St. John’s shows interest in Furman transfer Noah Gurley: interview

St. John’s has already experienced significant roster turnover since the season-ending defeat to Seton Hall less than a month ago. New players have joined; current players have decided to try their hand in the transfer portal.

In the past few weeks, the program has lost Josh Roberts, Vince Cole, Isaiah Moore, Marcellus Earlington, Greg Williams, Rasheem Dunn (who is eligible to play another year) and Jonathan McGriff to the transfer portal, while also adding Stef Smith, a guard from Vermont and Aaron Wheeler, a forward from Purdue.

With five open scholarships, the Red Storm coaching staff continues to be active in the transfer market. One of their possible targets is Noah Gurley, a 6’8 junior forward from Furman University.

Gurley discussed St. John’s interest in a recent interview with the Rumble. “I talked to Coach [Steve] Demeo,” Gurley told the Rumble. “They pretty much broke down how they play and they said they see me fitting in with their style of play. They said they can develop me.”

Gurley describes himself as “a long athletic forward who can drive from the perimeter, hit the three-ball, and has a pretty solid post-game. I play with a lot of passion too.”

It is not surprising that St. John’s has sought out the Peach State native. During his tenure at Furman, Gurley established himself as one of the top players in the Southern Conference. In his junior year, the talented forward averaged 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists while shooting a healthy 49 percent from the field.

Gurley was a high-usage player in a fairly deep backcourt, shooting 58% inside the arc (and led the team with 15 dunks) and 37% on threes. He excelled on blocking shots, was a decent defensive rebounder, and defended without committing many fouls — less than three fouls per 40 minutes.

Despite his success at Furman, Gurley is still committed to improving his game before his next stop. “You got to view everything like a weakness,” said Gurley. I am going to continue working on everything.”

St. John’s will have a lot of competition for Gurley. Auburn, Xavier, Indiana, Tulsa, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Georgia, Wake Forest, Texas A&M, Western Kentucky, Marquette, Florida, Illinois, San Diego State, Missouri, Virginia, Maryland, VCU, Duke, Miami, Alabama, and Nevada have all reached out to the Gurley.

So what is Gurley looking for in a program? “I am looking for a team that will win. A team that will help develop me into a pro,” Gurley said. “The location of the school. The housing situation.”

St. John’s might have an edge when it comes to location. While Gurley was born in Georgia he has ties to the Big Apple. “I have family in New York — my mom was born in Brooklyn,” said Gurley. “I really like the Big East Conference. I am definitely considering St. John’s.”

Gurley plans on taking his time with his important decision. “The big decision isn’t going to be made until late April,” said Gurley. “I am really just accepting all schools that reach out to me right now. I eventually will cut the list down.”

St. John’s hopes to be the last school standing amongst the crowded field of Gurley’s suitors.