Joson Sanon withdraws from NBA Draft to play for St. John's
Joson Sanon playing for Arizona State in the first round of the Big 12 Conference Tournament on March 11, 2025. Credit: AP/Charlie Riedel
There was little doubt about it, but now it is assured: Joson Sanon will be wearing a St. John’s uniform this coming season.
The Arizona State transfer cemented the decision on Tuesday when he withdrew his name from consideration for the NBA Draft, according to agent Derek Malloy of LIFT Sports Management.
Sanon’s forte is outside shooting and when he committed in late January — the Red Storm’s first after-season commitment — it was hailed as a much-needed addition. However, like many players do, he submitted for the draft to assess his standing and have the experience of working out for NBA teams. Sanon had workouts with the Celtics, Hornets and Wizards.
Malloy said, in a conversation over text messaging, that the general assessment had him as “in the 30-40 range.” However, Sanon seeks to improve himself while playing for Storm coach Rick Pitino to where he could be a top 15 selection.
“The feedback was [unanimous] from NBA teams: that his development next year will be rapid after a year under Rick Pitino that will elevate his stock significantly to top 15, potentially top 10 range,” Malloy said.
When asked about Sanon’s decision to test the NBA waters before his sophomore season, Malloy called it a “great learning experience for next year when it gets really real.”
“It was more a test run for us so that he can hit the ground running knowing what he’s getting into next year when it gets real,” he added.
Sanon, a 6-5 wing, averaged 11.9 points and 3.4 rebounds and shot 37% on three-point attempts in 28 minutes as a freshman this past season with the Sun Devils. “We think he needs another year of development and that’s Rick’s M.O.,” CJ Ward, who coached Sanon and works with Malloy, said when he committed to the Storm.
Roger Rubin returned to Newsday in 2018 to write about high schools, colleges and baseball following 20 years at the Daily News. A Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he has covered 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.
