Don’t expect the cloud that is currently hovering over the St. John’s basketball program to send incoming recruits scurrying.

Eric King, Lincoln’s all-purpose 6-foot-6 senior, signed with the Red Storm, but due to academic problems will attend a prep school next year. Still, he fully expects to head to Flushing when he becomes eligible.

“I don’t think anything is going on. It’s all just a rumor,” King said yesterday after his team’s loss to Robeson. “Some [of the players] know rap stars, that’s all.”

When asked if he meant that he thought the players were being considered guilty by association, King replied, “Yeah.”

“St. John’s is a perfect fit for me,” said King, before adding about his desire to go there, despite concerns of potential future sanctions, “It’s still strong.”