Shot-blocker Chris Obekpa to return to St. John's

NEW YORK (AP) — In a change of mind that took about two weeks, Chris Obekpa has decided not to transfer from St. John's.

Obekpa led the Big East in blocked shots the last two seasons. On April 3, St. John's announced it had granted the 6-foot-9 sophomore a release to pursue transfer options. On Friday, the school announced Obekpa will return for the 2014-15 season.

Obekpa led Division I in 2012-13 with 4.03 blocks per game, and he led the conference this season with 2.9. He broke the school record for career blocks in just two years with 227. Obekpa has averaged 3.9 points and 5.5 rebounds.

Obekpa will be one of 11 letter-winners returning to St. John's next season. Sophomore forward JaKarr Sampson has decided to enter the NBA draft.