A top priority for St. John’s this offseason has been rebuilding its backcourt, and they acquired a key piece in that effort Monday morning.
Utah point guard Davon Smith, one of the top lead guards in the transfer portal, verbally committed to Rick Pitino and the Johnnys after taking an official visit late last week.
The 6-foot Smith ranks second in the nation with four triple-doubles a year ago and is a big difference in replacing departed star Danis Jenkins.
Smith averaged 13.3 points, 7.1 assists and 6.3 rebounds last season, shooting a career-high 40 percent from 3-point range.
St. John’s could end up pairing him with Seton Hall star Kadary Richmond, who he is currently pursuing.
Richmond visited St. John’s and Oklahoma.
With the addition of Smith, Johnny has two open scholarships remaining.
They also added Vince Iwchuk (USC) and Aaron Scott (North Texas), and brought back young key players Simeon Wilcher, Brady Dunlap, RJ Lewis and Zubie Ejiofor.
