Welcome back LJ Figueroa

Zach

Mike Anderson had his first big recruiting win, and it’s a name familiar to St. John’s fans.

LJ Figueroa is staying at the Queens school after flirting with transferring, he announced on Instagram. A source confirmed he will be returning for his junior season after taking his name out of the transfer portal on Wednesday, giving the new St. John’s coach a key player to build around.

Figueroa posted a photo of last year’s team and wrote: “Letssss Get right back to itttt,” with two red-heart emojis.

The 6-foot-6 Figueroa heard from a host of schools, programs like UConn, Kansas, Florida and Georgia, and visited Western Kentucky. But he would have likely had to sit out a year had he gone elsewhere, unless he received a waiver.

The versatile forward was arguably the Red Storm’s most consistent player this past season, averaging 14.4 points, a team-high 6.4 rebounds per game and shooting 51.3 percent from the field. A source said Figueroa told Anderson and his staff the news Wednesday. Anderson had stressed to Figueroa his importance to the program, saying he would be a focal point of what they wanted to do next year. At his best in transition, Figueroa could thrive in Anderson’s up-tempo pressing style.

https://nypost.com/2019/05/15/lj-figueroa-returning-to-st-johns-in-major-win-for-mike-anderson/
 
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Huge news. He should be 1st team BE playing in this system. And if you are a Knicks and Jets fan, you needed a W after the last 18 hours.
 
That's terrific news, and with Heron staying, that's 2 very good pieces and talent to ensure that we're at least competitive. If the freshman can make the step up (especially Roberts) and the transfers are decent, then we shroud be OK.
 
Zach B
As was the case with the two recruits, Mike Anderson preached family with LJ Figueroa and stressed how important he was to program. #sjubb
 
[quote="Paultzman" post=349144]Zach B
LJ Figueroa is staying at St. John's, he announced on Instagram. Source said it was decided today. Huge news for new coach Mike Anderson. #sjubb[/quote]


Thank you GOD. Wasn't too sure I would be enjoying this oncoming season. Have to believe that Mike Anderson had something to do with LJ's decision. Bring on our next recruit.
 
Seems like we're going from a "corporate" pro style of coaching to a more intimate and close-knit-team style that I would figure most college kids would want. Kind of like Louie, Rollie etc.
 
Was there some kind of announcement like this for Heron, or are we still assuming he'll be back.
 
I am assuming based on the fact that he never registered for the draft or transfer portal....
 
[quote="redmanwest" post=349185]That's terrific news, and with Heron staying, that's 2 very good pieces and talent to ensure that we're at least competitive. If the freshman can make the step up (especially Roberts) and the transfers are decent, then we shroud be OK.[/quote]



Which brings the question? Are Wright, Steere or Caraher starters? What position do we see Williams playing next season? We already know Heron and Fiq are starters. Add a grad transfer as an experienced point guard and a competent center and we should be on our way to an enjoyable season.
 
So I guess it is a good thing when the coaching staff stays on campus after the season ends and works with the team.
Very nice to see, as everyone has previously said the biggest recruit for CMA for 2019-2020 has been secured.
A great job by the staff.
The pieces are all falling into place.
 
[quote="JC3" post=349183]Huge news. He should be 1st team BE playing in this system. And if you are a Knicks and Jets fan, you needed a W after the last 18 hours.[/quote]
Amen. Although it’s been more like 46 and 50 years!
 
Man LJ Figueroa (and RJ Barrett) are awfully nice consolation prizes for us St. John's/Knicks fans! So glad he'll be back next year.

I honestly think a team made up of :
G-Thornton
G-Heron
G-Wright
F-LJ
C/F-Steere

Bench: Greg Williams, Roberts, Caraher, McGriff, Sears, Earlington,

.... could be very competitive in the Big East, and ultimately could be a better all around squad with MUCH better coaching than last year's team. I'd definitely like to see them add another big to the above roster also, but this is a dream scenario playing out based off where we were just a month ago. Kudos to CMA, and staff. So refreshing to see a staff that work their butts off, and it's paying off big time.
 
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If I was putting together a list of top 10 returnees to the Big East, I'd add Figueroa and, possibly, Heron to the list.
 
[quote="MJDinkins" post=349198]If I was putting together a list of top 10 returnees to the Big East, I'd add Figueroa and, possibly, Heron to the list.[/quote]

Heron’s problem last year partially was due to lack of coaching. He looked confused and frustrated much of the time. Imho he’s a bit better player than he has shown. Both LJ and he can benefit from some coaching this year.
 
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