St. John’s University has officially announced the St John Sign On of four-star recruit Khaman Maker, a towering 7-foot-1 center, to their men’s basketball program. Head Coach Rick Pitino confirmed the signing of the Las Vegas native on Saturday, marking a significant addition to the Red Storm for the upcoming season. Maker, currently ranked among the top prospects in the 2024 class, is expected to bring a formidable presence to St. John’s frontcourt.
Rick Pitino expressed his enthusiasm about securing Maker, stating, “Khaman is a young man with great potential. He is an elite shot blocker who will only get stronger and better as the season progresses.” Pitino’s words highlight the anticipation surrounding Maker’s arrival and the immediate impact he is projected to have on the team’s defense.
Maker’s defensive prowess was prominently displayed at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam during the past summer. Representing the Oakland Soldiers, he stood out in a highly competitive national tournament, securing the second position in blocks per game with an impressive 2.7 average. Alongside his defensive stats, Maker also contributed 8.4 rebounds and 6.3 points per game, demonstrating his all-around capability on the court. His Peach Jam performance included multiple games with double-digit rebounds and consistent four-block showings, culminating in a dominant championship game where he recorded eight points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks against Team WhyNot.
Prior to his commitment to St. John’s, Maker honed his skills at SFBA Trinity Prep in Las Vegas under Coach Greg Lockridge. His high school career was marked by accolades, including being named Defensive Player of the Year at The Grind Session’s Duel in the Desert and earning a place on the All-Grind Session Team in the 2022-23 season. Notable performances during this period include a standout game against Our Saviour Lutheran (NY) where he posted 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks, followed by a 24-point, 18-rebound game against Albuquerque Prep (NM).
Further showcasing his talent on a national stage, Maker participated in the National Basketball Players Association Top 100 camp. He excelled in shooting efficiency, ranking ninth overall with a 63.2% field goal percentage while playing for the Denver Nuggets affiliate team. Additionally, he demonstrated his offensive rebounding abilities, finishing 17th in the camp with 2.1 offensive rebounds per game. Maker’s participation also extended to the Pangos All-American Camp, solidifying his status as a top-tier prospect.
Khaman Maker’s st john sign on is part of a broader recruitment success for St. John’s, as he becomes the third player to sign a National Letter of Intent during the NCAA’s early signing period. He joins Lefteris Liotopoulos and Jaiden Glover, forming a promising trio of new recruits set to elevate the Red Storm’s basketball program. This significant sign on underscores St. John’s commitment to building a competitive and talented team for the future.
