Recruiting: transfer forward Sedee Keita commits to St. John’s

Well, St. John’s has landed a second transfer from another Division I school, earning a commitment from center Sedee Keita after his weekend visit.

Keita, a 20-year old 6’9” forward weighing 240 pounds, will sit out a redshirt season per NCAA rules and have three years of eligibility after that. Keita addresses a need for size on the inside for the Johnnies, an issue that has plagued the Red Storm since well before Chris Mullin arrived on campus as head coach.

Keita played under ten minutes per game for the South Carolina Gamecocks, a team that streaked to the Final Four last season. Keita’s minutes would have been limited because fellow freshman Maik Kostar earned a starting spot, plus two other centers (Felipe Haase and Jason Cudd) are coming to the Gamecock roster next season.

He may not be able to help next year, except in scouting, but if previous transfers are an indication, he should make an impact when he does step on the court.

Sedee Keita was not an offensive force last season, but should be able to provide post defense and rebounding for the Red Storm.

After next season (2018-19), the roster could look like:

• G: Marcus LoVett | Shamorie Ponds | Justin Simon | Federico Mussini | Mikey Dixon
• SF: Sidney Wilson | Boubacar Diakite
• F: Marvin Clark, Jr. | Kassoum Yakwe
• C: Tariq Owens | Sedee Keita

With two more spots available for freshmen or transfers. St. John’s continues to actively pursue Luther Muhammad, a shooting guard from New Jersey and wing Nassir Little from Florida, among a number of other high-level players.

Given what we know about player opportunities, though, it will be important to remember that Marcus LoVett considered going pro after last season, and Federico Mussini may have a pro contract waiting for him in Italy.

Each player will need to consider their role both here and out there in the professional world, where little is guaranteed but their careers await.