The search is over. St. John’s has filled its glaring need inside, landing George Washington graduate transfer Arnaldo Toro.
The 6-foot-8, 248-pound forward verbally committed to coach Mike Anderson on Friday morning, as first reported by The Post, taking the last open scholarship on the roster.
Toro averaged 6.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game for George Washington last season in just 18.4 minutes per game. His recruitment was all over the map — Toro heard from the likes of Vermont, Duquesne and Marquette, but he said he felt St. John’s was the right fit. The Red Storm needed size, and Toro wanted a place where he would be given the chance to make the most of his final year of eligibility.
“The opportunity was perfect for me,” he said in a phone interview. “I could bring something to the table and make an impact.”
The only question remaining now for next season’s roster is whether leading scorer LJ Figueroa will return. Figueroa announced on Saturday his intention to enter his name into the NBA draft, but is keeping open the option of returning to school for his senior year.
A Puerto Rican native, Toro is familiar with the area, having attended St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark. He got to know the coaching staff well — speaking frequently to Anderson and assistant Van Macon, who coached against Toro when he was an assistant at Saint Louis.
Toro said he can fit in well with the blue-collar Johnnies with his rebounding feeding their frenetic style. Two years ago, he got off to a terrific start, averaging 10.1 points and 9.3 rebounds through seven games, before suffering a season-ending hip injury. He started fast last season, notching three double-doubles in his first six games, but an ankle injury slowed him and his minutes were cut as rebuilding George Washington prioritized playing time for freshmen.
St. John’s had been looking for a big man since the season concluded prematurely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Forwards Damien Sears and Ian Steere transferred, and starting big man Josh Roberts underwent significant shoulder surgery. The Red Storm failed to land Quinnipiac grad transfer Kevin Marfo, losing out to Texas A&M, but were able to secure a commitment from Toro.
“He can play and contribute in the Big East,” said one Division I coach familiar with Toro. “Can finish around the rim and will be able to rebound. Not a game-changer, but a solid piece. … A tremendous offensive rebounder.”
In Anderson’s first season, St. John’s went 17-15 and was likely headed to the NIT, had one been played. The Red Storm did so despite playing undersized and without a true post presence. Toro could help alleviate such issues.
“I can bring rebounding, physicality,” Toro said. “I know the Big East is a tough conference. I know I’m going to get challenged. I’m going to work hard to bring what I bring. Be tough and do the dirty work.”
