2014 Forward Chris McCullough of Salisbury on St. John’s: “It’s My Dream School”

Steve Lavin’s top two priorities on the court have been to recruit top talent and to win basketball games.

On Wednesday, news came in an exclusive video interview with JohnnyJungle.com at Hoop Group Elite Camp in Reading, PA that could begin paving the road far down the line, in the Class of 2014.

Chris McCullough, a 6’8”, 200 lb forward from Salisbury School (CT), called St. John’s his “dream school” and raved about the coaching staff and city of New York.

“I like the atmosphere. There’s a good crowd at Madison Square Garden. I’d like to play at the Garden,” said McCullough, when comparing St. John’s to other Big East schools. “New York City is the big difference.”

A host of other high-major schools have been looking at him, including Syracuse, West Virginia, and Louisville.

Lavin and his staff have had their eye on McCullough and have offered him a scholarship, a scholarship that the rising sophomore recently considered taking. Though he stopped short of a verbal commitment, indications are that he is leaning heavily toward the Red Storm.

“I’m too young. I’m just trying to enjoy everything else,” he said. “But, right now, St. John’s is my number one.”

With his size and length, McCollough is similar to incoming St. John’s freshmen Norvel Pelle and Jakarr Sampson. He has a tremendous wingspan, impressive athleticism, and the sky is the limit for his development.

As a freshman last year at Salisbury School, he averaged 9 points, 8 rebounds, and a block per game. He says he sees St. John’s as a launching pad to the next level and wants to continue to get stronger in his remaining time in high school.

“I’ll just keep working on my jumpshot, my handle, and keep playing hard.”