Yankuba Sima Granted Transfer Release

QUEENS, N.Y. – Sophomore Yankuba Sima has informed head coach Chris Mullin of his desire to transfer from St. John’s. The 6-foot-11 center has been granted his release from the men’s basketball program and has received permission to speak with other NCAA 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,” said Sima. “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.”

“We wish Yankuba the best of luck,” said Mullin. “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.”

Sima started 18 of 24 appearances as a freshman last season, averaging 7.6 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds per game. The Girona, Spain native ranked second in the BIG EAST with 2.5 blocks per contest and his 60 rejections were the ninth-most for a single season in program history.

Starting eight of 10 games this season, Sima has a 6.0 scoring average, shooting 44.7 percent (21-47 FG) from the field and 72.0 percent (18-25 FT) at the line to go with 3.5 rebounds per game. Sima set season-highs with 12 points and seven rebounds versus Michigan State on Nov. 23 at the Battle 4 Atlantis.