Chris Mullin’s ability to land impact transfer continues as St. John’s lands NC State transfer, Ian Steere.
The St. John’s Red Storm are trending in the right direction and even though this season is well underway, they’re still adding pieces for the future. According to Zach Braziller of the New York Post, 6-foot-9 forward Ian Steere is choosing the Red Storm, a school he referred to as “Transfer U.”
St. John’s is off to a 5-0 start to the season and while Shamorie Ponds is garnering most of the attention, transfers are playing a huge part in the Johnnies’ success this season. The four starters that surround Ponds are all transfers — Mustapha Heron, LJ Figueroa, Marvin Clark II, and Justin Simon. Moreover, Mullins’ squad features two more transfers off the bench prominently — Mikey Dixon and Sedee Keita.
This season is critical for Mullin. In his first three seasons at the helm, the Red Storm have made progress, but they have yet to have a winning season. This is the year that could make or break Mullin. An NCAA tournament appearance is a legitimate possibility.
If the early season returns are any indication, St. John’s will be dancing in March and Mullin will be here to stay. If that’s the case, the head coach may have found their winning formula.
It’s evident that Queens is becoming an attractive destination for transfers and perhaps Mullin can lean into that strategy. St. John’s isn’t at a level where they can attract the top level one-and-done type players like the Zion Williamsons of the world. But attracting experienced transfers who they can plug in and play immediately is clearly a strength of Chris Mullin.
“What they do with transfers and their resume with transfers is incredible,” Steere told Braziller.
The best way to build sustainable success for St. John’s could be by leaning into the moniker of “Transfer U.”
