Rumble In The Garden - Rysheed Jordan commits to St. John'sHere in good times and badhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52646/ritg_fav.png2013-04-11T17:44:12-04:00http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/rss/stream/39803472013-04-11T17:44:12-04:002013-04-11T17:44:12-04:00Rysheed Jordan's AAU director provides insight
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<figcaption>Cameron Spencer</figcaption>
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<p>Jordan provided a verbal commitment to the Johnnies on Thursday morning. </p> <p>When Rysheed Jordan <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-basketball-recruiting/2013/4/11/4205780/rysheed-jordan-commits-to-st-johns-steve-lavin-recruiting">announced his commitment to St. John's</a> on Thursday morning, it ended a long and strenuous process.</p>
<p>The Rumble spoke with Jordan's Philly Pride AAU director, Kamal Yard, who provided insight into the guard's decision process, overall game, and personality. In short, St. John's fans are not the only people excited about the commitment.</p>
<p>Jordan was relieved to make the decision after two years of heavy consideration, which recently narrowed his possible destinations down to St. John's, Temple, and UCLA. Ultimately, it was Steve Lavin and Tony Chiles' persistence and hard recruiting tactics, along with Jordan's relationships with the current Red Storm players, that differentiated the Johnnies from the competitors.</p>
<p>Yard explained how Temple was likely Jordan's top choice in the beginning of the process, with its campus located just miles from where the guard grew up in Philadelphia. He liked Owls head coach Fran Dunphy and knew the program wanted him, but decided he needed to move away from home to "grow up."</p>
<p>UCLA always seemed like Jordan's third choice, only having a chance to land the talented scorer based on program tradition and recognition. The Bruins' chances, according to Yard, dwindled drastically when the team fired Ben Howland and hired former New Mexico head coach Steve Alford. Jordan would have had to develop a whole new relationship with Alford, which was not feasible this late in the process.</p>
<p>"I want to thank Temple and UCLA for showing interest in me," Jordan said. "I am a Philly native and love my city, and can't wait to represent in the Big Apple." </p>
<p>As Jordan's AAU director, Yard knows Rysheed's game more than most. He immediately compared Jordan to Oklahoma City Thunder superstar (and former UCLA stand-out) <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/28995/russell-westbrook" class="sbn-auto-link">Russell Westbrook</a>. Yard believes Jordan could be an even better play-maker than Westbrook and could easily be the best guard St. John's has ever had.</p>
<p>When Jordan's commitment became a reality on Thursday, the Twitter questioning among St. John's fans on Twitter was if he is a premier shooter. Lavin's Johnnies shot a woeful 27.1 from three-point range in 2012-13, and ranked 258th in the nation in overall field goal percentage. To put it bluntly, the Red Storm desperately needs a shooter.</p>
<p>According to Yard, Jordan will contribute to the Storm's shooting improvement as a freshman in 2013-14. Though Jordan is not a natural shooter, he has improved immensely over the past few years. He shot 40% from long range this past season, which included a game in which he converted from deep eight times.</p>
<p>On top of being a potent scorer, Jordan remains diligent in his duties as a distributor. Yard expressed how Jordan will undoubtedly make an impact with the offensively challenged Johnnies, with his presence providing <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146162/d-angelo-harrison" class="sbn-auto-link">D`Angelo Harrison</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146157/phil-greene-iv" class="sbn-auto-link">Phil Greene IV</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175097/jakarr-sampson" class="sbn-auto-link">JaKarr Sampson</a>, and his other new teammates with cleaner looks.</p>
<p>That is just the type of kid Rysheed Jordan is. "Rysheed's weaknesses today can be his strength in three months," Yard explained. "That's just who he is."</p>
<p>In Jordan, St. John's is receiving a "phenomenal" young man who brings an old school feel in morals, is a "stickler" for family values, and provides an "edgy" inner-city mentality. The pieces are in place for Jordan to succeed with the Red Storm.</p>
<p>"I am looking forward to taking the next steps as a basketball player and in continuing my education at St. John's University," Jordan added. "New York City has great energy and the Garden is a place everyone dreams of playing." </p>
<p>Sure, Rysheed may be a Philly kid. But he now wants to be a New Yorker.</p>
