According to a report from CBS, the rich capital of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will host a college basketball tournament in November 2026 called the Royal Palm Invitational . St. John's, however, wants no part of it.

The report noted that multiple teams from major conferences are expected to join, with a hefty cash prize possibly in the offing for the champion.

St. John's coach Rick Pitino revealed that while his team was invited, he refused to participate .

“St. John’s turned down an offer from the organizers of the new Dubai college hoops event, Rick Pitino tells me,” reported The New York Times' Adam Zagoria on X. Expand Tweet

While the reason for the refusal wasn't disclosed, the Red Storm could influence other squads to do the same, especially since Dubai has b

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