Less than three months ago, St. John’s hired Rick Pitino, a move that felt big at the time and feels even bigger now in hindsight.
In short order, the Hall of Fame coach put together a strong roster that could be top-25 good and snap the Johnnies’ drought without an NCAA Tournament win that stretches back to 2000.
In time, the latest commitment could be the most significant one of them all.
On Monday, former North Carolina signee Simeon Wilcher of powerhouse Roselle Catholic committed to St. John’s, a late difference-making addition that further fortifies this roster.
The 6-foot-4 Wilcher, a consensus top-35 prospect, becomes the highest-rated high school recruit to pick St. John’s in a decade, since five-star guard Rysheed Jordan became a Johnnie.
He committed to North Carolina in October of 2021, picking the Tar Heels over a lucrative offer from the new high school league, Overtime Elite, and Oregon, Nebraska, UConn and Syracuse, among others.
His addition solidifies a quality backcourt, a group led by Penn transfer Jordan Dingle, the second-leading scorer in the nation last year, and experienced transfer guards Daniss Jenkins (Iona) and Nahiem Alleyne (UConn).
Jenkins isn’t expecting to arrive on campus until the fall, as he works to graduate from Iona, according to a source.
A two-time transfer, Jenkins has to graduate unless he would likely have to sit out next season.
Jenkins, an All-MAAC second team selection last season, and Wilcher will battle for the starting point guard role.
A college coach familiar with Wilcher believes he will be a very good rotation player as a freshman with significant room for growth, raving about his complete skill set and ability to get downhill.
He was a four-year starter at Roselle Catholic, going 17-0 in the New Jersey state tournament.
This past year, he averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds for one of the nation’s top high school teams.
“He’s a pure point guard with good size and athletic ability,” said Jay Gomes, the publisher of NJHoops.com and the premier prep talent evaluator in the state. “He looks to get everybody involved. Doesn’t force shots. One thing he does really well, he’ll get a rebound and he’ll push the ball himself. He really excels in decision making on the break. He can come in and play major minutes and be a factor as a freshman. He’s got enough physical tools and the smarts to be an impact player right away.”
He requested and received his release from his National Letter of Intent last Tuesday.
Wilcher’s role with the Tar Heels became uncertain after fellow New Jersey high school star Elliot Cadeu moved up a year into this year’s class and coach Hubert Davis added a few experienced guards in the transfer portal.
Wilcher heard from a number of schools, such as Xavier, Seton Hall, Louisville, Georgetown and Indiana, which made a push over the weekend.
But St. John’s received the lone visit and the family was drawn to the allure of playing for a Hall of Fame coach in Pitino and the opportunity to be the guy at point guard from day one close to his Roselle, N.J. home.