With just three days remaining until the transfer portal officially closes, St John’s landed their second international recruit. European wing Đorđije Jovanović has committed to St. John’s, first reported by Zach Braziller of the New York Post.
Jovanović is a strong fit for St. John’s primarily because of his defensive versatility aligned with Rick Pitino’s high-intensity, press-heavy system.
A 6’7″ wing from Montenegro, Jovanović has significant experience in the NBA G League and Adriatic League. Jovanović is a natural court-spacer and spot-up shooter. He shot 38% from three-point range in the ABA League for Budućnost. This ability to stretch the floor is essential for a St. John’s offense that looks to create driving lanes for its guards.
Unlike most college transfers, Jovanović has spent years in professional environments, including a stint with the Ontario Clippers in the G League, where he averaged 5.6 PPG and 2.4 RPG and playing alongside former college stars like Yogi Ferrell and Rasheed Sulaimon. His experience playing against grown men prepares him for the physical demands of the Big East.
The move replaces former Red Storm wing Dillon Mitchell, who graduates after one season with the program. Jovanović joins international star PG Quinn Ellis, who committed on April 14.
