2018 recruit Josh Roberts verbally committed to St. John’s on Friday, he told Scout.

“It's a great fit for me,” Roberts said when asked about his decision. “I really like coach [Chris] Mullin and he will help me take my game to higher level.”

Roberts’ coach for the Southern Stampede – Cory Underwood – echoed his thoughts.

“If guys like Shamorie [Ponds] stick around, Josh’s job is pretty easy,” he said. “He’ll protect the rim, rebound, block shots sand finish off plays around the basket, which he’s capable of doing.”

Roberts visited St. John's officially last weekend.

"When I went on the visit they made me feel at home," Roberts said.

Robert picked St. John’s over significant interest from UCF, VCU, Clemson, Auburn, Georgia, New Mexico, South Carolina, Wichita State, UMass, Florida Gulf Coast and a host of others.

Through 16 on the EYBL circuit this spring and summer, Roberts, a 6-foot-8, 200-pounds power forward, averaged 6.1 points and 6.6 rebounds a game.

“I think they are very excited about his upside and his athletic ability,” Underwood said. “Josh really just started playing basketball a few years ago.”

“We pretty much threw a kid that just started playing into the fire in the EYBL,” he added. “When I think of Josh, I think of Kenneth Faried, but he surprisingly has very nice touch from the short baseline and elbow areas.”

Roberts, a three-star recruit, is St. John’s first pledge in the 2018 recruiting class.