http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/player?page=briefingroom&recruitId=42971Accoring to the New York Daily News, shooting guard Omari Lawrence verbally committed to St. John's on Wednesday. The 6-foot-4 Bronx, N.Y. native averaged 18.2 points per game for St. Raymond's last season but will suit up for South Kent this winter.
Lawrence had offers from Virginia, UConn, Clemson, Louisville and others but had the Johnnies at the top of his list for a while.
"Three things stood out to him," South Kent coach Kelvin Jefferson said. "It was close to home, the campus is surprisingly beautiful and he really enjoys the coaching staff. Norm Roberts and the group really did a nice job recruiting him."
He joins post-grad guard Malik Stith (Long Island City, N.Y./Bridgton Academy) in Roberts' 2009 class.
ESPN.com's recruiting coordinator Antonio Williams sees this commitment as the first step in returning St. John's to respectability.
"In his efforts to restore this once proud program, St. John's coach Norm Roberts will have to recruit the fertile grounds of New York for talent," Williams said. "Gaining a commitment from Lawrence goes a long way toward accomplishing this goal."
"Lawrence provides the Red Storm with a great scoring threat from the perimeter with good size and strength," continued Williams. "He has a knack for using his strength and quickness to get to the paint. Once at the rim, his strength allows him to take contact from defenders, and adjust in the air while still converting the basket. He also has the leaping ability to finish above the rim. This lefty has the range to connect on his jumper out to the 3-point line, but he needs to continue to increase his consistency in this area. Lawrence plays with good intensity and effort on both ends, which should allow him to continue to develop on the next level. Lawrence's pledge should send a positive signal to other talented, uncommitted prospects in the New York City area."