and 13 points respectively to lead comebacks. Coach Rick Pitino credited Hopkins' willingness to 'take it to the rim' in crunch time as a big factor.

  • The January 3rd loss to Providence was a turning point in St. John's season.
  • Over the past six games, starting on January 3rd, Hopkins has been dominant for the Red Storm.

The players

Bryce Hopkins

A senior forward for St. John's who transferred from another school. He has been the key to the Red Storm's recent six-game winning streak, averaging 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.8% from the field over that span.

Rick Pitino

The head coach of the St. John's Red Storm, who has praised Hopkins' willingness to 'take it to the rim' in crunch time situations during the team's recent winning streak.

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What they’re saying

“That game didn't sit right with me at all. I feel like after that, a switch definitely turned. From there, I just tried to not think as much, go out there and play free. There were a lot of emotions going into that game, a lot of whatever the fans were talking about, stuff like that.”

— Bryce Hopkins, St. John's Forward (nypost.com)

“In crunch time, he's wanted the ball, he's taken it to the rim. He's been very strong with our comebacks.”

— Rick Pitino, St. John's Head Coach (nypost.com)

What’s next

St. John's will look to continue their winning streak when they host Butler at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.

The takeaway

Bryce Hopkins' resurgence has been a key factor in St. John's recent turnaround, as the senior forward has stepped up as a closer and leader for the Red Storm. His ability to make plays down the stretch has helped the team win close games and climb back into the national rankings.