St. John's University Athletics
Women's Basketball Inks Two in Early Signing Period
11/13/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
QUEENS, N.Y. - Days before the beginning of the 2014-15 season, head coach Joe Tartamella has announced that Jordan Agustus and Akina Wellere have signed National Letters of Intent to play at St. John's beginning in the fall of 2015.
Both Agustus and Wellere will come to Queens following distinguished high school careers that saw the pair recognized among the nation's most promising young players.
A local product, Agustus will join the Red Storm following a standout career at St. Mary's in Manhasset, N.Y., where she will go down as one of the premier players in the history of the storied program. A two-time All-Long Island selection by Newsday, the Flushing, N.Y., native helped lead the Gaels to a Nassau Suffolk Catholic High School Athletic Association title this past spring, pouring in 29 points during the title game against St. Anthony's.
"Jordan is an incredible scorer and can play multiple positions on the floor," said Tartamella. "Her strength, quickness and craftiness allow her to contribute in all areas of the game. She has the ability to take games over and we could not be more excited to add her to our St. John's family."
Individually, the 6-1 Agustus is ranked 16th at her position by ESPN Hoopgurlz and 13th at her position by Prospects Nation after averaging 15.3 points and 9.1 rebounds per game as a junior.
A standout on the AAU circuit, Agustus played for Coach Kevin White and the NYC Heat.
Joining Agustus on campus next fall will be Wellere, a talented guard from The Windy City that will look to make an immediate impact in the Red Storm backcourt.
A product of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy in Chicago where she led the team to a 20-6 record as a junior captain under Coach Reggie Dawson, Wellere propelled the Eagles to the Chicago Public League Championship Game last season. In the semifinal, Wellere paced a Brooks comeback, finishing the game with an astounding 37 points and nine rebounds. For the season, Wellere averaged 26.7 points, 12.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, scoring in excess of 40 twice and recording three triple-doubles. For her efforts, she was named First Team All-City and Second Team All-State.
"We are truly excited to add Akina to our program," commented Tartamella. "She is an accomplished scorer at the guard position and brings IQ, strength and a toughness that we love here at St. John's. She can guard multiple positions on the floor which makes her a tremendous asset. Her ability to stretch the floor of us will also be a great addition."
Standing at 5-11, Wellere is ranked 19th at her position by ESPN Hoopgurlz and the 74th-best prospect overall by Blue Star Media.
Wellere played her AAU ball for Illinois Hustle under Coach Derrill Kipp.
The Red Storm kicks off its 2014-15 campaign on Saturday afternoon, traveling to New Haven, Conn., for a 2 p.m. matchup with Yale.
