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NCAA: Potential Landing Spots for Sterling Gibbs, Other Top Transfers

By Nathan Giese

Dec 31, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Seton Hall Pirates guard Sterling Gibbs (4) handles the ball against the St. John's Red Storm at the Prudential Center. Seton Hall Pirates defeat St. John's Red Storm 78-67. Mandatory Credit: Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Seton Hall Pirates guard Sterling Gibbs (4) handles the ball against the St. John's Red Storm at the Prudential Center. Seton Hall Pirates defeat St. John's Red Storm 78-67. Mandatory Credit: Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers forward Durand Johnson (5) shoots against Youngstown State Penguins forward Josh Chojnacki (14) during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Pittsburgh won 91-73. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers forward Durand Johnson (5) shoots against Youngstown State Penguins forward Josh Chojnacki (14) during the second half at the Petersen Events Center. Pittsburgh won 91-73. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Durand Johnson, formerly of Pittsburgh; Immediately Eligible

2014-15 Stat Line: Suspended for entire season due to unspecific reasons 

The 6-foot-6 wing, who came off the bench for Pittsburgh the last two years, has a few options to choose from despite not playing last season. Nobody’s really sure why Durand Johnson was suspended from Pittsburgh before last season began as it has not been publicly disclosed.

Thus far, it appears two programs are vying for Johnson’s services more than others.

Originally from the Baltimore area, Johnson looks to be staying close to home for his final season with both St. John’s and West Virginia looking to bring him in. Whether or not he comes off the bench or becomes a starter remains to be seen.

St. John’s looks to have a slight edge over West Virginia in this instance for one reason: playing time. The Mountaineers use just about everybody on their roster to make up for their pressure defense, which can cause major exhaustion for some players. There’s also the speed of WVU’s defense, which isn’t something every player is willing to do.

St. John’s plays a conventional style of basketball, or at least they did last year before bringing in Chris Mullin to be their head coach.

This race isn’t really high on the list for transfers, but it could determine whether either team finishes in the bottom half or the top half of their conference races.

Guess: Johnson to St. John’s

Next: Anton Grady