Johnnies’ recruit arrested

St. John’s is trying to recruit better talent under second-year coach Chris Mullin, but the Red Storm also found a player with a knack for getting in trouble.

Zach Brown, a 7-foot-1 senior center from Miami, was arrested on Sunday morning and charged with robbery. He committed to St. John’s in November when he signed a National Letter of Intent and is considered a top-40 prospect by ESPN.

The news broke hours before the Johnnies (8-10) lost at Georgetown, 83-55. St. John’s was held to 18 points on five field goals in the second half of the setback, the 12th straight time the Storm has lost at Georgetown (9-8).

The university said in a statement Monday that the athletics department “reviews allegations of misconduct for both current and prospective studentathletes.” Per school policy, St. John’s declined to comment publicly.

Brown, who attends Calusa Prep School, allegedly robbed a Walgreens in Hollywood, Fla., according to multiple reports. The 19-yearold was waiting in line when he reached into the cash register and removed money. The Miami Herald reported that Brown was charged with a first-degree petit theft misdemeanor, as well as driving with a suspended license and an expired tag.

In November, Mullin expressed excitement when Brown signed on with the school.

“He can have an immediate impact on our team as he gives us another big target in the post and elite rim protector,” Mullin said at the time. “We are supportive of Zach as he works toward his goals on and off the court, and believe that our basketball program and university can provide him with the resources to be successful.”

Brown averaged 19.3 points and 17 rebounds and 8.6 blocks per game in 26 appearances with Miami Beach High. Brown split his junior year between basketball powerhouse Miami High and Putnam Science Academy in Putnam, Conn.

Brown’s been in trouble with the law before, having faced robbery and credit card fraud charges related to a May incident.