It's decision day for 2016 four-star guard Shamorie Ponds!
Ponds, from Brooklyn, is down to St. John's, Providence, and Creighton.
This means, regardless of which team you're a fan of, you'll be hearing a lot about Ponds on this site for the next 2-5 years! Why not get to know more about him?
Without further ado, let's break down each team's chances at landing Ponds.
St. John's
The Red Storm have been the favorites on Ponds as far back as I can remember. The Red Storm offered Ponds late last year, while Steve Lavin was still at the helm.
St Johns and Minnesota offered Jefferson junior Shamorie Ponds yesterday per @NYCHoops #sjubb
Geographically, St. John's is a logical favorite as Ponds hails from Brooklyn. He visited the school in the last weekend of August.
If Ponds commits to the Red Storm, there are two immediate impacts. For starters, Chris Mullin will have pulled in the highest rated New Yorker to St. John's since Moe Harkless in 2011 (H/T Zach Braziller).
The second immediate impact would be a bit more interesting. If Ponds, currently one of St. John's highest priorities for 2016, commits this early, the Red Storm are free to go full speed ahead on Rawle Alkins. Alkins has already said he isn't planning on committing until the spring, so for St. John's to be able to utilize all their resources on him, plus lure him with a fellow highly-touted New Yorker, would be huge.
Providence
The Friars are a less intriguing destination for Ponds than they were 48 hours ago. Four-star point guard Maliek White committed to Providence Sunday night. While it is certainly possible that the Friars are still in on Ponds (he can play shooting guard, as well), some have determined that getting White essentially took the Friars out of the running for Ponds.
Ponds and White would, however, certainly be a nice replacement for Kris Dunn, who is likely NBA-bound following this season.
Creighton
The Bluejays are a bit of a wild-card in this whole thing. While technically "rebuilding", they're likely further along than the Red Storm. Creighton, however, may be hampered by the fact that they already have a ton of guard depth in Mo Watson, Marcus Foster, Isaiah Zierden, Marlon Stewart, and Khyri Thomas. All of whom are eligible in 2016-17. If being in the startling lineup from day one is a caveat for Ponds, he likely won't be able to do that in Omaha.
Crystal Ball
16 of 16 voters on 247Sports think Ponds is staying in New York City to play for the Red Storm.
Highlight Reel
Below is Ponds' most recent highlight reel from over the summer.
Be sure to check back with Big East Coast Bias for a full reaction to Ponds' announcement!
