Busting Brackets
Fansided

St. John’s Red Storm Add Pitt Grad Transfer Durand Johnson

By Chris Godfrey

facebooktwitterreddit

Chris Mullin may have struck out on landing impact freshmen Cheick Diallo and Brandon Sampson, but he may have recently picked up his most important player to date. Durand Johnson, a graduate transfer from Pittsburgh, has committed to the St. John’s Red Storm.

Johnson was on the verge of being a breakout player for the Panthers. As a redshirt sophomore, he was averaging close to nine points per game in a limited role at Pitt (under 20 minutes per game). Just before an expected increase in playing time and touches, a torn ACL sidelined Johnson for the rest of the year. Last year, Johnson sat out due to an undisclosed NCAA suspension. He participated in practices and team activities last season, but was not eligible to participate in games. In the process, he also finished his degree, which makes him eligible to debut for the Red Storm during the upcoming season.

More from Big East

Now as a Johnny, he’ll have the opportunity that he just missed at Pitt. Johnson is expected to be a starter for Mullin and will be asked to carry the scoring load with the returning Rysheed Jordan and JUCO transfer Darien Williams.

Johnson has proven capable of playing in the backcourt as a two-guard, and is big enough (6’6, 210lbs.) to excel as a small forward as well. He’ll be depended upon to stretch the floor with the three-point shooting that he exhibited at Pitt, where he shot north of 40% from behind the trey line during his tenure.

St. John’s is hoping for a delayed return on the promise and potential that Johnson showed a season and a half ago. The long layoff (he hasn’t seen game action since January 2014) has turned Johnson into somewhat of a mystery. If he is able to pick up where he left off, he will be a crucial component for what could be a surprisingly competitive group next season. However, doubters are sure to temper expectations until Johnson finally suits up for the real thing.

Regardless of the outcome, gaining a commitment from Johnson (who chose the Johnnies over West Virginia) is an example of the buy-in that players are showing the new regime in Queens. Apparently, it was new assistant coach Barry “Slice” Rohrssen that forged the inroads that landed Johnson.

Many expect that the Red Storm will land another important commitment tomorrow, when rising three-star prospect Malik Ellison (son of former top overall draft pick Pervis Ellison) announces his college decision.

Even after missing out on Diallo earlier this week, this could still go down as Coach Mullins most productive week on the recruiting trail thus far.

Next: Can Duke Repeat with Brandon Ingram?

More from Busting Brackets

Home/Big East