By ADAM ZAGORIA
After losing six players to the Transfer Portal, St. John’s is rebuilding through it.
Mike Anderson’s team on Saturday landed a verbal pledge from former Rutgers wing Montez Mathis, who chose the Johnnies over Clemson. The school announced the signing on Thursday.
“I chose them because the coaching staff has a family makeup and I believe I can thrive in their style of plays while getting better daily,” Mathis said.
The 6-foot-4 guard from Baltimore averaged 8.3 points and 2.8 rebounds as a junior and should be a perfect fit for Anderson’s pressure defense and up-tempo offense. He has two years of eligibility left.
“We’re very excited to welcome Montez to the St. John’s family,” said Anderson. “He has the ability to score and defend at a high level and he is a great fit for our program. Plus, he’s a veteran and a proven winner at the collegiate and high school levels. That’s invaluable when you’re establishing a winning culture.”
“Mathis will bring a ton of experience, toughness, athleticism, and he’s a bucket-getter with a much improved range to the 3s,” said his mentor Jide Sodipo.
“Coach Mike Anderson’s system will fit him well while also maximizing he’s potential. He will be coached hard and that would only bring the best out of him.”
Said Mathis: “I am going to bring toughness, defense, athleticism and most importantly show my much improved outside shooting.”
He originally committed to Rutgers over UConn in 2017.
St. John’s on Wednesday added former Fordham big man Joel Soriano.
This post was updated on April 22.
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