In a matchup of two of the most storied programs in college basketball history, St. John’s will play at Kentucky next season in the Big East/SEC Challenge, The Post has learned
The Red Storm, coming off a 21-12 season and their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2002, will be one of the youngest teams in America after four of five starters completed their eligibility.
Kentucky, which lost 56-55 to UConn in the Final Four semifinals, is losing star guard Brandon Knight to the NBA, but returns a talented core, led by Queens guard Doron Lamb.
The Wildcats, under John Calipari, will bring in the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class. St. John’s, which got blown out by Gonzaga in a NCAA first-round game, brings in the nation’s No. 3-ranked class, headlined by Queens forward Maurice Harkless, Texas guard D’Angelo Harrison and Juco center God’s Gift Achiuwa.
The game will be played in early December at legendary Rupp Arena. Plenty of NBA scouts should be in attendance.
The Post also learned that Arizona guard Lamont “MoMo” Jones of Harlem, will transfer to St. John’s and could be eligible to play this upcoming season under NCAA hardship rules.
Jones emerged last season as one of the nation’s top point guards in leading the Wildcats to the West Region final.