St. John’s adds Utah transfer Deivon Smith, called a ‘college Russell Westbrook’

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.”

Saw him play up close in NIT. One @pac12 coach described him as a “college Russell Westbrook.” Had FIVE Triple-Doubles this year, tying the NCAA record. Worth the money.

— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) May 6, 2024

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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