Former college standouts Rysheed Jordan of St. John’s and David Laury of Iona were both chosen by the Delaware 87ers in Saturday’s NBA D-League Draft.
The 87ers are the affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Sevens, as they are known, took Jordan with the No. 5 pick and Laury at No. 8 .
Former St. John’s guard Jamal Branch was chosen No. 41 by the LA Defenders.
Jordan is one of two players who was in the 2015 NBA D-League Draft eligible for the 2016 NBA Draft.
In June, St. Johns’ announced Jordan has decided to pursue professional basketball opportunities and would not return to the University for the 2015-16 campaign, which would have been his junior season. The 6-foot-4 guard played two seasons for the Red Storm where he averaged 12 points and three assists in 60 career appearances.
Jordan was not expected to be academically ineligible for at least the first semester of this season, if not the whole year.
“Playing professional basketball has always been a goal of mine. I believe I am ready to take the next step in my basketball career and plan to work hard to achieve my dream of playing in the NBA,” said Jordan then. “I am thankful for the opportunities and support St. John’s University has provided to me. This decision was made with my family’s best interests in mind.”
“We support Rysheed and wish him well in his professional endeavors,” said St. John’s head coach Chris Mullin. “He has the potential to play at the highest level of our sport.”
Jordan played in 31 games for the Red Storm last season. The Philadelphia native was the team’s second-leading scorer and ranked ninth in the Big East with 14.1 points per game. He dished out 95 assists, helping St. John’s win 21 games and earn the program’s 28th NCAA Tournament berth.
“I will always be a proud Johnnie and I thank Coach Mullin for his support. I look forward to maintaining a relationship with him,” said Jordan.
A Big East All-Rookie Team selection in 2013-14, Jordan had 38 double-figure scoring performances over his career. Jordan averaged 9.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists as a freshman. He was a Preseason All-Big East Second Team selection in 2014-15.
