St. John's University Athletics
Marcus LoVett Leaving St. John's Basketball Program
2/17/2018 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
QUEENS, N.Y. - Marcus LoVett announced Saturday that he is leaving the St. John's men's basketball program. The 6-foot guard will return home to California where he will focus on rehabbing from his season-ending injury and aims to pursue a career in professional basketball.
"Right now I feel it is best for me to return home, get healthy and explore all options for my basketball future," said LoVett. "It has always been a goal of mine to play professional basketball, so I am committed to working hard to position myself for the best available opportunity. I enjoyed my experience at St. John's and appreciate all the support from Red Storm fans."
"We wish Marcus the best of luck," said St. John's Head Coach Chris Mullin. "I know this wasn't an easy decision for him, but we respect and understand it. He's a good basketball player and a good person with a bright future ahead."
LoVett started 32 of 37 appearances in his two seasons in Queens. A 2017 unanimous BIG EAST All-Freshman Team selection, LoVett averaged 15.9 points and dished out a team-high 3.8 assists during his first season at St. John's. He scored double-figures in 26 of 30 games in 2016-17, including nine performances with 20-plus points and two 30-point showings.
In seven starts this season, LoVett averaged 14.9 points to go with 2.1 steals per outing. Lovett netted a season-high 23 points in the 2017-18 opener against New Orleans. Since scoring double-figures for the sixth time in seven appearances on Nov. 26 versus UCF, LoVett has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a left knee injury.
"Marcus will forever be part of the St. John's Basketball family," said Director of Athletics Anton Goff. "We will continue to fully support his aspirations to earn his degree from St. John's and look forward to celebrating his future successes on and off the basketball court."
