2017 combo guard David Beatty: St. John's has not reached out

When Chris Mullin and his staff took over at St. John's, they were on a mission to build relationships with local high schools while also reaching out to the top players in the New York/New Jersey area to create traction for the future.

2017 St. Benedict's combo guard David Beatty was one of the talented prospects to be contacted by the Red Storm in June before he visited the campus unofficially in October (according to Scout.com).

But at the Dick's High School Nationals Tournament at Christ The King, Beatty told Rumble that "he hasn't heard from St. John's" at all as of late and his only local offer is from Iona. The guard already has an offer from fellow Big East school Georgetown along with Miami, Penn State, Memphis, South Carolina and Kansas State, amongst others, and said he is receiving significant interest from UCLA, Arizona State and Arizona.

While Beatty is only a three-star prospect with one season left at the high school level, his physical style of play, ability to get out in transition and his solid range would fit perfectly into Mullin's up-tempo system. He has solid handles, can get into the lane and has versatility in terms of playing on and off the ball.

"My game is really special," Beatty said following his team's loss to La Lumiere in the tournament quarterfinals. "I just want to win and I'll do anything to come out with a victory. I think my game is underrated because I haven't played on the (AAU) circuit in a while but this summer I'm ready to get back on the court and show people who I am.

"Decision making and shot selection," the 2017 prospect mentioned when asked what he needs to work on moving forward. "I just need to get in the gym and work. It's a mental thing so I have to work on my mental game."

If Beatty does prove himself and increases his stock heading into his senior season, there is no reason why the Johnnies can't get back into the mix and offer the prospect. But with just two scholarships currently remaining for 2016 and most of the roster made up of underclassmen, the staff will have to be selective with who they chose to fill out the squad in 2017.

The Red Storm have pending offers sent out to Bronx native Sidney Wilson, Roselle Catholic power forward Andre Rafus, Texas native Billy Preston, Queens native Hamidou Diallo, La Lumiere stud Brian Bowen and one of the best recruits in the country, Mohamed Bamba. The program seems to have significant interest in Wilson and Rafus, as they have visited The Garden on multiple occasions this season, and Christ The King point guard Jose Alvarado also looms as a possible impact player.

Beatty's game is developing and he has the potential to be a contributor at the college level, but with depth in the backcourt, it looks as if Mullin and the Johnnies are out of the mix, at least for now.