When Ricardo Gathers, the star recruit who gave St. John’s a verbal commitment yesterday, was told his AAU coach described him as a cross between Karl Malone and Charles Barkley, he was humbled.
But he didn’t say anything to dispute the notion that the 6-foot-6, 235-pound power forward is a rebounding fool.
“That’s huge,” Gathers told The Post. “Those are a couple of NBA Hall of Famers. I understand what he’s saying. Those guys knew rebounding wins games just like defense. I go into every games trying to get at least 10 rebounds.”
Gathers, from Riverside Academy in LaPlace, La., chose the Red Storm over a bunch of heavy hitters including Baylor, Cal, Syracuse, Texas and home town LSU.
He played in two tournaments in the city over the summer and that experience, combined with his love of the movie ‘He Got Game,’ helped convince Gathers that the Big Apple was the place for him.
“It’s like no other place,” Gathers said. “It’s a terrific city. I like the culture, the people, the Garden.”
Gathers is the Red Storm’s first 2012 recruit. Steve Lavin and his staff still are going hard for St. Anthony point guard Kyle Anderson, Philadelphia power forward Amile Jefferson, D.C. shooting guard Darrick Wood and California shooting guard Katlin Reinhardt.
Gathers and his Louisiana Elite AAU coach Scooter Owen gave The Post a look at what trump cards St. John’s is using on the recruiting trail. Lavin boasts the NBA experience on his staff in assistants Rico Hines, Gene Keady and Mike Dunlap. He also accentuates the allure of New York City and of playing in the Garden.
“Ricardo is not outspoken and he’s not shy,” Owens said. “He’s very open and smart. The staff did a great job of building the relationship and stressing their NBA record and all that New York has to offer. It’s been a while since New Orleans sent a player to the Big East, and Ricardo is the perfect Big East player. He’s a cross between Karl Malone and Charles Barkley.”
Gathers is rated by Rivals as the nation’s No. 11 power forward and the No. 34 recruit overall. Jefferson is ranked as the No.10 power forward and No. 33 overall.
Lavin is going after the big men.
“I have a God given blessing for rebounding and it would be a shame not to use it,” Gathers said. “Some people don’t like to do it because it’s a lot of work. They don’t know what they’re missing.”