On Jan. 28, Shamorie Ponds Tweeted, "Don't worry SJU. I got y'all."
It's likely his words fell on deaf ears at the time. The Red Storm were in the midst of what would become an 11-game losing to streak to open Big East play, and nothing Ponds, or anyone else in St. John's locker room was doing worked. Now, they've won four in a row, including wins against Duke and Villanova, a stretch during which the sophomore guard is averaging 32.2 points per game. The reigning Big East Player of the Week will likely have to carry the load for his squad again in 2018-19 should he return to school.
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Saturday, CBS Sports' Gary Parrish reported Ponds' backcourt running mate guard Marcus LoVett is leaving St. John's for good.
Significant Big East news: Marcus LoVett is leaving St. John’s and planning to pursue a professional career. He was averaging 14.9 points before suffering an injury earlier this season.
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) February 17, 2018
LoVett was the Red Storm's second-leading scorer, averaging 14.9 points per game while starting in each of the team's first seven games before suffering a knee injury Nov. 27. He hasn't played since. On Jan. 10, the university announced the preseason second-team All-Big East selection wouldn't return this season.
LoVett, a 6-foot, 180-pounder isn't projected to be selected in the 2018 NBA Draft by NBADraft.net.
St. John's faces (14-13, 3-11) travels to Marquette Feb. 21 at 8:30 p.m. EST.