https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-basketball-recruiting/2013/4/11/4214366/rysheed-jordan-commits-st-johns-philadelphia-steve-lavin-aauQuinn Rochford2013-04-11T16:44:28-04:002013-04-11T16:44:28-04:00The media approves of Rysheed Jordan's commitment
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<img alt="Steve Lavin and Tony Chiles watching Rysheed Jordan in March." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V2ja_dtWzjdPb2QTp-PSY6udHXI=/0x91:1100x824/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11362589/lavin___chiles_watching_rysheed.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Lavin and Tony Chiles watching Rysheed Jordan in March. | Ted Silary</figcaption>
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<p>Some stat notes about Jordan and what the media is saying about his commitment to Steve Lavin's squad.</p> <p>St. John's fans are elated about the verbal commitment of Rysheed Jordan. Another athletic guard joins, but this one should be ready to enhance the long matchup zone defense that served the Red Storm so well this season, while adding the scoring punch and at-the-rim athleticism that was missing.</p>
<p>He will wait to officially sign until next Wednesday at an official ceremony at his high school, per his AAU coach, and will take classes this summer - which means he should be eligible to join in the Red Storm's foreign tour in August.</p>
<h3>Stats notes</h3>
<p>Rysheed Jordan, leader of the PIAA Class A State Champion Vaux High team and Class A state player of the year averaged 25 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, 3.6 steals, and 4.3 assists per game <a href="http://www.maxpreps.com/athletes/A_uPG-yWgEiRmyK24MrXbQ/basketball-winter-12-13/stats-rysheed-jordan.htm">per MaxPreps</a>.</p>
<p>He shot 58% inside the arc, 34% from beyond the three-point line, and 72% from the free throw line. He drew 250 fouls (and shot 465 shots - a Free Throw Ratio of 54%); he took two-thirds of his shots inside the arc. And at just under 17 shots per game in high school, he knows how to get his shot off.</p>
<h3>In the Papers</h3>
<p>After you <a href="http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-basketball-recruiting/2013/4/11/4205780/rysheed-jordan-commits-to-st-johns-steve-lavin-recruiting">read the basics about Rysheed Jordan's commitment and what he could mean for the Red Storm</a> (along with some video of the player), see what other outlets are saying.</p>
<p><b>NY Post // </b><a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/collegesports/st_john_lands_top_pg_recruit_jordan_vdr4Xh2CCAkAy9tUQ0v1yH#axzz2QA3UbJoA">St. John's lands top PG recruit Rysheed Jordan - NYPOST.com</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Jordan adds explosion and potent scoring to the Red Storm backcourt, and could form a dynamic duo with star sophomore D’Angelo Harrison, if the combustable standout returns.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>ESPN NY // </b><a href="http://espn.go.com/new-york/college-sports/story/_/id/9159371/rysheed-jordan-commits-st-john-red-storm">Rysheed Jordan commits to St. John's Red Storm - ESPN New York</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>...Jordan expressed a desire to leave Philadelphia, however, and St. John's provided him the opportunity to still play on the East Coast within reasonable distance to his large Philadelphia-based family.</p>
<p>"I love Philly and Temple," Jordan said. "Coach Dunphy is great, but I wanted to go away from home but decided not too far, so UCLA was out. I have been in Philly my whole life, and I want to experience new things."</p>
<p>...Jordan is the first player to commit to Lavin in this year's class and can officially sign his letter of intent once the spring signing period (April 17-May 15) begins Wednesday.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>The Torch //</b> <a href="http://www.torchonline.com/sports/2013/04/11/top-recruit-rysheed-jordan-commits-to-st-johns/">Top Recruit Rysheed Jordan Commits to St. John’s</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Kamal Yard, Jordan’s travel team director with the Philly Pride AAU team, told the Torch that he is “a tough hombre,” who “doesn’t mind getting dirty.”</p>
<p>“St. John’s is getting a player that they haven’t had in a while,” Yard said. “This guy is athletic with play making skills.”</p>
<p>Yard said that to his knowledge Jordan will be taking class at St. John’s this summer.</p>
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<p><b>CBS Sports //</b> <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/blog/eye-on-college-basketball/22051733/rysheed-jordans-pledge-could-mean-ncaas-for-red-storm-next-year">Rysheed Jordan's pledge could mean NCAAs for Red Storm next year </a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>He can get to the rim against most defenders, and knows how to finish in the lane. His outside shot can be inconsistent at times, but he dominates in transition. Defensively, his length and strong body make him a factor....He will make an immediate impact for the Red Storm, and will likely flourish in Lavin's free-wheeling system.</p>
