CBS Sports: Chris Obekpa Returning To St. John's; Jordan, Too?

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Chris Mullin's job just got a whole lot easier.

The rookie head coach at St. John's will have big man Chris Obekpa on the court next season, according to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.

Obekpa's future at the school was in doubt due to a suspension imposed by the team just days before the NCAA Tournament. The Red Storm lost in the round of 64 without their junior center, who reportedly failed a test for marijuana.

Obekpa averaged 5.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.1 blocks in 2014-15.

Rysheed Jordan could also be returning to St. John's. The star guard is "leaning toward" playing his junior season instead of declaring for the NBA draft, Yahoo Sports reported.

Jordan was a key player for the Red Storm, averaging 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals.

Mullin -- widely considered the greatest player in St. John's history -- is taking over a program in transition with impact seniors D'Angelo Harrison, Jamal Branch, Phil Greene and Sir'Dominic Pointer set to graduate. All were products of Steve Lavin, who parted ways with the school after five years and two NCAA Tournament appearances.

At his introductory press conference last week, Mullin said he'd be pounding the pavement to recruit the top talent in New York City.

"You don't have to tell me where (the high school gyms) are — I've played in all of them," the Brooklyn native said. "I know how to get in the back doors. If not, I know the janitor."

St. John's is still looking for its first March Madness win since 2000.