Steve Lavin and the St. John’s Red Storm are currently in the early stages of their offseason. So far it has gone, um, less than awesome for the Johnnies. First JaKarr Sampson declared early entry into the NBA Draft (despite being a late-to-never-actually drafted prospected) and now Chris Obekpa has been granted his release from the school.
This is according to several media outlets, but we like Zach the most so:
Per source, St John's forward Chris Obekpa has been granted a release to transfer. #sjubb
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) April 3, 2014
Chris Obekpa is generally thought to be the best shot-blocker in the entire country. Losing him is essentially a deathblow to St. John’s. It is also highlights a pattern of Steve Lavin recruits not sticking around. Whether that is a bad trend that is going to continue or an anomaly, time will tell.
As for Obekpa, expect the behemoth to be the apple of nearly every college basketball program’s eyeballs going into the offseason.
I'm told everyone else is staying at St John's right now #sjubb
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) April 3, 2014
Unfortunately for fans of the Red Storm, very few players of consequence are left.
No pressure, D’Angelo Harrison and Rysheed Jordan.