College Basketball News in May; It's Like Xmas in July!

by Jonathan Tannenwald

When not devoting our energy to the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers, Phillyist makes time for Philadelphia's vibrant college basketball scene. This is especially true in the cold winter months when the Palestra offers not only a basketball game, but the ability to spend two hours in short sleeves.

Things are usually pretty quiet this time of year, though. Which is part of the reason why Phillyist did a double-take yesterday morning upon reading that Saint Joseph's guard Abdulai Jalloh, a starter last year, will transfer out of the program. Jalloh was one of the Hawks' better players last year, with a good-if-streaky three-point shot and plenty of speed running the floor. But his temperament got the better of him at times, and the Daily News reported yesterday morning that Jalloh didn't get along all that well with head coach Phil Martelli and his assistants.

St. Joe's might not miss him too much, though, if the highly-touted incoming freshman class turns out to be as good as advertised. The top newcomer is Darren Govins, a point guard from Chester High School -- the same school
which produced former Hawks superstar Jameer Nelson. Phillyist saw Govins first hand at a high school game at the Palestra a few months ago, and liked what we saw.

Yes, basketball season doesn't start for another six months, but at least today's news can tide Big 5 fans over for a little while.

Image Credit: Atlantic10.org