<p>St. John's stumbled down the stretch, going 2-7 to finish the regular season and then losing to Villanova in the Big East tournament. Prior to that, though, the Red Storm were squarely in the mix for an at-large bid.</p>
<p>With Jordan in the mix, they could certainly get back -- and possibly take the next step into the NCAA tournament.</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><b>College Hoops Digest //</b> <a href="http://www.collegehoopsdigest.com/2013/04/ny-state-of-mind-5-star-recruit-jordan.html#.UWcAyaKsjTp">NY State of Mind: 5 Star Recruit Jordan Picks St. John's</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Lavin has shown with the commitment of Jordan that he hasn't lost a step in recruiting. Now the pressure is on him and the St. John's team to make the NCAA Tournament in 2013-14. Anything less than that will be viewed as a major disappointment by the St. John's fan base. With the move into the new conference and a very talented roster, St. John's has positioned itself well to take over the back page of the NYC tabloids next season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Philly.com //</b> <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/Rysheed_Jordan_picks_St_Johns_over_Temple.html?Sdfgsdfg">Rysheed Jordan talks about picking St. John's</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Jordan talked about how he is getting buried by Temple supporters on social media.</p>
<p>"It's crazy," Jordan said. "The Temple people are really coming at me. I expected it. I was prepared for it. It's not bothering me. I did know how much they wanted me, so I figured this was gonna happen."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Rivals //</b> <a href="http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1494274&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Jordan worth the wait for St. John's</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Given his overall tools and the way he has played as a senior, Jordan is likely going to make a move up in the final 2013 rankings and be elevated from four to five-star status.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>NY Daily News // </b><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/st-john-lands-top-hoops-recruit-rysheed-jordan-article-1.1313602">St. John’s lands top recruit Rysheed Jordan as Philly star tweets ‘IM A JOHNNIE’ </a></p>
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<p>Several national websites that track recruiting and rank the players have him at a Top 50 choice – some in the Top 25 – and among the best five point guards.</p>
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<p><b>ESPN Recruiting // </b><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/ncbrecruitingnational/post/_/id/6296/st-johns-bound-jordan-an-all-around-pg">St. John's Red Storm commit Rysheed Jordan an all-around PG</a> ($)</p>
<blockquote>
<p>He will also excel at creating when the play breaks down and at end-of-clock situations, where he has the ability to score or deliver the ball to an open teammate. In the half-court offense, Jordan creates off the dribble with his tremendous first step. He not only can get to the rim and finish through contact, but he also has the ability to hit the mid-range pull-up jumper.</p>
<p>Additionally, he is excellent at getting teammates involved and has shown great improvement in running a team. Jordan can excel both in a fast-paced game or when he has to slow down and execute to set up his offensive attack.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>ESPN Recruiting // </b><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/ncbrecruiting/national/post?id=6288">Rysheed Jordan could become Storm's latest Big East Rookie of the Year</a> ($)</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Jordan has all the tools to be a great defender. He's long and quick, has instincts to anticipate plays away from the ball and the athleticism to erase mistakes....</p>
<p>Based on his obvious talent and fit into St. John's style of play, Jordan should be very capable of making an immediate impact next season. But one of the most intriguing things about Jordan is that he's just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>ESPN College Rumors // </b><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/mens-college-basketball/rumors/post?id=3292">Jordan propels St. John's into contention</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Juniors will make up most of a team that will be expected to make the NCAA tournament next year but Jordan will greatly help the cause. The Philadelphia native can compete for a starting spot immediately and become a floor leader in his first year. St. John's is in good position to compete near the top of the new Big East in 2013-14.</p>
