St. John’s sophomore Yankuba Sima will transfer from St. John’s.
The 6-foot-11 center has been granted his release from the men’s basketball program and has received permission to speak with other NCAA Division I programs.
“I want to thank the coaching staff and the administration for all of their support since I arrived at St. John’s,” said Sima. “I enjoyed my experience at St. John’s, but right now I feel it is best for me to explore options that will be a better fit for me as I work toward my goals.”
“We wish Yankuba the best of luck,” said head coach Chris Mullin. “I know this wasn’t an easy decision for him, but we respect and understand it. He’s a good basketball player and a good person with a bright future ahead.”
Sima chose St. John’s in April 2015 over Louisville and others.
Sima started 18 of 24 appearances as a freshman last season, averaging 7.6 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds per game. The Girona, Spain native ranked second in the Big Esat with 2.5 blocks per contest and his 60 rejections were the ninth-most for a single season in program history.
Starting eight of 10 games this season, Sima has a 6.0 scoring average, shooting 44.7 percent (21-47 FG) from the field and 72.0 percent (18-25 FT) at the line to go with 3.5 rebounds per game. Sima set season-highs with 12 points and seven rebounds versus Michigan State on Nov. 23 at the Battle 4 Atlantis.
Photo: USA Today Sports
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