Via Chris Level and ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, St. John’s center Tariq Owens (6-11/205) has committed to play for Texas Tech and Chris Beard. Owens averaged 30 minutes a game, 8.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks last year for St. John’s and as a graduate transfer, Owens will be eligible immediately.

Owens is obviously a defensive force and with Tommy Hamilton and Zach Smith graduating, there was a definite spot in the middle that needed to be filled alongside Malik Ondigo and Norense Odiase.

Also of note is that Brian Burg has been promoted to assistant coach in place of Chris Ogden, who was named at the UT-Arlington head coach last week. Congrats to Brian.