Deep ties help SJU nab latest transfer

St. John’s didn’t waste any time.

A day after rotationplayers Greg Williams Jr. and Marcellus Earlington entered the transfer portal, Mike Anderson and his staff filled a need by landing a verbal commitment from Purdue combo forward Aaron Wheeler.

The lanky 6-foot-9 junior from Stamford, Conn., who has two years of eligibility left, can play on the wing and in the paint. He’s known for his athleticism and leaping ability. Wheeler averaged a careerbest 18.3 minutes per game this year, along with 3.9 points and 4.4 rebounds.

“I kind of grew up a St. John’s fan, to be honest,” he told The Post after picking the Johnnies over Pittsburgh, Boston College, Florida Gulf Coast and a host of others. “I felt it was the best fit. I just like the way they go up and down. I like to get out in transition. They get after it on defense. I’m a versatile player, I can play multiple positions, guard multiple positions.”

St. John’s assistant coach Van Macon has known the Wheeler family for decades, and Anderson recruited Wheeler out of prep powerhouse Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., so there was already a relationship in place. Now, for the first time since early in his high school career, Wheeler will get the chance to play in front of family and friends. But most of all, the opportunity to play a big role drew him to the program.

Wheeler is the second transfer St. John’s has added, joining Vermont grad-transfer guard Stef Smith. The Johnnies have lost seven players to the transfer portal, with redshirt senior Rasheem Dunn joining the list Thursday night. That didn’t give Wheeler any second thoughts.

“Anywhere I’ve been, I’ve won. The same thing with coach Anderson,” Wheeler said. “I feel like we’re going to be good.”