St. John's lands commitment from Zsombor Maronka to round out 2026-27 roster
St. John's head coach Rick Pitino looks on during a practice session ahead of the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in March in Washington, D.C. Credit: Getty Images/Patrick Smith
St. John’s coach Rick Pitino completed the construction of the Red Storm’s roster for the 2026-27 season by landing a commitment from Hungarian sharpshooter Zsombor Maronka. The 6-10 forward played most recently for Hamburg Towers, which competes in Germany’s top professional league.
Pitino has largely sought experienced players and Maronka is no different: He will be 24 years old this season.
“He’s a knockdown shooter and gives us length,” Pitino told Newsday. He added that he has nicknamed him “Z” for the silent letter at the start of his first name.
Maronka averaged 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in 27 games for Hamburg in 27 Basketball Bundesliga games in 2025-26. He shot 36.8% on three-point attempts.
He also played for Hamburg in the EuroCup and averaged 5.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17.8 minutes.
Maronka participated in an international workout at the NBA Draft Combine in 2021 but withdrew his name before the draft was held.
He played for the Hungarian Senior National Team in qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup and averaged 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds over four games.
Maronka replaces Donnie Freeman on the Red Storm's 15-man roster; Freeman was lost for the season to an Achilles injury.
Roger Rubin returned to Newsday in 2018 to write about high schools, colleges and baseball following 20 years at the Daily News. A Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he has covered 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.
