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St. John's Announces Departure Of Enigmatic Guard Rysheed Jordan

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The positive vibes that had dominated Chris Mullin's first few months as St. John's new head basketball coach turned a bit sour on Friday.

That's because the school announced that guard Rysheed Jordan would not be returning next season.

"We support Rysheed and wish him well in his professional endeavors," Mullin said in a statement. "He has the potential to play at the highest level of our sport."

Jordan is ineligible for the NBA draft, but could opt for the NBA D-League draft or play overseas.

"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," Jordan said in the statement. "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."

Along with forward Chris Obekpa, Jordan had been one of the last ties to former head coach Steve Lavin, who parted ways with the school back on March 27, following a 21-12 season that ended with a loss in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Jordan averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game last season as a sophomore, but would have been academically ineligible until December had he chosen to return, the New York Post reported.

Jordan's departure could open the door to more substantial playing time for top recruit Marcus "Bright Lights" LoVett Jr., who last month signed his national letter of intent to play at St. John's.

A flashy 6-foot point guard with a reliable lefty shot, LoVett reportedly averaged 25 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and four steals during his senior season, leading Morgan Park to the Chicago Class 3A state semifinals.

LoVett, who reportedly drew considerable interest from Memphis, Illinois, DePaul, Pitt, UNLV, Kansas and San Diego State, will be joining a Red Storm backcourt that currently boasts senior Felix Balamou, Malik Ellison, a much-ballyhooed recruit from New Jersey, and Ron M'Vouika, a graduate transfer from Missouri State.

According to SNY, the Red Storm are also interested in Italian guard Federico Mussini, who has drawn interest from several top American Schools, including Gonzaga and Virginia.

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