ESPNU Rankings: Where St. John’s 2011 Recruits Landed

ESPNU released its final 2011 recruiting rankings and St. John’s has six of its nine commits on that list.

#24 Sir’Dominic Pointer

Pointer was the highest ranking Red Storm recruit, ending up in the Top 25. The Quality Education Academy (NC) forward is best-known for his hustle and defensive mindset. He finishes well on the fast break and is developing a strong mid-range game, to cap it off. He will likely compete for minutes at the small forward position, along with Maurice Harkless and Amir Garrett.

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#31 Jakarr Sampson.

At 6’8”, Sampson is very athletic and, though he has played small forward in the past, his size and post moves will allow him to move down to the power forward spot and play on the block. Similar in body type to that of rising sophomore Dwayne Polee II, Sampson is a versatile defensively, able to defend shooting guards and both forward positions because of his quickness and wing span.

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#38 Maurice Harkless.

The 6’6” Jamaica, Queens small forward was the first 2011 recruit to sign with coach Steve Lavin after decommitting from UConn. Playing this past year at South Kent (CT), Harkless has been eye-catching, physically larger after having added a lot of muscle since his commitment. As another very athletic player in this class, Harkless moves well in the open court and has started to find an outside touch. Defensively, his agility and length will help in Lavin’s zone and full court pressure.

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#63 D’Angelo Harrison

The Dulles HS (TX) guard averaged 31 points per contest this past season as a senior. He is touted as a scoring machine and, though many focus on his terrific outside shooting touch, Harrison is fearless in going to the rim and finishing at the basket. With Dwight Hardy graduating, Harrison will come in looking to be the long-range touch that St. John’s needs.

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#76 Norvel Pelle

This 6’10” center and his seven-foot wingspan will cause trouble for opponents both offensively and defensively. Pelle, who says he wants to be like current NBA stars Kevin Durant and Kevin Garnett, has the ability to get off the floor quicker than most anyone else on the court, which helps him block shots and rebound. Coming in, Pelle will compete with Erie Community College transfer God’s Gift Achiuwa at the center position, and could possibly see time at power forward.

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#97 Amir Garrett

In terms of mold and prototypical build at his position, the Findley Prep (NV) swingman is the best fit for a Coach Lavin-style game, heading into next season. The lefty can hit the outside shot, but can also attack the basket and play above the rim. On defense, he uses his athleticism to get into the passing lanes and can get up to block a shot, from time to time.