Chris Obekpa Returning to St. John’s, Jordan ‘Leaning’ Toward Return

INDIANAPOLIS — Junior big man Chris Obekpa will return to St. John’s next season and play for first-year coach Chris Mullin, a source close to the situation confirmed to SNY.tv Monday night.

Meantime, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that sophomore guard Rysheed Jordan is “leaning” toward returning, but more could become clear this week. Obekpa was among the players who met with Mullin before his introductory press conference last week, while Jordan was not.

“I saw Chris [Obekpa] today,” Mullin said then. “Talent usually makes a good coach. I did not see Rysheed.”

The 6-foot-9 Obekpa was suspended on Selection Sunday by former coach Steve Lavin for failing a drug test and missed the team’s second-round NCAA Tournament loss to San Diego State.

Obekpa averaged 5.8 points and 7.0 rebounds this season. He is not projected to be drafted.

His return automatically gives Mullin’s team a shot-blocking presence in the middle, assuming he can stay out of trouble off the court.

Photo: USA Today Sports

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