Chris Obekpa’s departure isn’t the sure thing it was seen as weeks ago, when the Nigerian forward received his release to transfer.
There is a chance the 6-foot-9 sophomore shot-blocking specialist could remain at St. John’s, sources said. If fences are able to be mended after Obekpa’s initial decision to leave the program — which has been a possibility all along, a source said — it would be the latest dose of good news for the Johnnies, who last week landed their first 2014 recruit in Christ the King senior center Adonis Delarosa.
In fact, Obekpa tweeted at teammate Phil Greene IV Sunday night: “Let’s do this @philgreene31.” Another source, however, said Obekpa is still “weighing” his options.
Obekpa’s return would be significant because sophomore forward JaKarr Sampson declared for the NBA and fellow forwards Orlando Sanchez and God’sgift Achiuwa are out of eligibility, leaving the Johnnies thin up front. Then again, a source said, his return isn’t imminent. Head coach Steve Lavin plans to meet with Obekpa later this week, sources said, after being informed of his change of heart Sunday morning.
Lavin has been very active of late on the recruiting trail, meeting Chicago high school forwards Josh Cunningham and Marlon Jones on Friday, junior college big man Adom Jacko in California on Saturday, and a source said there have been preliminary talks between St. John’s and Michigan transfer Jon Horford, a graduate senior who wouldn’t have to sit out the year. St. John’s also is involved with Westchester native Keith Thomas, a junior college rebounding dynamo.
Max Hooper, meanwhile, is transferring. The St. John’s shooting guard is headed to Oakland, CBSSports.com reported Sunday night.