By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Just the latest of a long list of European young players moving to the NCAA, the 2005-born Portugal big man Ruben Prey has been announced by St. John’s University in New York.
Joventut Badalona’s product, last year playing on loan to CB Prat, where he 11.8 points and 7.1 rebounds, this will be his first overseas experience. Representing Portugal internationally, he played at the 2022 U20 FIBA European Championship, averaging 16.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. At the recent 2025 EuroBasket European Qualifiers, he had 8.5 points per night.
He will be coached by Rick Pitino, in charge of the Red Storm men’s basketball team’s bench since 2023. The former Panathinaikos head coach commented upon his arrival. “Ruben [Prey] bolsters our front court into not only the tallest but also the quickest I have coached in some time. He shoots it well, runs the court rim to rim with great speed, and will comprehend the Euro offense easily”, he said.
OFFICIAL ✔️
Welcome to Queens, Ruben! 🌩️
🗞️ https://t.co/VFmfZdcgaJ pic.twitter.com/6YXrZImkOm
— St. John’s Men’s Basketball (@StJohnsBBall) June 21, 2024
PHOTO CREDIT: FIBA