Mike Anderson attended junior college and has succeeded recruiting those ranks at his previous head-coaching stops.
So far, he’s continuing that trend at St. John’s.
Two weeks ago, he picked up a verbal commitment from junior college All-American Vince Cole, and on Sunday the new St. John’s coach landed highly regarded junior college forward Isaih Moore of Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, a much-needed big man for Anderson’s 2020 recruiting class.
Moore verbally committed to Anderson and St. John’s at the end of his official visit on Sunday, picking the Johnnies over a number of high-major programs. Arkansas, LSU, Alabama, Tulsa, and Mississippi State, among others, were trying to get him on campus for a visit, but Moore pulled the trigger before going anywhere else.
“I really like Coach Anderson,” Moore said in a phone interview. “I’m able to play in the Big East on the big stage at Madison Square Garden. You can’t beat that.
“I didn’t really see my decision as an early decision. If you feel it in your heart, go for it. I felt like this is where I can shine.”
At 6-foot-10 and 205 pounds with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Moore is a stretch forward capable of scoring at all three levels, Pearl River assistant coach Hayden Sowers said. Sowers called him an elite shooter and quality shot-blocker with guard skills, a potential difference-maker.
“You have to put a little weight on him, but once he does that the sky’s the limit for him,” Sowers said.
Moore now will reunite with Cole, his friend and former AAU teammate. The two South Carolina natives played together with the Upward Stars, but never envisioned teaming up in college.
Moore attended College of Charleston for a year, averaging 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 11 games, but didn’t feel the fit was right and opted for junior college this year, while Cole didn’t quality out of high school. Cole had been actively recruiting him, and current high school commits Posh Alexander and Dylan Wusu were also in his ear all weekend during the visit all three took together.
“Why not get with Vince again, see what we can do in college?” Moore said. “Now we can do it on a bigger and better stage.”