St. John’s fans will get an early look at Rick Pitino’s first team in late October against a quality opponent.
St. John’s will face Rutgers in an exhibition game for charity Oct. 21, The Post first reported.
It was initially expected to be a closed-door scrimmage, but the teams felt this was a better way to prepare for the coming season and received a waiver from the NCAA.
The game is expected to be played at 2 p.m. at Carnesecca Arena, with the proceeds going to the Jimmy V Foundation.
St. John’s will also play Pace University on Oct. 29 before opening the regular season against Stony Brook on Nov. 7.
St. John’s has almost a completely new team, aside from returning star center Joel Soriano.
Rutgers also will have a new look, after top players Caleb McConnell, Paul Mulcahy and Cam Spencer all either graduated or transferred.
Several high-major teams have set up similar contests rather than playing scrimmages or exhibition games against Division II or Division III opponents.
Ticket information is not yet available, but prices will range from $10 to $20 and students can get in for $5.