A rule is either being created or changed in a court room every day in college basketball and the most recent update could have a direct impact on the St. John’s basketball roster.
The new 5-for-5 proposal is on the verge of allowing college basketball seniors another chance at playing their sport after a Colorado judge ruled that all high school class of 2022 athletes who completed their fourth – and final – season of college eligibility this spring are eligible for a fifth season effective immediately.
It has turned a once quiet period in the sport on its head and coaches potentially scrambling.
One major caveat to the rule is that players could not have signed an NBA contract and for St. John's Dillon Mitchell, he has yet to put pen to paper despite being the No. 40 overall pick of the Boston Celtics in June’s draft and playing three games at NBA Summer League.
And there is mutual interest between Mitchell and St. John’s on a return if contract talks continue to stall with Boston.
Mitchell became an integral part in the Red Storm’s success last season, averaging 8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. St. John’s tried to replace some of his production with Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman, but the forward ruptured his Achillies in late June during a non-contract drill in a workout and has been ruled out for the season.
However, there are some stipulations in the process.
The 5-for-5 model is five seasons of competition over a five-year period that begins with their full-time enrollment or the academic year following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. Mitchell, 22, will turn 23 in October and competed in college basketball for four consecutive seasons, beginning with two years at Texas and a season at Cincinnati before landing at St. John’s.
Dillon Mitchell did not enter the transfer portal in April so his only option if he returns to college basketball would be to play for St. John’s.
As of now, the college basketball world waits for another ruling from the court and St. John’s fans hope Mitchell and the Boston Celtics don’t come to terms on a contract.
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