Amir Garrett was an average player at St. John's but could be a long-term pro pitcher. (USATSI)
Blessed with the ability to play hoops and throw a wicked slider, Amir Garrett has lived an up-in-the-air life over the past three years. He was initially facing eligibility concerns at St. John's, back in the fall of 2011. But he stayed with the program and continued on with his hoops career the following two seasons.

This while getting in some work with the Cincinnati Reds, who drafted him in 2011.

That dual sports life couldn't go on forever, and facing the monetary reality of which sport gave him the best option down the road, Garrett announced he's giving up basketball for hardball.

The 6-foot-6 former St. John's player made his intentions clear Thursday on Twitter. Garrett spent two seasons with the Red Storm, averaging 6.4 points.

The decision comes 15 months after Garrett transferred from St. John's to Cal State Northridge. While pitching this summer for the Dayton Dragons (single-A ball), Garrett's started 23 games and gone 6-6 with a 3.41 ERA and 101 strikeouts.

Garrett's not the only college hoops player with two-sport skills. Notre Dame senior Pat Connaughton -- who will play his final year of college hoops this season -- spent his summer pitching in the minor leagues for the Baltimore Orioles.

Correction: This article originally stated Garrett transferred from St. John's in May; he left for Cal State Northridge in May of 2013.