St. John’s closing in on Monmouth grad transfer Ray Salnave

St. John’s coaching staff has recently prioritized the recruitment of Monmouth grad transfer Ray Salnave. As Adam Zagoria reported, head coach Mike Anderson spoke with Salnave on Thursday night. Salnave has also been reported to have spoken with Red Storm assistants Steve DeMeo and Van Macon.

Currently, the Johnnies do not have an available scholarship for next season. However, their recent push for Salnave suggests the coaching staff anticipates one to open up soon. Red Storm star LJ Figueroa remains declared for the NBA Draft and still could forgo his senior season to play professionally. This seems like the most likely scenario for St. John’s to gain a scholarship, although it is possible someone else could transfer out of the program.

Salnave could bring some much-needed stability to the Red Storm backcourt. He is a versatile guard that can defend on the perimeter. Nevertheless, the Red Storm would be well served to add an experienced ball-handler to their roster.

“Mike A. and I were talking and to his shock, he loved my confidence and how I get down,” Salnave said to Adam Zagoria. “He thinks I could do a lot and help with a lot. He told me that he’s looking for an experienced guy that’s not afraid of the moment that could provide a big impact.”

It also does not hurt to mention Salnave is from Elmont, New York, and competed against the likes of Rasheem Dunn and Shamorie Ponds while in high school. Dunn himself has actually reached out to Salnave, attempting to sell him on St. John’s.

Salnave is currently down to three schools, with Loyola Marymount and DePaul also being on his list. He is eligible to play next season. When speaking with Zagoria about St. John’s, he said, “It would be great to be back home and play in NYC again. Important for my family and loved ones.”

The Monmouth transfer is coming off his best season yet, one where he averaged about 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Salnave was named to the All-MAAC second team for his play last year.

Should Salnave choose to join the Johnnies roster, he would join a fairly strong recruiting class. Next season the Red Storm will add Isaih Moore, Posh Alexander, Dylan Wusu, Vince Cole, and grad transfer Arnaldo Toro.

**UPDATE**