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<p><b>24/7 Sports // </b><a href="http://247sports.com/Article/247Sports-examines-the-Rysheed-Jordan-commitment-to-St-Johns-125901">...examines the Rysheed Jordan commitment to St. John's</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Bruins were also an option. Jordan visited a couple times and said he liked what one-time coach Ben Howland had to offer. Once Steve Alford was hired, the communication lines were never apparently the same.</p>
<p>St. John's emerged as a player during the early stages of the whole recruiting process and coach Steve Lavin remained in constant contact with Jordan. The Red Storm head honcho, in fact, was in attendance to see him during the recent state playoffs. Perhaps that helped to seal the deal.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And if you want, see more from the UCLA side at <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_basketball/2013/4/11/4213296/no-rysheed-looking-forward">Bruins Nation</a> and from the Temple side at <a href="http://owlsblog.com/2013/04/11/rysheed-jordan-abdicates-his-throne-or-temple-stinks-at-recruiting/">Owls Blog</a> or the <a href="http://cityofbasketballlove.com/2013/04/rysheed-jordan-picks-st-johns-over-temple-ucla/">City of Basketball Love</a>.</p>
<h3>The players are excited.</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>A new warrior has arrived. welcome to the squad @<a href="https://twitter.com/sheedjordan">sheedjordan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23stjbb">#stjbb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23spartans">#spartans</a></p>
— Obekpa chris (@obekpa12) <a href="https://twitter.com/obekpa12/status/322346188588322816">April 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Spartans?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/sheedjordan">sheedjordan</a> welcome 2 the fam my dude. You already kno what it is <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23stjbb">#stjbb</a></p>
— Phil Greene (@philgreene31) <a href="https://twitter.com/philgreene31/status/322336486953463808">April 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-basketball-recruiting/2013/4/11/4213996/rysheed-jordan-commitment-st-johns-reactions-media-linksNorman Rose2013-04-11T07:53:34-04:002013-04-11T07:53:34-04:00Rysheed to Queens; Philly guard commits
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<img alt="Rysheed Jordan (middle) with teammates." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AhSm039rfAFtQRLwwxD1ER0tLlk=/0x46:1100x779/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11288261/rysheed_jordan_championship.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rysheed Jordan (middle) with teammates. | courtesy of Ted Silary (tedsilary.com)</figcaption>
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<p>The highly-coveted combo guard is headed to Queens for the 2013-14 season. </p> <p>With one scholarship available, Steve Lavin has got his man.</p>
<p>Rysheed Jordan, a highly-coveted 6'4" point guard from Vaux Roberts High School in Philadelphia's Public League, has committed to St. John's. Jordan is ranked as the 22nd ranked recruit in ESPN's rankings, 29th on Yahoo, and 53rd on Scout.com. He also considered UCLA and hometown <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/temple-owls">Temple Owls</a>.</p>
<p>He announced via Reggie Rankin - one of ESPN's main recruiting writers - on Twitter, ending what seemed to be this week's most poorly-guarded secret.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>BREAKING NEWS: I have spoken with @<a href="https://twitter.com/rysheedjordan">rysheedjordan</a> he has committed to St. John's It's Official Full Story and Analysis coming @<a href="https://twitter.com/recruitingespn">recruitingespn</a></p>
— Reggie Rankin (@ReggieRankin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReggieRankin/status/322301663199256577">April 11, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>And from Rysheed himself:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>IM A JOHNNIE!!!!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23ichoosestjohns">#ichoosestjohns</a></p>
— black jesus (@sheedjordan) <a href="https://twitter.com/sheedjordan/status/322332049702789120">April 11, 2013</a>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mutual interest between Jordan and the Red Storm <a href="http://www.zagsblog.com/2011/07/07/rysheed-jordan-talks-recruiting/">became public last July</a>, and he visited back in September. He <a href="http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/2012/9/25/3408526/st-johns-recruiting-rysheed-jordan-interest">enjoyed the visit</a>, but didn't show his hand. Steve Lavin and Tony Chiles remained diligent and chased Jordan whenever they could, even popping up in one of his highlight videos, in a prominent position on the sidelines for Jordan's game against Imhotep.</p>
