St. John’s big man bails over playing time

Yankuba Sima ended his freshman season as one of the biggest reasons to believe in the rebuilding plan at St. John’s, but the center won’t be sticking around Queens to see the effort completed.

The school announced Friday the 6-foot-11 sophomore told coach Chris Mullin of his desire to transfer, and Sima was granted his release from the team, receiving permission to speak with other Division I programs.

“I want to thank the coaching staff and the administration for all of their support since I arrived at St. John’s,” Sima said in a statement. “I enjoyed my experience at St. John’s, but right now I feel it is best for me to explore options that will be a better fit for me as I work toward my goals.”

When Chris Obekpa left St. John’s before last season, Sima stepped in and became another interior defensive presence, ranking second in the Big East with 2.5 blocks per game.

However, this season, Sima’s play has sagged and his minutes had been cut, with the big man averaging six points and 0.5 blocks in 17.8 minutes. In Thursday’s win against Fordham, Sima played a season-low 12 minutes and scored one point, while 6-foot-11 Tennessee transfer Tariq Owens played 31 minutes. During the team’s three-game win streak, Owens has averaged 4.7 blocks.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Sima was unhappy with his reduced role and he knew playing time would only be tougher to find in the future, with the school bringing in highly touted 7-footer Zach Brown. St John’s also will be adding Michigan State transfer Marvin Clark Jr. to the frontline.

“We wish Yankuba the best of luck,” Mullin said in a statement. “I know this wasn’t an easy decision for him, but we respect and understand it. He’s a good basketball player and a good person with a bright future ahead.”