SJU Recruiting: Bashir Ahmed

After this week's commitment by Shamorie Ponds, as well as that of Kassoum Yakwe, Chris Mullin and co. are starting to really get the ball rolling for St. John's to make a dent in 2016 and beyond. Now the next domino the staff hopes to fall is Junior College G/F Bashir Ahmed, another hometown star from the Bronx, although he is now enrolled in Hutchinson Community College in Kansas.

As a high school senior, Ahmed originally committed to Iona before opting for JUCO, which could serve as a positive sign for the Johnnies, showcasing that he is open to staying home. Of course, his profile has raised considerably since then, to the point where last season, he was named an NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American. In terms of what he will bring to the team, Ahmed himself told SNY.tv, that he's "going to bring versatility [and] toughness," "I'm going to defend on the court and I'm going to score from the perimeter on the floor. Most important I have heart. I'm going to bring that toughness... A team always needs toughness." He can also put points on the board as well, averaging 45% from the floor, and 37% from 3-point range for Hutchinson. He was the Blue Dragons' second leading scorer in 2014-15, trailing only DeShawn Freeman, who will be playing for Rutgers this fall.

Of course, a player of that stature will not come easily, so let's take a look at the Storm's main competition.

Louisville : Just based on stature, the Cardinals are always a recruiting threats and should never be taken lightly. Not only has Ahmed been recently been seen by Louisville's assistant coaches, but according to The Courier-Journal, head coach Rick Pitino joined them, a true sign of the their interest. One factor working in the Storm's favor, perhaps, is Pitino's previous commitments of Rivals #24 for 2016 V.J. King, and Rivals #47 for 2015 Deng Adel. This could create a potential logjam of minutes on the wing, while St. John's will have a gaping hole on the wing, once Durand Johnson and Ron M'Vouika graduate after this year.

Cincinnati: A player who prides himself on his defense and toughness should be music to Bearcats' coach Mick Cronin's ears. Ahmed seems to agree, telling SNY after his recent visit that "I think my style of play fits their system." That wasn't all that impressed Ahmed, however, who added that "The coaches was great and so were the players. I felt very comfortable. The players and coaches made me feel like I was a part of their team." While that praise is certainly effusive, it will take quite an effort for the Bearcats to overtake the competition.

Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights are a very interesting case. Being in New Jersey would provide Ahmed the opportunity to still be close to home, while also playing against top competition in the Big Ten. In addition, Eddie Jordan and co. have been on an upward trajectory, with commitments including Rivals #75 Corey Sanders for this year, in addition to Ahmed's Hutchinson teammate Freeman. However, Ahmed recently postponed his visit, citing schoolwork to SNY. While it would probably be smarter not to read too much into that, and also give him credit for keeping up with his schoolwork, it's hard not to wonder how much of priority Rutgers really is to him.

All in all, considering Ahmed's apparent desire to be close to home, and his longstanding relationship with Matt Abdelmassih (as reported by the New York Post), St. John's should probably be considered the favorite for him, although it's too early to pencil him into the lineup just yet. If it does come to fruition however, it will be another win over top flight competition for the Johnnies, will fill a huge hole on the wing for 2016, and also balance out classes since he will only be around for two years. And from the sounds of things, there is a very good chance we will see that.