<p>Recently, Jordan mentioned <a href="http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-basketball-recruiting/2013/4/5/4186678/rysheed-jordan-recruiting-commitment-april-11-st-johns-ucla-temple">how much he enjoys the bright lights of New York City</a>; the exposure and electricity draws another player.</p>
<p>Assuming he takes classes this summer (and is academically eligible - St. John's fans know that's not always a given!), Jordan should also be eligible to play on St. John's foreign tour (locations TBA) this summer.</p>
<h3>Scouting Rysheed Jordan</h3>
<p>He puts up buckets, and is a slick passer.</p>
<p>Rysheed Jordan is a guard who is used to having the ball in his hands. He's an athletic, bouncy lead guard who can get his own shot and attack the rim, drawing fouls. Scouting reports note that his consistency with his outside jumper is an area for improvement, but in his games, he seems to have good form and good control with his pull up.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2452197/rysheed_jordan2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Rysheed_jordan2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2452197/rysheed_jordan2_medium.jpg" align="right" vspace="5" hspace="5" width="50%"></a> On the high school level, Jordan was able to break down opponents and snake deep into the lane. In college, when the offense breaks down, he looks to be able to create options for a last-second attempt - the long jumper, the pull-up, or the drive to the rim.</p>
<p>Want to see more? Jordan <a href="http://www.thecardinalconnect.com/2013/02/26/2013-kentucky-derby-festival-basketabll-classic-rosters-released/">will play in the Derby Classic</a> on April 19th in Louisville, Kentucky.</p>
<h3>How Jordan helps St. John's</h3>
<p>Yes, the Johnnies have guards - assuming he comes back, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146162/d-angelo-harrison">D`Angelo Harrison</a> is one of the more prolific scoring guards in the NCAA. Fellow guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146157/phil-greene-iv">Phil Greene IV</a> is a tough gamer, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146216/jamal-branch">Jamal Branch</a> has size and passing skill, and Felix Balamou is a high-level athlete developing his skill set.</p>
<p>Still, Jordan brings new skills to the Red Storm and should make what was a poor offense much more explosive.</p>
<p>Jordan's presence enhances the team with his ability to get to the rim. St. John's was dependent on the mid-range shot from PGIV and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175097/jakarr-sampson">JaKarr Sampson</a>, and had one deep shooter in D`Angelo Harrison, who struggled badly in February.</p>
<p>The team offense foundered once Harrison was suspended from the team. But even before Harrison's suspension, the squad was unable to score from outside of the arc or at the rim, the two most efficient spaces on the floor.</p>
<p>Until the Red Storm can prove that they have multiple capable shooters on the floor, the team will still be vulnerable to zones, depending on what <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175091/marc-antoine-bourgault">Marc-Antoine Bourgault</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/144041/max-hooper">Max Hooper</a> can bring (and how long they can stay on the floor).</p>
<p>Barring any more transfers, the Red Storm are at a solid 13 players, a full complement; but there is still time for more roster motion on the squad. The Rumble will be keeping an eye out for any new developments.</p>
<h3>Rysheed Jordan on his passing and game.</h3>
<p>(<em>may not be visible on some devices</em>.)</p>
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<h3>Rysheed Jordan game highlight videos</h3>
<p><i><b> MLK Hoopfest </b></i></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Jn6y8gEblVM" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><i><b>Dropping 45 points in the Philly Public League Final</b></i></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FwuisuJJo1Y" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>And if you've really got time, here's a full game on You Tube, the 1-point loss to Brandon Austin (Providence commit) and Imhotep.</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cxeeT8f4ysA" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-basketball-recruiting/2013/4/11/4205780/rysheed-jordan-commits-to-st-johns-steve-lavin-recruitingNorman Rose2013-04-10T08:04:05-04:002013-04-10T08:04:05-04:00Rysheed Jordan deciding how to decide
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<figcaption>courtesy of Ted Silary (tedsilary.com)</figcaption>
