Recruiting Report: Richard Njoku (2018)
Richard Njoku, a class of 2018 center at St. John’s, is quickly evolving into a very dominant paint presence on both ends of the floor. He s the defensive centerpiece and emotional leader for what is considered one of the most complete teams in the entire DMV.
“My game is played at a high speed love to get up and down the floor. My main focus is making the hustle plays. Such as extra rebounds, blocked shots, and getting loose balls,” Njoku explained. “One of the things that I love doing that people may or may not see is how I set back screens to get my teammates open, and to open space on the court.”
Njoku certainly has a the ideal frame to set monster screens, and doesn’t hesitate to do so. He is probably a bit undersized for the highest level, but at 6’6, Njoku has very long arms and plays much bigger than his listed height. While on the circuit with DC Premier, he certainly picked up some things. We saw evidence of that throughout the BSN Summer League.
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“The most improved part of game is my level of pace, and stamina. I’ve also improved at finishing in the paint,” Njoku stated. “The next areas of my game that I will focus on are improving my jump shot, ball handling, and consistency on the free throw. These are all key to how I envision making myself a better player.”
Njoku is doing great in school, with a 3.7 GPA, but believes that he can do much better going into his senior year. Njoku is being actively recruited by, and holds offers from: Bucknell, Binghamton, St Thomas Aquinas, Brown, Canisius, American, Boston, New Hampshire, Navy, Furman, Coppin State, Howard, and Loyola. What can he bring to a college program?
“My level of intensity, and my willingness to be a team player. I believe I can become a defensive leader for any team because defense and hustle plays are my favorite part of basketball.”