The Red Storm's 2012 recruiting class is almost complete. The Johnnies have ample guard depth, allowing them to apply more pressure in transition and on the perimeter. Steve Lavin and company are still interested in a center to complete the 2012 recruiting class and to help bridge the team's massive rebounding gap.
Even if the staff brings in a center, the team still could use talented forwards to score inside in future classes. Some intriguing 2013 prospects who fit the bill are getting loose at high-profile events - local talents Jermaine Lawrence and Kenton Facey.
Read on, below the fold.
2013 forward Jermaine Lawrence is 6'9", athletic, talented, and has generated a lot of interest. Since his transfer from Ron Nacleiro's Cardozo program to Pope John XXIII in New Jersey (coached by Jason Hasson), Lawrence has been one of the most talked-about prospects on the city scene.
St. John's has strong interest in the forward, as do a who's who of men's basketball programs.
After his performances in two Hoop Group events with the New Rens AAU squad, Jermaine Lawrence has become an even hotter name in recruiting circles.
From CBSSports:
The 6-foot-9 power forward showed off an expanded game throughout the tournament, despite his team getting bounced early. He was knocking down mid-range shots, dunking everything around the rim, and running the floor extremely well. If he can bring that sort of effort on a nightly basis, he is sure to pick up some extra looks in the summer.
From Brian Snow at Scout.com ($):
[Jermaine Lawrence] is one of the most versatile and athletic power forwards in the 2013 class and flashed major potential all April long.
...when the time does come down the road for him to choose a college, he knows what he will be looking for in a school.
"I pay attention to how a school uses their forwards and if they get out in transition," said Lawrence. "I am at my best in transition, so I like to get out and run."
Lawrence, from Springfield Gardens, Queens - where former coach Norm Roberts grew up - is a major target for the 2013 class. Kansas has interest, per Alex Kline of the Recruit Scoop. Jermaine also has offers from St. John's, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Louisville, Miami, and more.
Meanwhile, Lawrence's AAU teammate Kentan Facey (2013) is also drawing looks. Facey, a 6'8 forward, is raw and new to the United States from Jamaica. He plays for Long Island Lutheran and has been described as a face-up four. (Photo: Patrick McCarthy, Newsday)
From Scout.com ($):
He tries to dunk everything down low, and is active on the glass. Now he gets into foul trouble way too easily, and doesn’t have a great idea of how to play, but the bottom line is there aren’t too many players in this class with his length and athleticism.
Facey has a scholarship offer from St. John's, UConn, Florida State, Florida, Marist, and Rhode Island, per Kline.
Expect to see Red Storm coaches closely observing both Facey and Lawrence. Both are the kind of long, athletic athletes that St. John's - and many other college programs - favor.
Follow the Rumble on Facebook | Follow on Twitter: Rumble In The Garden | Tim | Quinn | Pico | Follow on Tumblr
More St. John's recruiting |