While we had reported this week that 6-foot-3 senior combo-guard Sammy Barnes-Thompkins was considering his options this spring, whether or not to re-open his college recruitment, the talented guard prospect has decided that he will instead hold on his commitment to the Big East program - signing this month with St. John's University and new head coach and NBA legend Chris Mullin and his staff.
I caught up with Thompkins' father, Gary Thompkins, on Thursday and he advised me that the opportunity to play for such a legendary coach and an historic program in St. John's was just too much to pass up.
"They called us and told us that they still want Sammy," said Gary Thompkins. "Sammy has had to overcome adversity all of his life. He needs to get away from home and his family, and become a man. This will help him do it."
Thompkins went on to say, "playing and learning from an NBA legend like Mullins will be great for him. I can't wait for him to get to school."
Thompkins gave a huge commitment to St. John's University and then head coach Steve Lavin and his basketball staff just weeks ago. But then weeks later, Lavin and his staff were fired by the school. St. John's then hired former NBA legend and St. John's hall of famer Chris Mullin to take over the basketball program.
Thompkins is a full NCAA academic qualifier and will sign a national letter of intent with St. John's next week, during the NCAA late signing period.
Congratulations again to Thompkins and his family on this tremendous accomplishment.
