With all the bad luck surrounding the St. John's University men's basketball program recently Red Storm fans got a break Tuesday, as blue-chip forward, freshman Amir Garrett, was cleared to play by the NCAA and could be in uniform Wednesday night against Texas-Pan American (7 p.m. on ESPN3).
"The Red Storm have been waiting for the news for some time," wrote Pico Dulce of SB Nation's St. John's blog Rumble In The Garden Wednesday.
Garrett had been one of three Steve Lavin's blue-chip recruits for the Class of 2011-12, which entered the season ranked third overall, that was on the fence about coming to St. John's (5-5) after just before the season the NCAA ruled that the trio were academically ineligible.
During his time off, Garrett enrolled at prep school, and wavered over his options to either play baseball -- the Cinncinnati Reds drafted him in the 22nd round of the MLB Draft and offered him a $1-million signing bonus -- or look at other schools.
In the end, with the help from his father, Darrow, Garrett choice to attend St. John's.
"I'm happy he's now at St. John's and can play basketball," Garrett's father told CBSSports.com's Jeff Goldman Tuesday.
Garrett's arrival comes just in time, as last Saturday the Red Storm had just six players in uniform during their 56-50 victory over Fordham University. St. John's roster was cut short after freshman guard Nurideen Lindsey decided to transfer just a few weeks ago.
For more St. John's basketball coverage, visit our team page or our blog, Rumble in the Garden.