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NY Post
New York Post
7 Apr 2023


NextImg:St. John’s to host Rick Pitino’s former Iona backcourt on official visit

Rick Pitino might be bringing his old backcourt with him to Queens.

Iona University duo Daniss Jenkins and Walter Clayton Jr. will take an official visit together to St. John’s beginning on Friday, sources told The Post.

Clayton, the MAAC Player of the Year, recently took an official visit to Florida, the only other school he is considering.

The Lake Wales, Fla., native grew up just a few hours from the Gators’ campus in Gainesville, a major factor in his interest in Florida.

The 6-foot-3 Jenkins, who averaged 15.6 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds last season under Pitino, entered the transfer portal just recently.

A Dallas, Texas native, he attended junior college before arriving at Iona last year.

Jenkins, an All-MAAC second-team selection, has one year of eligibility remaining while Clayton has two.

The 6-2 Clayton didn’t know much about Iona when the school reached out to him, but he knew Pitino from watching the NCAA Tournament.

Rick Pitino with Walter Clayton Jr. during Iona’s NCAA Tournament loss to UConn.
AP

He enjoyed a breakout sophomore season playing for Pitino, averaging 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists, while helping Iona reach the NCAA Tournament.

He led the nation in free-throw shooting at 95.3 percent and shot a robust 43.1 percent from 3-point range.

“The backcourt of Daniss Jenkins and Walter Clayton Jr. is as good a backcourt not only in the MAAC, but on the East Coast,” Pitino said during the season. “I would take that backcourt and go to Louisville with it, that’s how good they are.”

The duo thrived together, helping Iona cruise to the MAAC regular-season and postseason titles.

The Gaels led eventual national champion UConn by two points at halftime of their opening-round contest, but were worn down by the Huskies in a lopsided loss.

As expected, several St. John’s players have entered the transfer portal since Pitino was hired.

He said during his introductory press conference that he expected to bring in up to eight new players. David Jones, Andre Curbelo, Dylan Addae-Wusu, Posh Alexander, O’Mar Stanley, AJ Storr and Rafael Pinzon have announced their decisions to leave.

Only Pinzon has found a new home, recently committing to Bryant of the America East.

St. John’s hosted four-star forward and signee Brandon Gardner on an unofficial visit on Thursday.

He is the last remaining member of former coach Mike Anderson’s recruiting class that remains committed to the Johnnies.

There is interest from both sides for him to be part of next year’s team.

Harvard transfer Chris Ledlum, a priority target, began an official visit to Indiana on Thursday and will visit Tennessee next weekend.

St. John’s is expected to receive a visit as well from the Brooklyn native and All-Ivy League first- team selection, according to a source.

Notre Dame transfer Cormac Ryan, a two-way wing from Manhattan who averaged 12.3 points and four rebounds last season, has emerged as a top target.

Washington State transfer TJ Bamba of The Bronx will announce his decision on April 14, but he is not expected to join St. John’s, sources said.