St. John’s basketball transfer Josh Roberts commits to Manhattan

St. John’s basketball transfer Josh Roberts has committed to Manhattan. 

The three St. John’s basketball players with the longest ties to the program all officially have new homes.

Marcellus Earlington was the first to announce his intentions to commit to San Diego while Greg Williams Jr. followed with his decision to return home and play for Louisiana Lafayette next season.

Now, junior Josh Roberts has made his decision.

The Troy, Alabama native announced he is opting to remain in the area but changing boroughs as he heads for the Bronx to join Manhattan College.

Roberts was seldom used in his freshman season under head coach Chris Mullin but saw his role expanded with new head coach Mike Anderson.

As a sophomore, the 6-foot-9 forward started 28 of 29 games while averaging 5.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game on 53.7-percent shooting from the floor.

ALSO READ: St. John’s guard Greg Williams Jr. is heading home

Josh Roberts suffered a season ending shoulder injury on March 1 against Creighton in his second season with the Red Storm which hampered him in his preparation for his junior season.

The rust from his injury and recovery showed in non-conference play as a junior.

Typically dominant against non-Big East teams, Roberts had a tough time getting on the floor to begin his third season but as his strength returned so did his playing time and he stabilized a struggling St. John’s defense at the time.

Roberts started 17 of 25 games played this season while posting just 2.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game.

St. John’s basketball transfer should see success at next stop

At Manhattan, Josh Roberts could immediately step into a starting role for head coach Steve Masiello and be an impact player in the MAAC.

After winning seasons in three of Masiello’s first four years with the Jaspers, including two NCAA Tournament appearances, Manhattan has failed to put together a winning season in six straight seasons.

ALSO READ: St. John’s transfer Marcellus Earlington commits to San Diego

The Jaspers were 7-13 (6-12 MAAC) last season as the conference gets put on notice by Iona and head coach Rick Pitino.

St. John’s still has three uncommitted players who have entered the transfer portal, Isiah Moore, Vince Cole, and John McGriff while Rasheem Dunn heads to Robert Morris and David Caraher committed to High Point.