The last question mark for Rick Pitino’s first St. John’s roster has now been answered.
Projected starting point guard Daniss Jenkins has earned his degree and will be eligible as a graduate transfer this coming season, a source confirmed.
The ex-Iona guard would’ve had to otherwise obtain a waiver as a two-time transfer.
He started his career at Pacific before taking the junior college route and later landing at Iona.
The 6-foot-3 Jenkins practiced for the first time Tuesday, according to a source.
Jenkins was Pitino’s first commitment at St. John’s in mid-April after helping lead Iona to MAAC regular-season and tournament titles.
He averaged 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game last season and was recruited by the likes of Ohio State, SMU and Wichita State after entering the transfer portal before committing to Pitino.
“Coach P took care of me here at Iona. I had one of the best years of my college career with him,” Jenkins said at the time. “It was a no-brainer to go be with him for my last year of eligibility.”
Jenkins is expected to start in the backcourt alongside Penn transfer Jordan Dingle, the second-highest scorer in the country a year ago.
Jenkins wasn’t able to take part in summer workouts as he finished up his undergraduate degree, but he was frequently around the team.
Now he’s a full-time part of it.
It is a big week for Pitino and St. John’s.
They will be hosting four-star, top-60 wing Jaiden Glover and three-star 7-footer Khaman Maker for official visits.