Highly-regarded Chicago point guard Marcus LoVett has signed a National Letter of Intent to accept a scholarship offer from St. John’s. He announced his college decision via a post on Twitter early Thursday morning.
It reads: “It’s official NLI is done mom and dad trust this was best decision I made for MYSELF BrightLights here we come.”
LoVett signs with the Red Storm and new coach Chris Mullin, even though his recruiting began under Mullin’s predecessor Steve Lavin. He also was considering Memphis, Illinois, DePaul, Pitt, UC-Irvine, UNLV, and San Diego State.
LoVett had 45 points in the Illinois Class 3A semifinals before Morgan Park High team fell in the title game this season. It was the defending state champion. He has yet to meet NCAA academic requirements for freshman participation, but according to a source close to him “is going to qualify.”
LoVett’s role with the Johnnies could be as the back-up point guard to Rysheed Jordan, who is said to be working hard to be academically eligible for the first semester of the 2015-16 season. He could even end up starting.
LoVett is the seventh player to commit to St. John’s since Mullin was announced as head coach April 1. He is the third freshman along with combo guard Malik Ellison and forward/center Yankuba Sima. The Storm also brings in transfers Durand Johnson from Pitt, Darien Williams from City College of San Francisco, Ron Mvouika from Missouri State and Tariq Owens of Tennessee. Owens will have to sit the coming season under NCAA transfer rules.