Simeon Wilcher Enters Transfer Portal After One Season at St. John’s
Guard’s Departure a Surprise Despite Recent Roster Additions
Simeon Wilcher, a highly-touted guard who joined St. John’s University in July 2023, has entered the NCAA transfer portal. This move comes as a surprise, especially after comments from both Wilcher and Coach Rick Pitino suggesting Wilcher would be a key part of the team’s future.
Wilcher Expressed Loyalty Just Days Before Announcing Transfer
As recently as last week, during an event honoring St. John’s Big East regular-season and tournament championships at Citi Field, Wilcher affirmed his commitment to the program. ”I’m just a big guy on loyalty,” Wilcher stated, expressing his desire to improve his game with the Red Storm.
Solid Freshman Season Followed by Unexpected Departure
during his freshman season, Wilcher started 25 games, averaging 8.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 26 minutes per game. The Red Storm achieved a 31-5 record and made their first NCAA Tournament appearance in six seasons, ultimately losing in the second round. Wilcher is now the fifth St. John’s player to enter the transfer portal,joining RJ luis Jr., Brady Dunlap, Jaiden Glover and khaman Maker.
Increased competition at Guard Position Following Transfer Commitments
St. John’s has been active in the transfer portal, securing commitments from several shooting guards this offseason, potentially impacting Wilcher’s role. Joson Sanon from Arizona State committed in late March, and Oziyah Sellers from Stanford committed this week. The Red Storm are also considered the frontrunners to land North Carolina transfer Ian Jackson.
Conflicting Views on wilcher’s Ideal Position
While Wilcher views himself primarily as a point guard, a position he played at Roselle Catholic (N.J.),Pitino sees him more as a combo guard. This difference in opinion may have contributed to Wilcher’s decision to seek a new opportunity. With the departure of point guards Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith due to tired eligibility, St. John’s has been actively searching for replacements in the transfer portal.
Here are two PAA (Potential Additional Answers) related questions, suitable for the provided Q&A format:
Simeon Wilcher Enters Transfer portal After One Season at St. John’s – Q&A
Key Questions Answered
Here’s a breakdown of Simeon Wilcher’s surprising departure from St. John’s,addressing the questions you might have:
Why did Simeon Wilcher enter the transfer portal?
While the exact reasons aren’t fully public,several factors likely played a role. The article highlights increased competition at the guard position due to St. John’s active recruiting in the transfer portal. Furthermore, differences in how wilcher and Coach Pitino viewed Wilcher’s ideal position (point guard vs. combo guard) might have contributed to his decision.
Trivia: The transfer portal allows college athletes to explore opportunities at other schools without penalty.
Wasn’t Wilcher committed to St. John’s?
Yes,Wilcher expressed loyalty and a desire to improve with St. John’s just days before entering the portal. This makes his departure especially surprising.
How did Wilcher perform during his freshman season?
Wilcher had a solid freshman season, starting 25 games and averaging 8.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 26 minutes per game. His contributions helped St. John’s achieve a 31-5 record and reach the NCAA Tournament.
What’s the significance of the guard position competition?
St. John’s has brought in multiple shooting guard transfers, including Joson Sanon and oziyah Sellers, perhaps impacting Wilcher’s playing time. The team is also considered a frontrunner for Ian Jackson, another guard. With top players leaving due to tired eligibility,the team is retooling its guard position.
Advice: Keep an eye on where Wilcher lands. His next destination will tell us a lot about his preferred role and the kind of development he’s seeking.
Who else has left St. John’s?
Wilcher is the fifth St. John’s player to enter the transfer portal,joining RJ luis Jr., Brady Dunlap, Jaiden Glover and khaman maker.
action: Stay tuned to see how St. John’s rebuilds and where Simeon Wilcher continues his basketball journey!
