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St. John’s Basketball: St. John’s release Zach Brown from Letter of Intent

By Drew Dinnhaupt

Jan 16, 2017; Queens, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Chris Mullin coaches against the DePaul Blue Demons during the first half at Carnesecca Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Queens, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Chris Mullin coaches against the DePaul Blue Demons during the first half at Carnesecca Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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St. John’s basketball signee Zach Brown has been released from his National Letter of Intent following an arrest earlier this month.

St. John’s has just lost their lone commitment in the 2017 class, as 4-star center Zach Brown was officially released from his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday. The 7’1″ big man was rated as the nation’s No. 8 center, according to the 247Sports Composite. He signed his Letter of Intent to St. John’s in early November during the early signing period.

Related Story: Zach Brown arrested for robbing Walgreens

Brown was arrested earlier this month and charged with first-degree theft, and driving with a suspended license and an expired tag.

This is the second time Brown has been arrested in the last eight months. In May of 2016, Brown was arrested for robbery with an armed weapon and credit card fraud.

From ESPN:

"“It was a mutual decision to release Zach from his national letter of intent,” Mullin said in a statement. “We wish him the best of luck.”"

Brown was the only 2017 prospect who committed to St. John’s. The Red Storm are the only Big East school without a senior prospect committed to their team.

St. John’s will have to rely heavily on Tariq Owens, Marvin Clark Jr. (eligible in 2017-18 out of Michigan State) and Kassoum Yakwe in the front court moving forward. With Yankuba Sima gone and now Zach Brown released, the Red Storm will likely look for more talent on the transfer market or recruiting trail.

Next: Player of the Year power rankings (Edition Eight)

Three-star power forward Derrick Walker, a Kansas City native, looks like the only senior who could end up at St. John’s at the moment. St. John’s is currently 9-11 and ranks sixth in the Big East.