Rysheed Jordan in danger of being academically ineligible: sources
By Zach Braziller
May 24, 2015 | 3:06am
Rysheed Jordan Photo: Charles Wenzelberg
The addition of Chicago four-star point guard Marcus LoVett Jr. may be more important than some realized.
Rising junior guard Rysheed Jordan, the most talented returning St. John’s player, is in danger of being academically ineligible this coming season, according to multiple sources. His status is expected to be resolved in one way or another at some point this coming week.
The enigmatic, yet talented, Jordan, a five-star recruit entering St. John’s two years ago, was unsure about returning to the school following a sophomore season that saw him average 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He weighed entering his name in the NBA Draft, though his name wasn’t found on mock drafts, but ultimately decided to return to the school.
Nevertheless, the sources said he has neglected the student aspect of being a student athlete since returning from a leave of absence from the team in early January, and is in serious danger of not being able to compete in the fall semester, and possibly even further.
Losing Jordan would be a severe blow to new coach Chris Mullins first season. Though Mullin has added several key pieces, such as LoVett, Pittsburgh graduate transfer Durand Johnson, three-star New Jersey guard Malik Ellison and JUCO transfer Darien Williams, among others, the hope was a fully invested Jordan would lead the team. Along with forward Chris Obekpa, Jordan was the only other returning member of the team to see consistent minutes a year ago.
It has been a star-crossed two years for Jordan at St. John’s. Under former coach Steve Lavin he was suspended once and the leave of absence was the result of repeated infractions, such as going home to Philadelphia without permission, and a mutually agreed parting of ways. He was disciplined for a homophobic tweet, lost three people close to him — a friend, aunt and grandmother — and was shielded from interviews until the NCAA Tournament this past March.
If the 6-foot-4 Jordan leaves the program — a possibility — it would open up a second scholarship for next year. Italian guard Federico Mussini is an option — St. John’s is the only school the talented Mussini has visited — as is highly regarded Greek center Georgios Papagiannis. Florida transfer Eli Carter is another target.
By Zach Braziller
May 24, 2015 | 3:06am
Rysheed Jordan Photo: Charles Wenzelberg
The addition of Chicago four-star point guard Marcus LoVett Jr. may be more important than some realized.
Rising junior guard Rysheed Jordan, the most talented returning St. John’s player, is in danger of being academically ineligible this coming season, according to multiple sources. His status is expected to be resolved in one way or another at some point this coming week.
The enigmatic, yet talented, Jordan, a five-star recruit entering St. John’s two years ago, was unsure about returning to the school following a sophomore season that saw him average 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He weighed entering his name in the NBA Draft, though his name wasn’t found on mock drafts, but ultimately decided to return to the school.
Nevertheless, the sources said he has neglected the student aspect of being a student athlete since returning from a leave of absence from the team in early January, and is in serious danger of not being able to compete in the fall semester, and possibly even further.
Losing Jordan would be a severe blow to new coach Chris Mullins first season. Though Mullin has added several key pieces, such as LoVett, Pittsburgh graduate transfer Durand Johnson, three-star New Jersey guard Malik Ellison and JUCO transfer Darien Williams, among others, the hope was a fully invested Jordan would lead the team. Along with forward Chris Obekpa, Jordan was the only other returning member of the team to see consistent minutes a year ago.
It has been a star-crossed two years for Jordan at St. John’s. Under former coach Steve Lavin he was suspended once and the leave of absence was the result of repeated infractions, such as going home to Philadelphia without permission, and a mutually agreed parting of ways. He was disciplined for a homophobic tweet, lost three people close to him — a friend, aunt and grandmother — and was shielded from interviews until the NCAA Tournament this past March.
If the 6-foot-4 Jordan leaves the program — a possibility — it would open up a second scholarship for next year. Italian guard Federico Mussini is an option — St. John’s is the only school the talented Mussini has visited — as is highly regarded Greek center Georgios Papagiannis. Florida transfer Eli Carter is another target.
