Point guard Deivon Smith is transferring to St. John’s from Utah, giving Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino a veteran replacement for Daniss Jenkins next season.
A fifth-year senior, Smith ranked sixth in the country with 7.1 assists per game last season. He averaged 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Utes, compiling five triple-doubles — second most during a single season in NCAA history and the most by any Pac-12 player.
In a St. John’s news release Monday, Pitino said the 6-foot Smith reminds him of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, a standout player for Pitino at Louisville.
“Super excited to have Deivon Smith joining the Johnnies,” Pitino said. “Total dog who rebounds, creates, and scores.”
Smith, from Decatur, Georgia, played his freshman season at Mississippi State and then spent two years with Georgia Tech. He shot a career-high 46.7% from the field in 28 games during his only season at Utah.
76ers president Daryl Morey has big plans to build NBA title team around Embiid and Maxey
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry remain tied for lead in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Montpellier draws with lowly Nantes and finishes with 9 men
Newly single Kimberley Garner shows her mystery ex
José Ramírez breaks Larry Doby’s team record for go
Leicester promoted back to English Premier League
Stellar Blade review: Stunning visuals and exhilarating action
Marlins place opening day starter Jesús Luzardo on injured list with left elbow tightness
China extends more inclusive loans to small businesses
Law & Order: Organized Crime is FINALLY renewed for a fifth season