NCAA Basketball: 20 teams who should target St. John’s transfer LJ Figueroa

Purdue Boilermakers

The roster for the Boilermakers took a big hit this month, losing veterans Matt Harrms and Nojel Eastern. They have combined for only 10 ppg this past season but between their great defense inside and out and being the only rising seniors on the roster, Purdue is now looking for a little more help to get back in the NCAA Tournament picture.

This team does return leading scorers Eric Hunter Jr. and Trevion Williams for next season but could use either a true point guard or a wing. Figueroa would be a tremendous pickup in June and provide a ton on both offense and defense.

Syracuse Orange

The Orange lost transfers this offseason as well, although those were reserves who didn’t play as much. That leaves a few key pieces, including Buddy Boeheim, Marek Dolezaj and Joe Girard. Illinois transfer wing Alan Griffin could be part of that group but the odds are that he’ll have to sit out a year barring a waiver. Quincy Guerrier, one of the remaining bench players who didn’t transfer out will have more minutes available but there’s going to be a desire to improve the roster some more in order to compete in the ACC.

With two scholarships left and having closer proximity to St. John’s, Syracuse would benefit from Figueroa if they knew they could get him eligible. Otherwise, there would be no point in making a big effort. But outside of top-50 center Frank Anselem possibly joining the team, there aren’t other transfers out there that make sense. Might as well see if the Red Storm guard wants to stay in the state.