Visa Hurdles Derail Jovanovic’s U.S. Move
Montenegrin forward Djordije Jovanovic, who had signed with St. John’s University, will not join the Red Storm for the 2026‑27 campaign. The obstacle stems from a delayed visa process that prevented him from traveling to the United States, forcing him to return to his former club, KK Buducnost, in Montenegro.
Jovanovic’s departure adds to a series of roster changes for St. John’s, which already lost forward Gildas Gimenez to academic ineligibility earlier this month. The program now faces a vacant scholarship slot that could be filled by fifth‑year transfers or experienced big men seeking a fresh start.
Academic Ineligibility Shakes the Roster
Gildas Gimenez was ruled academically ineligible earlier this month, preventing him from contributing on the court and further thinning the squad. The dual setbacks have forced coaches to reassess their plans just weeks before the season opener.
Transfer Market Offers New Avenues
Among the candidates, former Georgetown center Vince Iwuchukwu recently secured a temporary restraining order that clears the way for him to practice and compete with St. John’s in the 2026‑27 season. Iwuchukwu averaged 11.6 points and 6.1 rebounds last year for Georgetown, bringing a blend of size and scoring that aligns with the program’s needs.
The Red Storm continue to chase All‑SEC honoree Keyshawn Hall, a potential replacement for injured guard Donnie Freeman, while also monitoring other transfer markets. The mix of departures and arrivals underscores a transitional period for St. John’s, a program eager to rebuild after a series of setbacks but still eyeing competitive performance in the coming months.