St. John’s coach Steve Lavin is expected to meet this week with Chris Obekpa in an encounter that could lay the groundwork for Obekpa’s return to the school, sources told SNY.tv.
The 6-foot-9 Obekpa gave St. John’s fans hope that he might stay at the school by Tweeting Sunday night, “Let’s do this @philgreene31.”
Greene is his St. John’s teammate.
Obekpa was granted a release on April 3, as first reported by SNY.tv, but it appears he has had a change of heart and desires to return to St. John’s.
Lavin has been busy recruiting in Chicago and California but would be willing to meet with Obekpa, sources said.
Obekpa averaged 3.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 blocks this past season.
If Obekpa returns to a core that includes Greene, Rysheed Jordan, D’Angelo Harrison, Jamal Branch and Sir’Dominic Pointer, St. John’s could be a force in the Big East next season.
Lavin is looking to add several bigs, with Chicago forwards Marlon Jones and Josh Cunningham, Keith Thomas of Westchester Community College, Adom Jacko of Chaffey (CA) College and Michigan transfer Jon Horford in the mix.
St. John’s has also landed a pledge from 6-11 Christ the King big man Adonis Delarosa.
