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St. John’s basketball: Analyzing the impact of LJ Figueroa’s draft decision

By Michael Szabo

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 17: LJ Figueroa #30 of the St. John's basketball team dribbles the ball against the Xavier Musketeers during a Big East Conference game at Madison Square Garden on February 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 17: LJ Figueroa #30 of the St. John's basketball team dribbles the ball against the Xavier Musketeers during a Big East Conference game at Madison Square Garden on February 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images) /
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The biggest question of the offseason for the St. John’s basketball program remains the impending decision of junior wing LJ Figueroa and whether he will return to Queens or pursue a professional career.

Even with all the news surrounding transfers and recruits in college basketball, the burning question this offseason for the St. John’s Red Storm has been whether LJ Figueroa will elect to come back for his senior year in Queens or remain in the  NBA Draft.

In the wake of the announcement that the deadline for players who are testing the waters of the NBA Draft, while still maintaining their college eligibility, was indefinitely postponed, the timeline of when we may hear a decision from Figueroa could also be caused to be pushed back.

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While the expectation is that the Massachusetts native will return, we can only speculate until we hear it straight from the source.

The impact of his decision is enormous for the Red Storm and their hopes of making the NCAA Tournament next season, which would be the first time the Johnnies have made back-to-back tourneys since the 1999-2000 tournaments.

Figueroa was the team’s leading scorer last season averaging 14.5 points and 1.9 steals per game, showing how valuable he is on both sides of the ball.

The difference in expectations on St. John’s season is night and day pending what the rising senior decides.

If Figueroa returns the Red Storm, the Johnnies have the potential to be a Top-4 team in the Big East and make some serious noise, but if he leaves they will more likely trend towards the middle of the pack.

While Mike Anderson surprised us all last year by guiding St. John’s to a 17-15 record (5-13 Big East) despite huge roster turnover, there will be arguably just as many questions on next year’s team if Figueroa decides to leave.

ALSO READ: NCAA pushes back NBA Draft withdrawal deadline

Due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, who knows what kind of offseason workouts there will be over the summer leading into the fall.

Anderson’s brand of up-tempo basketball is one that typically takes time to adjust to and depending on when, or if, facilities may open this summer it will be difficult to get the new players like Posh Alexander, Isaih Moore, Vince Cole, Dylan Wusu, and Arnaldo Toro to get up to speed with a shortened offseason.

ALSO READ: Postponed NBA Combine puts St. John’s roster in flux

LJ Figueroa’s experience can be key for the Red Storm in the 2020-21 season and having him back in the fold will be a huge boost to the team’s success and helping the new recruiting class adapt to Anderson’s system.