/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49737983/usa-today-8979377.0.jpg)
With the St. John's roster currently completed for both the 2016 and 2017 seasons (most likely), the Johnnies are already turning their attention to the recruiting class of 2018.
According to SNY, five-star Roselle Catholic High School forward Naz Reid has four front-runners in his recruitment. St. John's is in the mix, along with North Carolina, Syracuse and Kentucky.
Reid has offers from UConn, Iowa, Kansas, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Seton Hall, St. John's, North Carolina, Syracuse, Kentucky, Virginia, Villanova and Wichita State, but the Johnnies are one of the program's working the hardest to reel in the Asbury Park, NJ native.
The 6'8" 215 pound power forward is ranked 6th in ESPN's top-25 rankings for the class of 2018 and is labeled as the best player in the Mid-Atlantic region. He told SNY he is not planning to commit until late next year and could even hold off his decision until after his high school season.
What makes Reid so intriguing for the Red Storm is his versatility and ability to impact multiple facets of the game, similar to the role Draymond Green plays with the Golden State Warriors. Reid is a mismatch nightmare because he has excellent passing skills, is a great ball handler for his size and offers freak athleticism.
Reid is also terrific rebounder (and shot blocker) who can grab the ball off the glass and lead his team in transition. St. John's wants to play an up-tempo, space-and-pace style of play, so Reid gives the guards the chance to fill the lane on the break and spot up from the wing or corner for quick knock down threes.
With a 7'1" wingspan, Reid offers great upside defensively where could develop into a player that can guard multiple positions and limit opposing teams in pick-and-roll situations.
This is certainly a dream scenario for the Johnnies. There are so many high major schools involved that the competition for his services won't be easy to say the least. But it is a promising development that the Red Storm are showing that they value Reid's upside and skills this early in the process. They are making him a high priority for a class two years down the road and that could have an positive impact on Reid if he wants to stay close to home.
Most importantly, it certainly doesn't hurt that Chris Mullin and company are mentioned amongst a class of blue bloods. This is great for a program that is rebuilding and needs to continue to land as much talent as possible from the Tri-State Area.