NCAA Basketball: Top 26 team transfer winners from 2022 offseason

Outgoing transfers: None

Incoming transfers: Andre Curbelo (Illinois), David Jones (DePaul)

The Red Storm had a quiet offseason when it came to roster movement but that’s a good thing since they didn’t lose anyone unexpectedly. Star forward and leading scorer and rebounder Julian Champagnie were gone but the team was able to find his replacement with a familiar face in David Jones.

Jones, a 6’6 combo forward from DePaul, had a breakout sophomore campaign. He averaged 14.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg, and 2.4 apg this past season, including a career-high 33 points and 14 rebounds against Louisville. Jones also had a triple-double (22-14-10) in a game against Georgetown. He only shot 30% from three-point range but his ability to create his own offense and also be a facilitator at the forward spot.

The other newcomer is the ultimate risk vs reward prospect in Curbelo. The former top-40 prospect had a big freshman season at Illinois off the bench, including over 4.0 apg. But injuries and a lack of a clear role hurt him as a sophomore and saw his production slip. He’s still an elite passer and solid scorer and paring him with Posh Alexander in the backcourt could either work perfectly or fall apart, since neither guard can shoot well.

These are talented players that St. John’s landed but there’s a “feast or famine” outlook depending on how they fit. But on paper, the team swung for the fences this offseason in an effort to get back to the NCAA Tournament.