Bryce Hopkins Discusses NBA Aspirations After Injury Struggles with The Post
St. John’s forward Bryce Hopkins spoke about his NBA aspirations and his injury struggles in a wide-ranging Q&A with Filmogaz.com. He began his college career at Kentucky, then transferred to Providence, and now plays for St. John’s. Hopkins cited team depth and unselfish play as keys to St. John’s success.
Injury timeline and recovery
Hopkins tore his ACL in January 2024 while at Providence. Rehab was physically and mentally brutal. He described needing help with everyday tasks early in recovery.
He returned sooner than expected. In his third game back, a bone bruise in the same knee forced another MRI. The setback kept him out about three weeks and complicated season decisions.
Coach influence and recruitment
Hopkins praised Rick Pitino’s demanding standards and intense practices. He said the program’s grind builds accountability and toughness.
During recruitment, Hopkins visited Avra for dinner with family and coaches. He recalled enjoying sea bass at that meal. Coaches on the visit included Steve Masiello and Pitino.
Coaching succession
Pitino has indicated he plans to hand the program to Masiello someday. Hopkins noted Masiello learned winning habits from Pitino and keeps team standards high.
Teammates and on-court role
Hopkins described teammates as unselfish and deep. He emphasized ball movement and collective effort.
- Zuby Ejiofor: a physical, evolving two-way presence who can shoot and defend.
- Dillon Mitchell: athletic, plays like a point forward and involves teammates.
- Dylan Darling: energetic defender who steadies the team in tight moments.
- Oziyah Sellers: an elite shooter with strong off-ball movement.
- Ian Jackson: quick-twitch guard with a tight handle and shotmaking touch.
- Joson Sanon: athletic shooter and reliable shotmaker.
- Sadiku Ayo: locker-room glue who keeps teammates connected after losses.
- Ruben Prey: skilled sophomore big with touch and guard-like mobility.
- Lefteris Liotopoulos: a pure shooter who converts contested looks.
March memories and tournament goals
Hopkins was on Kentucky’s bench during Saint Peter’s upset in March 2022. He said that game was his first true March Madness moment.
He played Providence against Kentucky in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Facing former teammates felt surreal. Hopkins added that winning his first NCAA game would mean a lot.
He helped St. John’s win the Big East Tournament title on March 14, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. He defended against UConn later in March as well.
Scouting upcoming opponents
Hopkins described Northern Iowa as an older, physical group that shoots off screens. He warned against underestimating their veteran play and tempo.
A potential matchup with Kansas could pit St. John’s against Darryn Peterson, a projected top NBA prospect. Hopkins said the team must prepare like any opponent and avoid outside noise.
NBA hopes and playing style
Hopkins modeled his game on Carmelo Anthony early on. He praised Jayson Tatum as his favorite current player.
He said his NBA dream started in middle school, when he wrote “NBA player” as a goal. Hopkins believes his playmaking and mismatch ability help his draft case.
Defensively, he said he can switch from one through four. He expects to make noise in March to improve his draft stock.
Personal background and off-court life
Hopkins grew up in Chicago and carries a chip on his shoulder. He credits his parents for sacrifices that fueled his career.
He enjoys steak with asparagus and named Kevin Hart and Kai Cenat among his favorite entertainers. Movies he likes include Like Mike and Hardball.
Hopkins thanked St. John’s fans for support after the Providence incident. He said their backing mattered during difficult stretches.
