Yakwe’s offense a Johnnies concern

Kassoum Yakwe was considered one of the five best Big East freshmen a year ago by the league’s coaches, a shot-blocking menace with long arms who was a two-way factor in the paint.

Through 11 games, however, that player has yet to return. His numbers are down across the board — averaging just 4.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and shooting 40 percent from the field in 22.1 minutes per game. He has yet to score in double figures after doing so six times in 26 games a year ago, one reason St. John’s is off to an underwhelming 5-6 start.

Yakwe, still blocking shots at a high rate (3.0), put the blame on himself, saying the stark drop in his offensive numbers has been about him more than anyone else. Playing with more talented guards has been an adjustment. It has meant less shots — he averaged 5.6 attempts last year, 3.4 this year — and opportunities with the ball, a faster game.

“Sometimes, I’ll be overthinking. I’m still trying to work on [my] approach,” the 6-foot-7 Yakwe said in a phone interview in advance of Sunday’s game at the Garden against Penn State in the annual Holiday Festival.

Yakwe’s advisor, Tidiane Drame, met with coach Chris Mullin on Friday to discuss concerns about his progress, a source said. Mullin described Yakwe as more of an “active/ rhythm” guy rather than someone he would just give the ball in the post, and just hasn’t played consistently yet. St. John’s lack of transition game hasn’t helped him, either.

Freshman point guard Marcus LoVett, who has missed the past three games with a sprained ankle, is expected to be available against Penn State, according to Mullin.