By CHARLIE PARENT
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Jaiden Glover, a top-60 prospect and St. John’s commit, continues to prepare for the next level under Patrick School (N.J.) coach Chris Chavannes.
The 6-foot-6 wing has attended several St. John’s games and practices this season, and is confident the program is trending in the right direction under Rick Pitino.
“I feel like we’re doing pretty good where we are right now,” Glover told ZAGSBLOG Friday at The Battle at Jersey Mike’s Arena. “I feel like continuing from this year into next year, we’ll definitely get better by building our chemistry because he [Pitino] brought a bunch of different guys this season.”
Of course, next season many of the fifth-year guys will be gone, opening up more playing time for Glover and the other incoming freshmen.
In an era where experience is at a premium in the college game, Chavannes believes Glover could carve out a role for himself early on in Queens.
“I think he can,” Chavannes said. “I don’t think it’s going to come down to talent, but it will be how much he can grow his understanding of the game and adapt to this team.”
“The one thing about Jaiden is, he’s a very loyal person,” he concluded. “He’s mentally very strong, and he sticks it out. He hears every day about where he’s going, and I think he’ll be fine.”
For Glover, he’s been focusing most on his body as he prepares for a physical Big East.
“I’m focusing on the weight room right now,” he said. “I know that’s one of the biggest differences is the speed and strength. I’ve also been working on my IQ too.
“I’m just going to put in the work that I’m doing and that I got to do,” he added. “I’m working as hard as I can do whatever coach Pitino needs me to do.”
Glover is the second New Jersey product in two seasons to choose the Red Storm as Pitino looks to build a strong connection in his own backyard. Freshman point guard Simeon Wilcher signed with St. John’s after de-committing from North Carolina.
Along with Wilcher and Glover, St. John’s has offers out to 2025 New Jersey prospects Omari Moore (Hudson Catholic) and Jack Bailey (Blair Academy. Class of 2026 guard Deron Rippey, who also attends Blair Academy, has an offer from the Red Storm as well.
Chavannes thinks the New Jersey to St. John’s connection will continue to evolve with Pitino at the helm.
“I think that connection will be there,” he said. “A lot of Jersey kids go to good programs where coaches hold them accountable and I think that goes a long way when they get to the next level anywhere and at St. John’s.”
ST. JOHN’S HOSTING CLASS OF 2024 COMMIT
St. John’s this weekend also hosted Class of 2024 commit Lefteris Liotopoulo ahead of the Hofstra game on Saturday at UBS Arena.
He will play this summer for the Greek U18 National Team.
He committed to Pitino, who previously coached in Greece, last May. Follow Charlie on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookClass of 2024 @StJohnsBBall commit Lefteris Liotopoulo and his family visiting the school.
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) December 30, 2023
St. John's plays Hofstra on Saturday at UBS https://t.co/phIGonATHo
