Mustapha Heron’s career at St. John’s most likely done

St. John’s star Mustapha Heron reinjured his ankle against Creighton on Saturday. His career with the Red Storm is likely over and so are the team’s slim postseason hopes.

In a season that’s been filled with more downs then ups for St. John’s, it appears senior shooting guard Mustapha Heron‘s career is most likely over in the red and white.

According to the New York Post’s Zach Braziller, Heron aggravated an injury to his right ankle in the Johnnies blowout loss to Creighton on Saturday. He originally hurt the ankle against Brown on December 10, in non-conference play. The first time cost him three games, this time he isn’t as fortunate.

"“A timetable for Heron’s return has not been set, but it is likely he will miss the remainder of the 2019-20 season,” the school said in the statement."

Heron, the Waterbury, Connecticut, native, transferred to St. John’s to be closer to home after spending the first two years of his collegiate career at Auburn University. There was no question that former Red Storm head coach Chris Mullin landed a gifted transfer to his program, which was struggling at the time.

In his first season for the Tigers, Heron averaged 15.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. As a sophomore, he upped his scoring and finished with 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game. The former five-star recruit regressed in his two seasons at St. John’s. In 52 games played for the Red Storm, Heron averaged 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.

This is a big blow to Mike Anderson’s squad, however, it should present an opportunity to sophomore guards Greg Williams Jr. and David Caraher. While the two have been staples in Anderson’s rotation so far, both should see an uptick in playing time.

In 23 games, Williams is averaging 4.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His teammate Caraher is averaging 4.5 points and 1.8 rebounds.

It would take a miracle for the Johnnies to make the NCAA Tournament. Whether or not SJU can make the NIT, is still up in the air. The senior’s departure is a disappointing swan song to a season that started 11-2.

Heron and LJ Figuroa seemed destined to be one of the top duos in the Big East this season. Their chance to show what they could in the conference championships are gone.

Maybe Red Storm fans can take a page from their Queens counterpart, the New York Mets. “Ya Gotta Believe Johnnies fans!” Here are some gems of Heron’s career:

https://twitter.com/CBBonFOX/status/1202025292921024513?s=20

What do you think St. John’s chances for the postseason are with Mustapha Heron? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.