Saturday, April 21, 2018

St. John’s Inks LJ Figueroa to National Letter of Intent


@StJohnsBball.


LJ Figueroa, a former top 100 recruit that recently completed a stellar freshman season at the junior college level, has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Red Storm for the 2018-19 season.

A consensus four-star recruit in the Class of 2017, the Lawrence, Mass., native played one season for Odessa College in Odessa, Texas, averaging 21.4 points per game and leading the Wranglers to a 28-5 record.




The 6-foot-6 wing converted on 55.5 percent of his chances from the floor, including a blistering 48.2 percent of his tries from long range. He also shot 72.6 percent from the charity stripe. Figueroa reached double figures in all but one game as a freshman, including four 30-point performances, helping the Wrangles secure a spot in the NJCAA Division I Basketball Championships. For his efforts, Figueroa earned a spot on the NJCAA Division I All-America First Team.

“We are excited to welcome LJ to our basketball family at St. John’s,” said St. John's Head Coach Chris Mullin. “Our staff believes he has the potential to make an immediate impact. His natural scoring ability coupled with his size and length will be a great addition to our roster next season.”

Figueroa also filled the stat sheet in other ways for Odessa, grabbing 5.5 boards and dishing out 3.7 assists per game.
“I can see myself being successful in New York City and at St. John’s University,” said Figueroa. “This program has all the things I was looking for. It felt like home. I can’t wait to play in front of the Red Storm fans, for this city, and this program.”

The 71st ranked recruit in the high school class of 2017 according to 247Sports, Figueroa originally committed to as a senior New Mexico State before Head Coach Paul Weir left to take the same job at New Mexico. Figueroa drew plenty of interest from high major programs, garnering offers from the likes of Florida, Louisville, Miami and Virginia Tech.

Figueroa also has international experience, averaging 14.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22 minutes per game with the Dominican Republic U-18 National Team during the 2016 FIBA Americas.

On the AAU circuit, Figueroa played for Team Breakdown of the Under Armour Association, averaging 20.4 points per game.

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