Five-star recruit Malachi Jordan, the No. 19 prospect in the entire class of 2027, is hitting the St. John’s campus this weekend, and let me tell you, this is a HUGE deal for Rick Pitino and the Red Storm. Pitino has been all about building through the transfer portal, grabbing experienced veterans, rarely chasing after high school talent. But when he does, he goes for the absolute blue-chip prospects, and Jordan fits that bill perfectly. This isn’t just another visit, it’s a potential seismic shift for the Red Storm’s future strategy.
Meet the Phenom: Malachi Jordan’s Game and Potential
So, who is Malachi Jordan? He is a 6-foot-7 wing out of Nashville, Tennessee, ranked as the sixth-best small forward in his class by 247Sports’ composite rankings. This kid is an athletic freak, pure and simple. 247Sports director of scouting Adam Finkelstein, a guy who knows his stuff, points to Jordan’s “powerful frame, a long 6-foot-11 plus wingspan, and explosive vertical athleticism.” That’s the kind of raw talent you just can’t teach. He’s already made the rounds, visiting Alabama, USC, Kansas, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee, and he holds offers from heavy hitters like UConn, Ohio State, Missouri, and even Washington. He’s got intriguing technical skills and a feel for the game that pops.
The Big Gamble: Why Jordan Could Redefine Pitino’s Era
Here’s where it gets interesting. Pitino’s M.O. at St. John’s has been veteran-focused, largely sitting out high school recruiting battles. So, for him to go all-in on Jordan, you know this kid is special. If Jordan commits, he would instantly become the highest-ranked player to sign with the Red Storm directly out of high school in the Rick Pitino era, blowing past Simeon Wilcher, who was No. 35 in the 2023 class. That’s a serious statement. Now, Finkelstein does mention that Jordan needs to fine-tune his shooting efficiency and learn to operate within the flow of an offense. He says Jordan “gets inefficient” when he’s trying to prove himself or isn’t utilized correctly. It’s not about making the right play, but the “willingness to do it.” That’s the kind of coaching Pitino could provide, right? Jordan is visiting campus Friday, and then he’s set to attend Sunday afternoon’s exhibition game against Texas at Madison Square Garden. You can catch that game at 12 p.m. on ESPN+ or MSG Network. Imagine the message that sends if he sees that Red Storm energy firsthand and decides to join the team. This weekend could seriously change the game for St. John’s.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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