Dwayne Polee II to Transfer from St. John’s

Update 12:46AM May 28, 2011

Jon Rothstein of SNY, who has been on a trip to the West Coast recently, reported via Twitter, that, though “nothing is confirmed”, the “vibe on West Coast is strong that former St. John’s forward Dwayne Polee will transfer to San Diego State.”

When news of Polee II’s transfer broke, a source told JohnnyJungle.com that San Diego State was a school prominently on the Los Angeles native’s list.

Check back to JohnnyJungle.com for updates, as they become available.

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Original Story: Published May 22, 2011, 1:55PM

St. John’s forward and one-time Los Angeles City Section Player of the Year Dwayne Polee II is transferring, the school announced early Sunday afternoon.

According to a source, the influence of Polee II’s father, Dwayne Polee Sr., was a major factor in the decision. The source says Polee Sr. was concerned about his son’s role on the team for this upcoming season and felt that another school would offer his son a larger role, as the focal point of the program.

Polee II, who averaged 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 33 games his freshman season with the Red Storm, cites a “family health issue” as the reason for his transfer, via a press release.

“Dwayne is an outstanding individual with a bright future,” head coach Steve Lavin said. “He has been a valued member of our basketball family. He leaves St. John’s University in good academic standing and we wish him well.”

The Los Angeles, CA native had his best performance of the season in his first game with the Red Storm, scoring 16 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in a loss to St. Mary’s.

“I really enjoyed my experience at St. John’s and I’m going to miss the staff and New York,” Polee said.

Following his announcement to transfer, San Diego State and others are interested in the 6’7” swingman, according to a source.

In 9th grade, Polee II committed to play for then-Southern Cal head coach Tim Floyd. After Floyd resigned in June, 2009, Polee decommitted and was being courted by school such as Oregon, UNLV, UTEP, Georgia, and Arizona. He decided to sign with Steve Lavin and St. John’s in Spring 2010.

The transfer leaves point guard Malik Stith as the only returning scholarship letterwinner, and the only player in Lavin’s regular rotation with Division I experience.