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Former St. John’s center visiting Minnesota this weekend

Chris Obekpa

St. John’s forward Chris Obekpa (12) reacts after shooting a three-pointer during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Dec. 22, 2014 in New York. St. Jon’s won 66-49. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

AP

After playing three seasons at St. John’s, center Chris Obekpa made the decision last month to transfer for his final season of eligibility. A solid contributor on the defensive end of the floor, Obekpa had a tumultuous junior season which ended with his being declared ineligible for the NCAA tournament after reportedly failing a drug test.

Thursday it was reported by CBSSports.com that the 6-foot-10 big man will visit Minnesota this weekend, with the Golden Gophers being one of four schools he’s considering. Minnesota doesn’t lack for front court options who would have eligibility remaining in 2016-17, with Joey King being their lone senior, but Obekpa would add more depth (and defensive ability) to that group.

According to SNY.tv, Alabama, Arizona State and NC State are also being considered by Obekpa. Each of those schools has at least one scholarship remaining, with the Wolfpack having three available scholarships in the aftermath of Kyle Washington’s transfer to Cincinnati and Trevor Lacey’s decision to turn pro.

Regardless of where Obekpa lands he’ll have to sit out the 2015-16 season, and that could ultimately benefit him on the offensive end of the floor. While he was a player teams had to account for as a defender while at St. John’s, the offensive skill set remained a work in progress throughout his time in Queens.