In the most recent and electrifying development in college basketball, Oziyah Sellers, a former USC guard known for his shooting prowess, has committed to St. John’s University. This move is a massive win for Rick Pitino, who’s laser-focused on rebuilding the Red Storm roster with elite shooters. St. John’s was in desperate need of perimeter accuracy last season, and Sellers might just be the missing piece.
The announcement, confirmed in early April 2025, places Sellers among Pitino’s key recruits as he continues to reshape the team into a serious Big East contender. Let’s take a closer look at what this move means for St. John’s, Pitino’s game plan, and the future of Oziyah Sellers.
Who is Oziyah Sellers and Why He Matters
Oziyah Sellers entered the NCAA basketball radar during his time at USC. Known for his pure shooting mechanics and fast-paced energy, Sellers brings range, discipline, and maturity to the floor. Though he had limited minutes in a loaded USC rotation, his efficiency and potential didn’t go unnoticed.
Pitino didn’t wait long once Sellers entered the transfer portal. With a shooting percentage of over 40% from deep in high school and flashes of that brilliance at USC, Sellers fits exactly what St. John’s lacked: long-range consistency.
Key Stats from Last Season (with USC):
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes Per Game | 8.7 |
| 3-Point Percentage | 37.5% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 80% |
| Points Per Game | 4.1 |
Although these numbers aren’t explosive, they came from limited playtime. What excites Pitino is Sellers’ work ethic and spacing ability. He doesn’t need 30 minutes a game to make a difference—he only needs a few good looks.
Rick Pitino’s Vision: Fixing the Shooting Woes
Last season, St. John’s ranked near the bottom of the Big East in 3-point shooting. Pitino, known for his strategic mind and ability to build teams with championship DNA, made it clear: fixing the shooting gap was priority No. 1.
Adding Oziyah Sellers wasn’t just about raw stats—it was about upside. Pitino has a knack for developing underutilized players into collegiate stars. He sees in Sellers what many overlooked—a player ready to explode if placed in the right system.
Pitino has already surrounded Sellers with veteran guards and strong playmakers. This means more open looks, less pressure, and a coach who trusts his jumper.
How Oziyah Sellers Fits the Red Storm System
Sellers is not a ball-dominant player, and that’s a good thing for a team trying to distribute the offensive load. His off-ball movement, quick release, and confidence allow him to slot seamlessly into Pitino’s fast-paced offense.
Expect him to:
- Stretch defenses with corner and wing threes
- Open lanes for slashers
- Provide defensive hustle on the perimeter
- Act as a floor spacer in crunch-time moments
The key here is spacing. With the Red Storm adding more post presence and athletic forwards, Sellers’ shooting will unclog the paint and force defenders to extend beyond the arc.
Oziyah Sellers’ Transfer: What It Means for the Big East
The Big East is a guard-heavy conference, and adding a reliable shooter like Sellers instantly changes the dynamic. With teams like UConn, Villanova, and Marquette boasting defensive depth, having a shooter who can punish over-help is vital.
St. John’s now has a more balanced attack. Defenders can’t sag into the lane or double team without consequence. Sellers’ arrival, along with a few more upcoming transfers, could quietly turn St. John’s into a March Madness dark horse.
Player Development Under Pitino: What to Expect from Oziyah Sellers
Rick Pitino has a long history of transforming raw talents into polished stars. His former players speak about his intensity, focus, and attention to details. Sellers’ game still has room to grow—especially his mid-range and decision-making under pressure—but he’s in the right hands.
Potential Development Areas:
- Reading defensive rotations more effectively
- Improving shot creation off the dribble
- Adding strength for finishing through contact
- Becoming a two-way player who can stay on the floor late in games
With a coach like Pitino and a system that plays to his strengths, Sellers could double or triple his production from last season.
Let’s Summarize Oziyah Sellers’ Impact
Oziyah Sellers is not just another transfer—he’s a strategic weapon. Pitino didn’t add him for depth. He added him for game-changing impact. His shooting will force opponents to stretch their defense, creating space and driving lanes for others.
If Pitino can bring out the best in Sellers—and history says he will—then Red Storm fans should expect fireworks from beyond the arc this season.
Final Thoughts: Could Oziyah Sellers Be the X-Factor?
With a roster filled with athletes, scorers, and defenders, it’s often the pure shooters who tip the balance. Oziyah Sellers is positioned perfectly to do just that. He’s got the shot, the coach, and now, the platform.
If he embraces the moment, this transfer could become one of the most talked-about moves of the 2025 NCAA season.