St. John’s University Finalizes Basketball Roster with Signing of Zsombor Maronka
St. John's University has finalized its roster by signing Hungarian big man Zsombor Maronka, following an injury to Donnie Freeman. This move aligns with coach Rick Pitino's strategy of recruiting experienced international players.

New York, NY, July 21, 2026 —
St. John’s University has officially completed its men’s basketball roster with the addition of Hungarian forward Zsombor Maronka. The signing comes in the wake of an injury to player Donnie Freeman, necessitating a roster adjustment for Head Coach Rick Pitino.
Maronka, a notable international prospect, is expected to bolster the team’s frontcourt. His acquisition is consistent with Coach Pitino’s established recruiting philosophy, which has frequently focused on securing experienced talent from overseas.
The specifics regarding the extent of Donnie Freeman’s injury and the anticipated recovery timeline were not provided. The full details of Zsombor Maronka’s contract, including its duration and financial terms, were also not immediately available.
This roster move marks the latest development for the St. John’s basketball program as it prepares for the upcoming season under Pitino’s guidance. The team’s strategic approach to player recruitment, particularly the integration of international athletes, continues to be a defining characteristic of its team-building efforts.
Story summarized from the original created by Zach Braziller on nypost.com, see more information here.