Point Guard
Projected starter: Daniss Jenkins (31 mpg)
Reserve: Cruz Davis (9 mpg)
Jenkins is set to play for his 4th team in five years. He was a starter at Pacific to start his college career, before going JUCO and then playing at Iona this past season. He averaged 15.6 ppg and 4.9 apg on 36% three-point shooting. The 6’3 guard went for 31 points against Niagara, 27 points versus Marist in the MAAC Tournament, as well as 21 points and 10 assists against Marist in league play.
Jenkins played around 34 mpg and was a lethal backcourt pairing with Walter Clayton, who is now at Florida. Everywhere that the senior guard has played, he’s been successful. But the Big East is a different level than both the MAAC and WCC and St. John’s is relying heavily on him being able to play well to have a chance to compete next season.
The team also took a risk in getting Davis, who averaged 6.5 ppg and 1.0 apg in 19 mpg off the bench. The 6’3 guard from Texas did have five double-digit scoring games as a reserve, including 16 points on the road at Marist.
Davis does have three years left of eligibility so if he can be a good bench player, that’s a long-term depth piece for the program. Plus, he could potentially take over for Jenkins at point for the following year. If not, the team will have to start all over again at this position next offseason.