Freshman center Theo Edema has secured a permanent spot in the St. John's rotation earlier than anticipated, according to head coach Rick Pitino. "He’s going to be in the [rotation] forever now," Pitino stated prior to practice on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-11 Edema made an impression in the team's exhibition finale, contributing four points and seven rebounds in a victory over Texas. His absence from the season opener against Monmouth was a strategic decision by Pitino to allow other players extended playing time. However, Edema is expected to be a consistent contributor this season, with his size and physicality being valuable assets against larger opponents.