St. John’s Inks Josh Roberts to National Letter of Intent

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St. John’s Inks Josh Roberts to National Letter of Intent

Red Storm Men’s Basketball Program Receives Commitment Highly Rated Forward

Web Releasehttp://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110817aaa.html


QUEENS, N.Y. (Nov. 8, 2017) – The St. John’s men’s basketball program received its first official commitment from the Class of 2018 on Wednesday with the signing of Josh Roberts to a National Letter of Intent. A 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward, Roberts is regarded as one of the top prospects out of Alabama and he is highly rated nationally for his position.

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to our basketball program,” said Head Coach Chris Mullin. “Josh is a versatile big man who brings toughness and a tremendous work ethic to the court. We believe he has the potential to make an immediate impact for us next season.”

At Montverde Academy, Roberts is a member of the Prep National Team, a program that has produced several NBA prospects in recent years, playing for head coach Kevin Boyle Jr. Among the list of distinguished Montverde basketball alumni are Ben Simmons, the top pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, and D’Angelo Russell, the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Roberts has risen as high as No. 42 for his position by national recruiting services after a breakout campaign competing for Southern Stampede on the Nike EYBL circuit last season. One of the top defensive players in the EYBL, Roberts averaged 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks to go with a 6.1 scoring average in 16 appearances.

Prior to attending Montverde Academy, Roberts previously starred as a two-sport athlete at Charles Henderson High School in Troy, Ala. On the hardwood, Roberts helped lead Charles Henderson to only its second winning season in the last 12 years, while also shining on the football field as a wide receiver for the Trojans.

Roberts will bolster the Red Storm roster next season as he makes his debut along with highly rated transfers Sedee Keita andMikey Dixon along with current freshman Boubacar Diakite, who is redshirting this season.

 

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PREGAME QUOTES: St. John’s vs. New Orleans

Head Coach Chris Mullin, Justin Simon, and Marvin Clark II spoke with the media in advance of Friday’s season opener

November 9, 2017

Web Release: http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110917aab.html


St. John’s Head Coach Chris Mullin…


On importance of non-conference games:

“Every day is important. Every film session, practice, shoot around, and if you approach it that way you can just go out there and play. Each and every day is important, that’s why we practice.”


On evaluation of the team heading into season opener:

“We had a really good summer, and a good fall of preparation. There was a ton of individual improvement, skill wise. Probably more importantly, we grew together as a team by spending time together. Not only basketball wise, but on a day-to-day basis. Just the blending of skills and personalities, which takes time, has been good. Our improvement areas are really about defensive rebounding. Offensively we were pretty good last season, and will improve this season, because we’re unselfish. So our big focus is defense. We had some trouble rebounding last year, so that’s going to be a big focal point for us.”


On Bashir Ahmed’s growth during offseason:

“I thought he did a really good job over the summer. First and foremost, I think he saw himself on film and saw some of the things that we were trying to enforce. Sometimes it’s hard to make those changes in season with the games coming rapidly, so I think he took time and watched himself on film. As a coach, you always want to build a player’s confidence and point out their strengths, but you also need to point out the things that they need to get better at. However, it’s probably more important that a player sees it himself and realizes it. I think he has better control, a better grasp of playing with his teammates, when to attack, and move the ball. All that stuff takes time too.”


On establishing scoring in the paint:

“To me, it’s always important to get to the free-throw line. How you get there is not as important…I don’t think you have to have a traditional way to get there. I’m not quite sure there’s a traditional low-post scorer on the face of the Earth anymore. To me it’s more important to attack off the dribble, get to the paint, running the floor are all different ways to attack the rim, and getting to the free-throw line is always a focal point.”


Redshirt sophomore guard Justin Simon…


On stand out player:


“I feel like everyone’s game has developed. I think defensively everyone has stepped up their level of play. ”


On your role as a player:


“I need to be a versatile player and a leader, as well as helping out on the defensive end. It’s important for me to get rebounds and stops but it is also important that I am vocal and work on being a facilitator while I’m out on the court.”


On previous experience:


“You have to have that winning mindset of competing every day and just being a winner…I feel like Marvin and I both bring that.”



Redshirt junior forward Marvin Clark II…


On Marcus LoVett and Shamorie Ponds:


“Marcus and Shamorie are very dynamic scorers but they also understand it’s not all about scoring. They have both developed tremendously on the defensive end, and helped to make plays for others. They have grown a lot, and are very talented players.


On getting acclimated this season:


“I think we are already acclimated as a team…it’s more about knocking off the rust. We have to play as hard as we can, and I have to stay on the floor so I can get those game reps and get my feel back as quick as possible. Overall, when it comes to our effort in the game, I feel pretty good. ”

 

[bpm1978]

Are Nelson and Rhoden expected to sign in the early period?

 

[jcalz88]

done and done

 

[bpm1978]

done and done

Opps. I missed it

 

[Joe_T]

Tomorrow for Nelson

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[Halldan1]

done and done

Actually done and will be done.