Chris Obekpa to return to St. John's for senior season

St. John's gets huge boost with news that Chris Obekpa will return to Red Storm for his senior season. (Photo courtesy of the New York Daily News)

Just over a week ago, St. John's was in a precarious position, with its coach and roster for next season largely undecided.

Several days later, not only has the uncertainty surrounding the future changed, the outlook has brightened considerably.

As reported moments ago by Zach Braziller, who covers St. John's for the New York Post, and confirmed by CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, the Red Storm will return forward Chris Obekpa for his senior season. The Nigerian big man, who was suspended on Selection Sunday before St. John's NCAA Tournament matchup against San Diego State, will go a long way toward solidifiying the lack of depth that new head coach Chris Mullin attempts to overcome following the graduation of five seniors. Yet as fans of the former Redmen celebrate the return of their beloved shot-blocking sensation, they still await the decision of point guard Rysheed Jordan, who has been rumored to possibly forego his final two years of eligibility for a career in the professional ranks.

As a junior, Obekpa had by far his most productive season on the offensive end, even though he only averaged 5.8 points per game. However, what he lacked in terms of scoring, he more than made up for on defense, accounting for seven rebounds, just over three blocks, and one steal per game in a 21-12 campaign.