Ponds decides to stay home, commits to Johnnies
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
BROOKLYN, NY – Keeping the best players in New York City is one of the main reasons St. John’s University hired Chris Mullin back in April. Since then, the Johnnies have been on the minds and lists of some of the areas top players.
On Tuesday afternoon, one of those players decided to make his pledge when Shamorie Ponds committed to St. John’s in front of family and friends at Brooklyn’s Thomas Jefferson High. The 6-foot-1 senior guard is the best player in NYC.
Ponds is one of the most improved players in the Big Apple, which ended with him playing in the Elite 24. He also was considering Providence and Creighton. All signs to Ponds committing to St. John’s was evident when Providence landed point guard Maliek White on Sunday.
Verbally locking in Ponds gives the Johnnies the highest rated prospect since current Portland Trailblazers’ Maurice Harkless in 2011. However, Ponds told Adam Zagoria from Zagsblog.com he wanted to stay home.
“It’s basically a dream come true,” Ponds said. “I have always wanted to stay home and play in front of my family.”
Some have compared Ponds to former NYC legend Kenny Anderson and current NBA standout Brandon Jennings. Ponds’ is capable of knocking down the three-point jumper, break a defender down and is a lockdown defender.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.