Chris Obekpa gave St. John’s fans hope that he might stay at the school by Tweeting Sunday night, “Let’s do this @philgreene31.”
Greene, a St. John’s guard, recently Tweeted that he would remain at St. John’s.
The 6-foot-9 Obekpa was granted a release on April 3, as first reported by SNY.tv, but it appears he has had a change of heart and desires to return to St. John’s.
Johnnies head coach Steve Lavin is busy on the road recruiting but would be willing to meet and listen to what Obekpa has to say, sources told SNY.tv.
Meantime, Minnesota, Florida, Oregon and Pittsburgh are still interested in Obekpa, who averaged 3.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 blocks this past season but fell into Lavin’s doghouse at the end of the season.
Our Savior New American coach Ron Stelzer told SNY.v Sunday night that Obekpa recently met with Florida coach Billy Donovan.
If Obekpa returns to a core that includes Greene, Rysheed Jordan, D’Angelo Harrison, Jamal Branch and Sir’Dominic Pointer, St. John’s could be a force in the Big East next season.
Lavin is looking to add several bigs, with Chicago forwards Marlon Jones and Josh Cunningham, Keith Thomas of Westchester Community College, Adom Jacko of Chaffey (CA) College and Michigan transfer Jon Horford in the mix.
Penn State’s DJ Newbill is not transferring and is not an option, sources told SNY.tv.
St. John’s also landed a pledge from 6-11 Christ the King big man Adonis Delarosa.
