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St. John’s has landed a commitment from Maryland guard Johnathan McGriff, a 5’9” guard eligible in the fall.
The commitment is the first of Mike Anderson’s tenure at St. John’s. McGriff, who played at Bishop McNamara in Maryland and for Team Thrill most recently in AAU play, will compete for minutes at the point guard position. He is currently playing AAU ball with Team Melo, and has played at Huntington Prep as well.
In the 247 Sports rankings, McGriff is the #272 player.
While the Johnnies do not have a “true” point guard on the roster, Greg Williams Jr. played a few minutes at lead guard last season.
The Red Storm have a quick guard who can add some speed to the roster. McGriff, playing with Team Melo last season, struggled with his shot but provided steals, assists and even the occasional block in EYBL play.
We reached out to Julius Kim to reflect on the commitment. Kim told us that he thinks McGriff has a chance to make an impact. He continued, “[McGriff has] been labeled undersized but is a tough PG. Quick, Crafty, shifty, lefty.”
McGriff told Kim, “just felt like family. Me coming in as a freshman is new start, and I know it’s going to be a lot of ups and downs because of how new things are, but it’s a part of growth.”
To Prep Circuit, McGriff added, “Mike Anderson told me he likes to get the best out of his kids and I have to come in with the mentality of doing whatever it takes to win.... I want them to know that I’m going to give it all that I got even if it’s not always with scoring.”
Assuming LJ Figueroa returns — no certainty — St. John’s will have three more scholarships to be able to use for players this fall.
The Red Storm, are losing Justin Simon to the pros, Bryan Trimble Jr. to transfer and Marvin Clark II to graduation (along with decommitments from Cameron Mack and Valdir Manuel). MIke Anderson’s first St. John’s team will welcome point guard McGriff along with sit-out transfers Eli Wright (shooting guard/ wing), David Caraher (wing/ forward) and, in December, big man Ian Steere.