Orlando Sanchez signed his Letter of Intent with St. John’s Friday in his native Dominican Republic.
SNY.tv first reported last Sunday that the 6-foot-8 Sanchez and his Monroe (N.Y.) College teammate Marco Bourgault had verbally committed to Steve Lavin and his staff during their visit last weekend.
“I discussed it with my family and friends and we decided that this was the best opportunity,” said Sanchez, who also considered Auburn and Providence. “I’m looking forward to staying in New York and helping the Red Storm become champions. I’ll also be able to continue playing alongside my good friend and teammate Marco Bourgault and am looking very forward to playing some games at Madison Square Garden.”
Known as “Primo,” Sanchez led Monroe to a fifth-place national finish and was named to the NJCAA all-tournament team in the national tournament. Named a Region 15 Second -team all-star, he averaged 10.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.9 blocks.
“Orlando was tremendous not only for our basketball program, but for the Monroe community as a whole,” Monroe coach Jeff Brustad said. “On and off the court he was one of the best student/athletes we ever had. He embraced the Monroe College community and that affection was returned. Also, as a teammate, he was as good as you could ask for. He was as happy for his teammates’ achievements as for his own. We’re excited for Orlando and for St. John’s. They’re getting a heckuva young man.”
Sanchez and Bourgault join a spring class that also includes 6-3 Felix Balamou, 6-8 JaKarr Sampson and 6-5 shooter Max Hooper, who transfers from Harvard.
The Johnnies have bigs Philip Nolan and Justin Raffington and guard Darrick Wood on campus and expect a future visit from Arizona point guard Josiah Turner.
The Johnnies have two scholarships left to give.
Photo/Release: Monroe College
