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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 ranked in the Top 25 and potentially 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 (N.J.), 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. Wilcher chose St. John’s over Seton Hall, Georgetown and Indiana.
The family met with Seton Hall over the weekend and Indiana made a push, but St. John’s received the lone visit and Wilcher 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 Plainfield, N.J. home.
“To have coach Pitino back in New York City is a big deal. Knowing everybody is going to love that, and to be part of that first group he has back in New York, means a lot,” Wilcher told The Post in an exclusive interview. “I’m excited for it. … It felt like the situation at St. John’s is the best situation for me.”
During the visit Thursday, Pitino illustrated to Wilcher how he would fit in, showing film of his teams with how the highly regarded prospect plays. He also got to tour the Garden and meet Lou Carnesecca, the legendary 98-year-old coach. It left an impression on him.
“He’s the age that he is and he’s so sharp and remembers so much. We were able to sit down and have a really good conversation,” Wilcher said. “That’s a lot, that’s really cool. The gym at the school is named after him. Getting that chance to speak with him was fire.”
Wilcher verbally committed to North Carolina in October 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.
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.
“Timing changed. It’s just a timing thing. I had a great relationship, great time dealing with coach Hubert and coach [Jeff] Lebo. I think a lot of them. There’s no hard feelings. It’s just timing,” his father, Sergio Wilcher, said. “He committed in October of 2021. A lot of things have happened since then, not only at North Carolina, but every school in the country. It’s making sure you put yourself in the best position for you to be successful.”
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 expected 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 or 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.
“He just told me that I’m going to have to work for everything,” Wilcher said, referring to conversations with Pitino about his role. “He was letting me know that I fit in to how he likes to play, but there’s nothing that is going to be handed out or given to me.”
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.”
The Wilchers got an up-close look at the intense St. John’s fan base last November when the Johnnies beat Nebraska and Simeon’s older brother, C.J., in a non-league game. There was a fair amount of trash-talking at that game. But now they are on the same side.
“That was a great time. Isn’t it funny how the world comes full circle?” the elder Wilcher said. “We had a great time with the fans that day.”
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