By ADAM ZAGORIA
NEW YORK — Following his team’s 88-60 loss to Xavier in the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, St. John’s sophomore guard Shamorie Ponds said he had “No comment” on whether he’ll test the NBA Draft waters, but said it’s a “good idea” that players can do so.
“Oh yeah, I think that’s a great idea, I like that,” Ponds said in the St. John’s locker room when I asked him if he liked the concept. Ponds added that he’ll huddle with his family before making a decision.
“You can say that, pretty much,” he said.
Ponds, who had 15 points on 4-of-14 shooting and 7 rebounds in the loss, is currently projected as a second-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft per ESPN.com.
“I think he has a chance but needs to stay in school at least another year,” one NBA executive said. “If he were to come out this year, he will be headed to the G League to start his professional career.”
St. John’s coach Chris Mullin still has to huddle with Ponds.
“I haven’t advised him as of yet,” Mullin said. “I think the setup now is perfect. They can gather all the information and make a decision.
“The only people that matter are the 30 men that run the NBA teams, and he’ll get his input like every player in college can. Get transparent information and make a smart decision.”
Ponds also said St. John’s can be “one of the top teams in the Big East next year.”
“Oh for sure, now that we know what we can do, all of the bumps and bruises that we went through,” he said. “Next year we’re looking to be one of the top teams in the Big East.”
The Red Storm (16-17) lose seniors Bashir Ahmed and Amir Alibegovic, but add transfers Sedee Keita (South Carolina) and Mikey Dixon (Quinnipiac), and a recruiting class that includes shooting guard Greg Williams Jr. and power forwards Marcellus Earlington and Josh Roberts.
“We’ll see who does come back but the most important thing will be the good work in the summer,” Mullin said.
Ponds said it was difficult this year dealing with the uncertainty surrounding guard Marcus LoVett, who was expected to team with Ponds to form one of the league’s best backcourts. But after sustaining an injury, LoVett left the team last month.
“We didn’t know, we thought he was coming back,” Ponds said of LoVett. “I think that was a turning point. We went down and then we got a couple wins and now we’re here.”
St. John’s ended the season losing to the No. 1 seed less than 24 hours after beating Georgetown in the first round.
“I was pretty tired,” Ponds said. “It was real tough. That’s a big turnaround, especially only getting like 6-7 hours sleep. It’s a tough turnaround.
“I looked like I had no energy.”
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