St. John's releases 2015 commit Samir Doughty from letter of intent

The changes continue for the new St. John's coach Chris Mullin and his 2015-16 roster.

Samir Doughty, the one player that Steve Lavin had signed for 2015, has been released from his National Letter of Intent to the Red Storm.

St. John's grants 6'5 MCS (PA) G Samir Doughty his release from his NLI. Plenty of schools showing interest per a source.

— R Miller (@R_Miller12) April 24, 2015

Doughty, a scoring combo guard from Philadelphia (like Rysheed Jordan), committed in November to Steve Lavin. In November, Lavin said that Doughty's "work ethic and basketball knowledge has allowed him to grow his game over time. St. John's has landed a gem, who is just scratching the surface of his full potential."

That potential will be fulfilled somewhere else, it seems. St. John's had not spoken with Doughty until this week, according to Doughty's high school coach at Math, Civics and Sciences School.

Doughty was not at the heart of the staff's future plans at the guard positions. Other players have left this week. Adonis Delarosa announced his transfer this week, as did walk-on Myles Stewart.

St. John's has been searching for talent around the country and world to fill the roster for next year and 2016, signing transfer wing Ron Mvouika [breakdown] and center Tariq Owens, JUCO wing transfer Darien Williams, along with incoming freshman center Yankuba Sima.

But for St. John's, now armed with four scholarships to use, will need to find guards. The only true guard on the roster is Rysheed Jordan, though Felix Balamou can be considered a guard.

Federico Mussini, a talented player from Italy who is currently undecided about playing in college or professionally, and Illinois guard Marcus LoVett (who may not be eligible) are targets for St. John's, as is New Jersey wing Malik Ellison. Cheick Diallo, a talented top-15 center, is also a big target for the Red Storm staff.