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.
By ADAM ZAGORIA
After losing six players to the transfer portal, St. John’s is rebuilding the same way.
Aaron Wheeler, the 6-foot-9, 205-pound junior forward from Purdue, announced his transfer to St. John’s as a graduate transfer. A native of Stamford, Conn., he averaged 3.9 points and 4.4 rebounds in 28 games last season for the Boilermakers.
“I thought the way they play was a great fit for what I bring to the game,” he said by text. “On top of that it’s a great opportunity for me to play in front of my family again. I think I’ll bring a lot versatility to both ends of the floor for them.”
He added: “I’m a guy that can play multiple position, [bring] shooting, and lead some of the younger guys.”
Mike Anderson’s team previously added Vermont transfer Stef Smith,a 6-2 guard who averaged 13.6 points and 3.1 assists.
“We’re thrilled to have Aaron join the St. John’s basketball program and University community,” said Anderson. “I’ve been following Aaron’s career for a long time and I think he’ll fit in perfectly with what we’re trying to accomplish here in terms of our style. He has big-game experience and I think that knowledge will be invaluable for our team moving forward.”
St. John’s has lost six players to the portal in Greg Williams Jr., Josh Roberts, Vince Cole, Isaih Moore, Marcellus Earlington and John McGriff, while sophomore star Julian Champagniewill test the NBA Draft waters.Follow Adam Zagoria on TwitterFollow ZAGSBLOGHoops on InstagramAnd Like ZAGS on Facebook
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.
