St. John's transfer Joson Sanon declares for NBA draft — but plans to stay with team next season
Arizona State's Joson Sanon celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas State in the first round of the Big 12 Conference tournament, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo.
Don't worry, Joson Sanon is not going anywhere.
Sanon, 19, officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on Saturday, but plans to stay with St. John's for next season, according to The Post's Zach Brazillier.
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The Massachusetts native plans to go through the draft process to receive some feedback from NBA scouts before playing his freshman season with the Johnnies.
Joson Sanon celebrates after making a 3-pointer during the second half of Arizona's State's loss to Kansas State in the first round of the Big 12 Conference tournament on March 11, 2025. AP
NBA prospects are allowed to enter the draft while also maintaining eligibility, but they have to do so without an agent representing them.
Sanon was Rick Pitino's first major acquisition from the transfer portal in March, landing the guard just days following St. John's season-ending loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
'It wasn't too hard of a decision to make,' he told The Post in March during a phone interview. 'The thing that stands out is hard work. [Pitino] actually pushes you to word hard. I want to show him I'm the hardest-working player he's ever coached.'
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'I just feel like it's a great spot for me,' he later added. 'They [need shooting help] and I feel like I'm a good shooter, and a good scorer in general.'
Arizona State guard Joson Sanon drives on L.J. Cryer during the second half of Arizona State's loss to Houston on Feb. 18, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. AP
The former top 25 prospect originally enrolled at Arizona State in July 2024, averaging 11.9 points while shooting 42 percent during his freshman campaign for the Sun Devils.
Though originally unsuccessful, St. John's did recruit Sanon out of high school, inviting him to an unofficial visit in March 2024.
Head coach Rick Pitino works the sidelines during St. John's NCAA Tournament loss to Arkansas. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Sanon believes that Pitino will assist him in unlocking his full potential as well.
'Just the opportunity to play for him made a lot of sense,' Sanon said. 'He just said he's not going to bulls–t me, he's going to push me through some of the stuff I don't do very well. He's going to push me to work hard. He said he believes in me, my potential, and what he could do for me.'
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