Eight days ago, Rick Pitino made it clear to St. John’s fans: Get ready for a very different roster.
Over the last two days, that has begun to develop.
AJ Storr, Posh Alexander and Dylan Addae-Wusu are also entering the transfer portal, while recruit Yaxel Lendebert is reopening his recruitment.
Alexander, a three-year starter under former coach Mike Anderson, wanted to return, a source close to him told The Post, but didn’t feel wanted by the new staff.
Another source said, though, that Alexander was invited to return, as was Storr, an All-Big East freshman team selection.
Storr’s role would’ve been limited, though, as the staff recruits players at his position.
Addae-Wusu was not afforded that same opportunity, and it was not a decision made by the coaching staff alone.
A source said the advice came from above, related to off-the-court issues.
Under Anderson, the culture had deteriorated in recent years, part of the reason the school fired him with cause.
That trio joins sophomores O’Mar Stanley and Rafael Pinzon, who entered the transfer portal last week.
More defections are expected, multiple sources said.
Meanwhile, Pitino and his staff are hard at work to restock the roster.
On Monday, Pitino and assistant coach Steve Masiello met with the top transfers Nick Timberlake (Towson) and Chris Ledlum (Harvard).
Ledlum, a Brooklyn native, is expected to visit St. John’s in the next few weeks.
Indiana is believed to be a major suitor for the 6-foot-6 forward.
They have already spoken multiple times with Washington State transfer TJ Bamba, a high-scoring big guard from The Bronx, and will host Walter Clayton Jr., Pitino’s former star at Iona University.
Clayton was the MAAC Player of the Year and is down to Florida and the Johnnies, for an official visit starting next Thursday.
St. John’s is also firmly in the mix for top-50 high school recruit Garwey Dual, a one-time Providence commit.
At his introductory press conference, Pitino said he didn’t get flattering reports about many of the returning players, and hinted at major upheaval.
“Certain players won’t fit in and should not play for me,” he said. “They should go to a different place and fit in.”
Wednesday morning, Pitino tweeted: “Worked out Joel Soriano n Drissa Traore yesterday. Worked hard, loads of potential to improve. We start the process – build, work and create unparalleled passion. We are St John’s!!”
