St. John's signs Italian guard Federico Mussini

Steve Lavin's target is Chris Mullin's get, as Federico Mussini, the 6'0" Italian guard from Reggio Emilia in Italy, has signed with St. John's.

Mussini, 19 years old, has played a bench role for the First Division in the Italian League for his team. He averaged four points per game against mature competition, and eight points per game in the EuroCup competition. In the EuroCup, he has shot 40% from beyond the arc and 55% inside - mostly taking long-distance shots.

"I am very excited to be a Johnny," said Mussini. "I selected St. John’s most of all because of Coach Mullin and the entire coaching staff. I think Coach Mullin will help me to develop my game thanks to his experience from a Hall of Fame career. I believe that this staff can take me to another level."

Federico Mussini, slight of weight but talented, played for the World Select Team at the 2015 Nike Hoops Summit last year. He scored nine points and dished three assists, leading his squad to a 103-101 victory over Team USA.

From Draft Express:

The Italian guard had an up and down game for the World Team. After torching the nets all week in practice, Mussini splashed a few triples and was fouled on a corner three late in the game, knocking down all three free throws in crunch time. Mussini also made some nice passes on the move but had his struggles handing the US Team's pressure in the back court and the half court. He had the ball ripped away in the back court early in the game, was a second late on a pass to Maker in the lane, and dribbled off his foot late in the second half. Mussini has a nice stroke and a good feel for the game, but will have to be a little better with the ball to make up for his lack of size and athleticism. For the time being, he'll be a very fun player to watch at the college level.

Lavin traveled to Italy to recruit the guard last year during the AAU season, tripping to see the guard play over the summer. With the loss of Rysheed Jordan, Mussini will play a large role along with Marcus LoVett and Felix Balamou in the new-look St. John's lineup.

The Johnnies have two scholarships remaining (after making eight new additions) with Greek League big man Georgios Papagiannis and Florida high schooler Maverick Rowan in the mix.