Rick Pitino Praises Quinn Ellis: I Haven't Seen a Smarter Playmaker

St. John's head coach Rick Pitino made very strong comments about English playmaker Quinn Ellis. Pitino said that none of the playmakers he has coached before has been as smart as Ellis. According to Pitino, Ellis notices developments on the court that most people do not see.

Pitino also stressed that Ellis can decide a game on his own. According to the coach, Ellis is a rare player who can score six points when needed and take control of a game. Pitino said this quality is not commonly seen.

In recent weeks, Ellis received eligibility from the NCAA to play for St. John's in the 2026/27 season. Before that decision, the player had experience in the EuroLeague with Olimpia Milano. Pitino had earlier pointed to Ellis's ability to bring out his teammates and read positions that other players overlook. These qualities have begun to place Ellis at the center of the Red Storm project.