For the second straight day, St. John’s has landed a high-profile transfer.
Former Arizona guard Justin Simon has committed to the Johnnies, he announced on Thursday.
“My next chapter has me in an Empire State of Mind,” Simon tweeted. “Happy to be a part of the St. John’s family.”
Simon was a top 50 recruit coming out of high school, but he was unable to find a way into Arizona’s back court rotation this season. With a load of talented perimeter players entering the program this summer, it didn’t make sense for Simon to return to Tucson to get buried on the bench.
“Having the opportunity to play for a Hall of Famer who has surrounded himself with an incredible staff that is all about getting their guys better was a huge draw in my decision to continue my college career at St. John’s,” said Simon. “I feel like I can be myself at St. John’s and reach my full basketball potential.”
The 6-foot-6 guard will sit out the 2016-17 season and have three years of eligibility remaining.
On Wednesday, the Johnnies landed a commitment from Marvin Clark, a transfer from Michigan State.