Recruiting: Marvin Clark, Michigan State transfer, commits to St. John's

The Red Storm had a pair of transfer targets visiting last weekend, and one, Marvin Clark Jr. of Kansas City, has committed to the Red Storm.

As a transfer, he will sit out next season and be available for 2017-18; Clark will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

The 6'6", 230 pound forward Clark played for two years at Michigan State, averaging four points and two rebounds per game in limited time - just under ten minutes per game for Tom Izzo's talented squad, while battling some injuries.

But despite not playing in five games beforehand, Clark became an integral part of the Spartans' rotation from February 14 until their season ended in a surprise first-round defeat in the NCAA Tournament for Middle Tennessee.

In that period, he shot 7/11 from beyond the arc. On the season, he shot nearly 60% inside the arc and 42% outside, grabbing a very good 19% of opponents' misses.

Which is to say that Clark, looking for more playing time, could be a strong impact player as an inside-outside forward.

From the St. John's press release:

"We are glad Marvin has decided to join our basketball family," said St. John’s Head Coach Chris Mullin. "He’s an experienced player with size, athleticism and a solid skill set. Marvin is a good fit for our program and we believe he will transition well into our style of play."

"I had an immediate connection with Coach Mullin and the coaching staff," said Clark. "I feel extremely comfortable moving forward at a place where I can be an integral part of the future success of the program.

"I look forward to taking on the challenge of joining this team and institution and helping to restore excitement in a program with such a rich basketball tradition," said Clark.

As far as leaving Michigan State, he said in a statement from the program:

I want to say that nothing can replace the experiences I gained while playing for Coach Izzo. I’ll always love and respect him for giving me the opportunity to put on a Spartan uniform. With that said, I do feel it’s in my best interests to find a new home to continue my college career.

Marvin Clark was a top-150 recruit coming out of high school.

Clark may not be the only transfer commit; Arizona wing Justin Simon visited last weekend and is said to be strongly considering coming to the Red Storm as a transfer. He would have three seasons of eligibility starting in 2017-18.

For more on Clark, read this excellent (long) piece on his recruitment from the Chronicle of Higher Education, or this long piece from the Kansas City Star, or watch the video below.