Recruiting: Greg Williams commits to St. John’s Red Storm

St. John’s has landed a commitment from Greg Williams, a three-star 6’3” guard from Louisiana. He will come to the Queens campus in 2018, adding another hopefully potent guard to Chris Mullin’s roster.

Williams, who visited at the end of October, chose St. John’s - and coming to Queens - over staying near home at Tulane or going west to Nevada.

Cheesing for the camera at Lafayette Christian, and flanked by parents and staff, he slowly revealing his choice, he spoke to a crowd gathered at the Lafayette, LA school.

“After a lot of contemplation, I have now decided to take my talents to the University of St. John’s,” Williams said, donning the St. John’s hat and shirt.

“The day that I knew was Monday the 13th,” he added, before signing his paperwork to the song “Boogie Shoes”.

"He never wanted the limelight, always wants the team to succeed," said his coach, Byron Starks.

"He has been a servant leader," said his mother at his press conference. "He's remained humble."

Williams is said to be a versatile scorer, though he struggled from outside the arc in EYBL play (shooting 17% last season with Houston Hoops). But he shot 71% on free throws, 53% inside the arc, and looks to have some defensive skill.

His game, potential and value system had drawn the St. John’s coaches to him as a piece of the future puzzle.

Some highlights

Williams joins Montverde forward Josh Roberts in this year’s class of commits.

When he makes it to the floor, Williams and Roberts will be joined by three other newcomers: transfer Sedee Keita, a Philadelphia big man who transferred from South Carolina; Mikey Dixon, a willowy combo guard from Delaware who transferred from Quinnipiac; and Boubacar Diakite, a redshirting freshman from Mali who played at Our Savior New American High School.

Keita and Dixon are redshirting per NCAA transfer rules. Diakite is transferring to build strength and recover from a knee injury suffered last spring.

Next year’s team, barring redshirts, will be composed entirely of players Chris Mullin and his staff has recruited. St. John’s has 12 scholarships accounted for, and the team is looking at a pair of top-100 forwards as well (Jordan Brown and J’Raan Brooks):

Guards: Shamorie Ponds, Marcus LoVett, Justin Simon, Bryan Trimble, Jr., Mikey Dixon, Greg Williams

Wing: Boubacar Diakite

Forwards: Marvin Clark II, Kassoum Yakwe, Tariq Owens, Josh Roberts, Sedee Keita