St. John's adds Utah transfer Deivon Smith, called a 'college Russell Westbrook' | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Tuesday / December 3.
  • St. John’s adds Utah transfer Deivon Smith, called a ‘college Russell Westbrook’

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    By ADAM ZAGORIA

    Rick Pitino and St. John’s have landed a pledge from Utah transfer guard Deivon Smith.

    The 6-foot Georgia native averaged 13.3 points, 7.1 assists and 6.3 rebounds last season as a senior. He had five triple-doubles this season.

    “Super excited to have Deivon Smith joining the Johnnies,” said head coach Rick Pitino. “He reminds me of Terry Rozier. Total dog who rebounds, creates, and scores.”

    ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla said one Pac-12 coach described Smith as a “college Russell Westbrook.”

    “Worth the money,” Fraschilla said.

    Added another Pac-12 head coach: “‘Stat sheet stuffer, exceptional athlete, very good in transition and attacking the basket.”

    An explosive true point guard with dynamic court vision who excels in transition and is an exceptional finisher with both hands at the rim, he began his career at Mississippi State before spending two years at Georgia Tech and one at Utah.

    St. John’s associate head coach Steve Masiello was the lead recruiter for Smith.

    He joins frontcourt transfers Aaron Scott (North Texas) and Vince Iwuchukwu (USC) and will help replace the loss of Daniss Jenkins to graduation.

    The Red Storm remain in pursuit of Seton Hall transfer guard Kadary Richmond. For more on that, check out NJ.com.

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    Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle. A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.

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