Bashir Ahmed and Richard Freudenberg officially sign with St. John's

It's now official.

Bronx native Bashir Ahmed and German forward Richard Freudenberg both signed their National Letters of Intent to St. John's on Wednesday afternoon. They will join four-star point guard Shamorie Ponds in what is expected to be one of the top ranked recruiting classes in the Big East.

6'7" forward, Ahmed, currently attends Hutchinson Community College in Kansas and earned a slot as an NJCAA First Team All-America. The prospect from New York averaged 20.1 points per game, 8.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists, showing off his versatility and strength from the wing position.

"Bashir certainly adds a new dimension to our roster," Chris Mullin said in the school's press release. "He is an experienced scorer with versatility to play multiple positions. Bashir brings a tremendous work ethic to the court and can have an immediate impact."

Ahmed was named the 2016 Jayhawk Conference Most Valuable Player of the Year and led Hutchinson to their second straight NJCAA Tournament appearance. The team finished 32-5 overall and advanced to the National Title game.

"I am grateful to be a part of St. John's University. It is a dream come true for me," Ahmed said. "I've worked very hard to get to this point and feel honored to have the opportunity to play for two Hall of Famers in Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond. I am looking forward to winning at the highest level with all the support from my hometown."

Freudenberg will add more international flavor to a roster that already features Kassoum Yakwe (Mali), Federico Mussini (Italy) and Yankuba Sima (Spain). He will also give the Red Storm a sweet shooter from the perimeter, a player who has the ability to stretch the floor and create space, and another versatile option who can play inside and out.

"We are excited to have Richard join our basketball program," Mullin said. "Richard has good shooting range, a high basketball IQ and can play several positions. We feel he can excel in our style of play and will continue to evolve as a player as he goes through our development program."

Freduenberg, a 6'9" forward, will need to work on his frame, improve his defense and develop in terms of rebounding, but he is a promising prospect with pro potential.

The four-star prospect competed in the U19 German League this year. He averaged 19 points per game, eight rebounds and shot 40 percent from beyond the arc, while also averaging two assists and a couple steals per game.

"I can't wait to take this next step in my life by joining a program with great tradition in St. John's and playing for a legend in Chris Mullin," Freudenberg said. "It is a special opportunity to attend St. John's University, to play in one of the greatest cities in the world, New York City, and the best arena, Madison Square Garden. I look forward to working with Coach Mullin and improving every day."

The Johnnies have a athletic, deep, versatile roster next year with the additions of Ahmed, Freudenberg, Ponds, Marcus LoVett and Tariq Owens. But the Red Storm will likely need to remain active on the transfer market, as they look for a physical big and more experience.