St. John's recruiting: Brandon Sampson cuts his list, Arkel Ager gets offer, and other updates

In a recent article for CBS, Jon Rothstein expressed the importance of the 2015 recruiting class for St. John’s. The Red Storm will be graduating many key contributors this year, including D`Angelo Harrison and Phil Greene. In addition, Rysheed Jordan is likely headed for the draft, meaning Steve Lavin has his work cut out for him in replacing the team's backcourt and game-breaking talent.

To their credit, Coach Lavin and the staff have been very aggressive this summer in finding talent for the team. This week, the Rumble has an interview with a top prospect, Brandon Sampson has interest in coming to New York, Tyler Dorsey may be a longer shot than previously thought, along with other updates.

Brandon Sampson

Sampson is a 6’4 guard ranked 38th in the 2015 class according to ESPN. He is known for his ability to score from anywhere on the hardwood and he is an underrated passer. This month, the Louisiana guard cut his list down to six schools and luckily for Red Storm fans, St. John’s is on it.

Also on the list are LSU, California, UCLA, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State. Sampson plans to visit all these schools before making his final decision. Many experts list LSU as the favorite since Sampson is from the state; however, St. John’s cannot be overlooked. The Red Storm can offer immediate playing time and the opportunity to play at "The World’s Most Famous Arena."

In an interview with SNY.tv Sampson acknowledged the cachet of playing at the Garden. "They play at Madison Square Garden," he said. "It would be pretty exciting to play there."

Sampson plans to decide around December.

Isaiah Briscoe

This past weekend, Isaiah Briscoe was at the Under Armour Elite 24 event in New York. He discussed his college process with the Rumble last week.

Cheick Diallo

Diallo was also at the Under Armour event this weekend, but was not taking questions from the media. The top players for Diallo are Kansas, Kentucky, Iowa State, St. John’s, and Pittsburgh. Cheick Diallo plans to visit St. John’s the weekend of Midnight Madness, October 16-18.

The Mali native is an elite shot blocker, but struggles on offense. He would be an ideal replacement for Chris Obepka if he decides to enter the draft.

Tyler Dorsey

This month Dorsey cut his list to Arizona State, Cal, Colorado, Georgetown, Kansas, Louisville, Oregon, St. John’s, UConn and UNLV.

The explosive guard from California already plans to visit Oregon, Kansas, and Arizona State. There is no word when and if he will visit St. John’s - so right now, Dorsey appears to be a long shot for St. John’s. For more information on Dorsey, see the Rumble's profile.

Malik Beasley

Beasley, a 6’5 guard Georgia, narrowed his college list to eight schools this month. He visited with St. John’s when he was in town for the Big Strick Classic and appeared to be very impressed.

The other schools on Beasley’s list are UConn, UCLA, Wake Forest, Florida State, Oregon, VCU and Georgia. He plans to take official visits with St. John’s, Florida State, VCU, Oregon, and Wake Forest.

For more information on Beasley, see the Rumble's profile.

Nakye Sanders

Sanders, a forward from Staten Island, narrowed his list to Temple, VCU, Duquesne, La Salle, Drexel, St. John’s, Towson, Old Dominion and Seton Hall.  There is no word on when Sanders will visit with these schools. For more information on Sanders, see the Rumble's interview with Sanders' HS coach.

Arkel Ager-Lamar

2016's Arkel Ager-Lamar is not in this class, but already has an offer from St. John’s on the table. The 6’4 guard from Connecticut is considered to be an exceptional athlete.