St. John’s fans, circle Nov. 9.

No, there isn’t a game that day. It may be more important, however.

That’s when Babacar Sane returns to Queens Supreme Court for his second injunction hearing in a lawsuit against the NCAA. Initially ruled ineligible, Sane was granted a temporary restraining order.

In the Red Storm’s exhibition opener, the 6-foot-8 forward was impressive, showcasing his physicality, athleticism and a soft touch from the perimeter.

He sank three 3-pointers and finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and two assists in the Johnnies’ 81-52 rout of Drexel inside Carnesecca Arena.

His most impressive play came midway through the second half, when he raced downcourt to swat away a layup attempt. A co-captain, he did commit five of St. John’s 19 turnovers.

“His agent [Bouna N’Diaye] I knew back when I was coaching Kentucky, and he said to me if you can get him to understand, learn the game of basketball the right way, you will have a great player and I agree with that,” Pitino said. “But it’s going to take a lot of work to get him to understand good shot versus bad shot, how to protect the basketball, and not turn it over. He’s such a great guy, and such a good leader, I know he’ll get it. It’s just going to take some time.”

Babacar Sane (0) goes up for a shot during St. John’s 81-52 blowout preseason win over Drexel on Oct. 14, 2026 at Carnesecca Arena. Robert Sabo for New York Post

Sane, who never previously attended college, signed an Exhibit 10 contract in August 2024 with the Utah Jazz, which the NCAA contends negates his eligibility status. He was only under contract for six weeks and didn’t attend training camp with the Jazz.

His side has argued that the NCAA has cleared players with similar professional experience, some of whom have made more money in pro leagues, and he didn’t play or train under said contract.

That includes two of Sane’s former G League teammates, London Johnson and Thierry Darlan.

“It’s a little bit frustrating, especially because I love it here since the day I got here,” Sane said. “Amazing people around. I just love the staff, the players.

“I’m not really into focusing on what’s going on in court. I’m focusing on getting better every day, how can I help this team to really go far. I know I have to go back to court. I’m praying every night that everything is going to turn out to be good for me.”

There has been a lot of talk about Sane’s two-way ability. During a week in the summer when alums returned, they raved about Sane. In the first exhibition game, he looked worthy of the hype.