Coming in strong
Remaining 2018 St. John’s recruits having good years
WHEN the early signing period came to a close in mid-November, St. John’s was pleased with its twoman class.
Despite the disappointing decommitment of four-star forward J’Raan Brooks on Thursday — the Seattle native had committed on Christmas Eve, and therefor had yet to sign a National Letter of Intent — that feeling hasn’t changed. And neither has the belief of Greg Williams or Josh Roberts in the program they both pledged to.
Williams and Roberts, highly thought-of fourand three-star recruits, respectively, aren’t planning on going anywhere. Both have been encouraged by the Johnnies’ late-season run following 11 straight losses to begin the Big East season, have watched most of St. John’s games, and are eagerly anticipating arriving on campus in late May for summer school to prepare for their freshmen season.
“You have to take the sunshine and the rain,” Williams’ father, Greg Sr., said. “It was impressive how those guys didn’t give up. They’re rallying now. I’m sure there’s no one in the Big East who wants to play them at this point.”
The coaching staff expects both to be contributors right away, likely off the bench next season. Williams, a Louisiana native, will be used mostly off the ball, at shooting guard or on the wing, but the belief is he can play point guard some, too. The 6-foot-9 Roberts, from Alabama, will add much-needed size as a quality rebounder and shotblocker whose offensive skill set remains a work in progress.
“I can definitely help,” said Roberts, who picked St. John’s over Auburn, Florida Gulf Coast, Troy and Wichita State in early September.
Being used at a variety of positions, the 6-foot-4 Williams is having a big year for Lafayette Christian Academy, leading the Knights to a 21-5 record and the district crown. He’s averaging 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.5 steals and shooting 49 percent from the field, hoping to lead the Knights to back-to-back state crowns after guiding the Louisiana school to its first such title a year ago.
Coach Byron Starks has described Williams’ performance this year as “extraordinary,” because of how well he has adjusted to being used in a different position. Since Lafayette Christian is undersized, Williams has played more inside, and has thrived at point-forward, being relied upon more this year as a distributor and force in the paint.
“I really just want to win,” said Williams, who chose St. John’s over Tulane and Nevada in November. “Of course I want to improve in everything, but I want to continue to grow as a leader.”
As for Roberts, he’s gained valuable experience playing for Montverde Center for Basketball Development in Florida, and going up against fellow Division I forwards Darnell Brodie (Seton Hall) and Morris Udeze (Wichita State) in practice every day. A late bloomer and former football star who started playing basketball in the eighth grade, he’s up to 200 pounds, and is hoping to be at 215 by the time he arrives on campus. One college coach who has seen Roberts this year thinks he can make an impact in the paint because of his physicality and athleticism, and loved his motor. Montverde coach Kevin Boyle Jr., meanwhile, has been encouraged by his development, and the weight he has added.
“I think it’s been key,” Roberts said of his time at Montverde. “Being here was [the] right choice to get me ready for college and playing in the Big East.”
Both prospects raved about what sophomore Shamorie Ponds is doing, averaging 32.2 points during the St. John’s four-game winning streak and leading the Big East in minutes played and steals per game. He carried the Red Storm to the upsets of Duke and Villanova in winning back-to-back Big East Player of the Week honors. It backs up what the coaching staff told Williams during his commitment about letting his talent shine through.
“That was one of the reasons he wanted to go there,” Williams Sr. said. “There’s nothing like having the confidence of coaches and teammates.”
St. John’s coach Chris Mullin and assistant Greg St. Jean saw McDonald’s All-American Jordan Brown on Thursday in California. The five-star forward, who plays for Prolific Prep, is also being recruited by California, Nevada, UCLA and Gonzaga.