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<p>The guard has made his choice, but is waiting until tomorrow to announce.</p> <p>Down in Philly, the post-high school season Donofrio Classic runs until April 16th, featuring some of the best players in the Philadelphia area. So of course, St. John's recruiting target <b>Rysheed Jordan</b> is playing on the Team Philly squad with Providence commit <b>Brandon Austin</b>, and moving through the bracket.</p>
<p>The City of Basketball Love's Josh Verlin <a href="http://cityofbasketballlove.com/2013/04/donofrio-classic-recap-april-9-2013/">has an interesting note</a> about Jordan and his college announcement in the recap:</p>
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<p>–Rysheed Jordan is announcing his college decision on Thursday, and told CoBL tonight that he hadn’t yet decided exactly how he’s going to make the decision. He says he knows which school he’s going to and that he made his decision up last week; the 6-foot-4 point guard has been deciding between Temple, St. John’s and UCLA for several months.</p>
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<p>That sounds promising, given the rumors that St. John's is in the lead for the 6'4" slashing playmaker. Also positive? Bruins Nation is <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_recruiting/2013/4/9/4207052/ugly-start-is-steve-alford-about-to-lose-a-key-ucla-recruit-to-steve">already upset</a> about new UCLA coach Steve Alford losing a recruit to Steve Lavin.</p>
<p>Rysheed Jordan makes his official decision tomorrow. Will it be to reporters? Via Twitter? Instagram with a team hat? Smoke signals? We'll find out... sometime tomorrow.</p>
https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-basketball-recruiting/2013/4/10/4208272/rysheed-jordan-recruiting-college-decisionNorman Rose2013-04-05T10:08:09-04:002013-04-05T10:08:09-04:00Rysheed Jordan to decide April 11th
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Philly guard could be an important piece to Lavin's roster in 2013-14.</p> <p>St. John's could be just one piece away from making the necessary next step. In just a few days, the Red Storm will find out if Rysheed Jordan could be that potential answer.</p>
<p>Jordan, the highly-talented point guard out of Philadelphia, has pushed up the announcement date for his commitment to April 11th (next Thursday). He will choose between St. John's, UCLA, and Temple.</p>
<p>According to ESPN's national rankings, Jordan is considered the 22nd-best recruit in all of the 2013 class and 5th among incoming point guards. </p>
<p>St. John's has been in the running for the potential "program changer" for quite some time, and was considered to be <a href="http://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-basketball-recruiting/2012/12/10/3750674/rysheed-jordan-recruiting-temple-st-johns" target="_blank">a leader along with Temple</a> just a few months ago. Steve Lavin and assistant Tony Chiles went to watch Jordan play on numerous occasions during this past season.</p>
<p>Temple's campus is located just east of where Jordan lives, becoming a home away from home for the guard during his high school years. The Owls experienced a close third round loss to top-seeded Indiana in this year's NCAA Tournament, and seem to be a serious destination for the home-grown Jordan.</p>
<p>UCLA is also still a possibility for Jordan, despite experiencing a regime shift last week by firing head coach Ben Howland and hiring Steve Alford. And of course, Lavin's recruiting acumen makes the Red Storm as much of a player as anyone.</p>
<p>With Jordan, as he does with any recruit, Lavin is utilizing his greatest recruiting resource. All he has to do is to get the Philly kid to look around.</p>
<p>"How bright it [gets] at night," Jordan mentioned, reflecting on his impression of New York City while visiting St. John's. "It's bright at, like, 4 o'clock in the morning. In Philly, everybody's asleep. In New York, that's when everybody first starts coming out."</p>
<p>If the sleepless and exciting nature of the city doesn't draw Jordan to the Johnnies, perhaps his potential fit with the program might. After an 8-10 showing in the Big East this season, the Red Storm is charged for advancement in 2013-14 as it plans to bring back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/146162/d-angelo-harrison">D`Angelo Harrison</a> and welcome <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/175101/orlando-sanchez">Orlando Sanchez</a> as well as sharp-shooter <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/144041/max-hooper">Max Hooper</a> - all in the <i>brand new</i> Big East.</p>
<p>Rysheed Jordan is Steve Lavin's biggest target for next season. Will Lavin's ability to close the deal make the difference? Or will Jordan elect to stay home or go west? </p>
<p>Answer, in six days. </p>
https://www.rumbleinthegarden.com/st-johns-basketball-recruiting/2013/4/5/4186678/rysheed-jordan-recruiting-commitment-april-11-st-johns-ucla-templeQuinn Rochford