A St. John’s team that already was low on numbers suffered a huge blow Thursday afternoon when coach Steve Lavin announced that sophomore guard Nurideen Lindsey will transfer at the end of the fall semester.

“This was a mutually agreed upon decision that Nuri’s pursuit of other opportunities is in the best interest of all parties,” Lavin said in a statement. “We appreciate Nuri’s contributions to our program. He is a basketball player with a bright future. Our basketball family supports Nuri as he moves in a new direction.”

Lindsey was third on the team in scoring at 11.8 points per game, and led the team at 2.9 assists. He averaged 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals in nine games.

He was one of seven players to play in each of the Red Storm’s first nine games this season, and after three players (Amir Garrett, JaKarr Sampson and Norvel Pelle) failed to qualify academically before the school year began, is the latest hit to Lavin’s roster.

“I came to St. John’s for a couple of reasons,” Lindsey said in the statement. “One was to be close to my mom, whose health has been up and down due to some past experiences. The second was to play for Coach Lav. In both instances it has not worked out how I envisioned. I think Coach Lav is an amazing coach, and person. He could have taught me so much.

“I love St. John’s and appreciate all the love and support from the staff and school. I think this team will be special. I think what I’ll miss most about St. John’s is miss my teammates. Those guys are like my brothers. So I will continue to support St. John’s and my brothers. Thank you for the memories, regardless of how brief.”