Former St. John’s basketball standout signs with Dallas Mavericks

Former St. John’s basketball standout LJ Figueroa has signed a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. 

It was not the draft day that former St. John’s basketball standout LJ Figueroa was hoping for but the ex-Johnnie has signed a deal with the Dallas Mavericks after not being one of the 60 picks in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Figueroa spent two seasons in Queens before leaving after his junior season to play for the Oregon Ducks.

The Lawrence, Massachusetts native had the option to return to Eugene for a free year of eligibility due to COVID-19 but opted to go for the professional route, something he toyed with before leaving St. John’s.

Prior to the hiring of head coach Mike Anderson, Figueroa thought about transferring from St. John’s after entering the transfer portal but ultimately stayed for one more season where he averaged 14.5 points per game.

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Figueroa tested the waters of the NBA Draft after the 2019-20 season and signs were pointing to a return to college, which he eventually did, but entered the transfer portal upon withdrawing from the draft.

Throughout his college career, Figueroa averaged 13.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 44.9-percent from the field and 37.4-percent from 3-point range.

Former St. John’s basketball standout has chance to make NBA roster

After signing with the Dallas Mavericks, LJ Figueroa will play for the franchise during the NBA Summer League and have a chance to earn an NBA roster spot with Dallas or another franchise in the 2021-22 season.

Figueroa also has the chance to earn a two-way deal which would allow him to split time between the NBA and the NBA G-League next season.

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NBA Summer Leagues in Sacramento and Utah have already begun but the Las Vegas Summer League, in which Figueroa will participate, will not start until August 8.

However, the Mavericks will not get its summer started until August 9 against the Philadelphia 76ers.