Sidney Wilson leaving St. John’s for “personal reasons”

Chris Mullin and the St. John’s Red Storm were dealt a late blow to their recruiting class on Tuesday afternoon, when the school announced four-star wing Sidney Wilson would be leaving St. John’s for “personal reasons”.

The release can be found below.

Aug. 29, 2017

QUEENS, N.Y. – Sid Wilson has informed the St. John’s men’s basketball coaching staff of his intention to transfer from the University for personal reasons. The freshman wing from the Bronx, who signed with the Red Storm in May, has been granted permission to speak with other NCAA Division I programs.

“A lot has happened in my life over the last few years,” Wilson explained. “These factors played a large part in my decision to stay close to home, but unfortunately I recently realized it was not what is best for me at this time to manage adversity in my life.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that St. John’s provided me and for the support of Coach Mullin and the rest of the staff throughout this difficult process,” said Wilson. “In order for me to grow as a person and basketball player, I feel that I need to begin something new to explore what is next in my life. Although I know the grass isn’t always greener, this is a risk I am willing to take for personal reasons.”

Prior to St. John’s, Wilson spent his senior year at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, where he helped lead the Bobcats to the 2017 National Prep Championship and NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Council) Class AAA title. The 6-foot-7 wing previously attended St. Raymond in the Bronx for his first three yeas of high school ball.

“We know this was not an easy decision for Sid, so we are supportive of him as he strives to find the right fit,” said St. John’s head coach Chris Mullin. “He is a good person and talented player who we wish the best as he begins his new journey.”

Wilson was the highest-rated player in St. John’s class of 2017, and second-highest all-time under Chris Mullin, behind Shamorie Ponds.

Wilson was expected to compete for a starting role this season, and was another example of Mullin recruiting the local area quite well.

Per NCAA regulations, Wilson will have to sit out for the 2017-18 season if he transfers. Per Big East regulations, he cannot transfer to a Big East school.