Norm Roberts’ attempt to turn around the St. John’s program got a shot in the arm yesterday when the Red Storm received a verbal commitment from Christ the King’s Malik Boothe, perhaps the top incoming senior point guard in the city.

The 5-8 Boothe chose St. John’s over the likes of Clemson, Providence and Xavier.

“He’s an old-school point guard,” said Royals head coach Bob Oliva. “He doesn’t care about scoring or stats. He is a leader in the true sense of the word and he’s one of the best defensive players I’ve ever coached.”

Boothe follows in the footsteps of other CTK points guards who have headed to St. John’s, the last of whom was Omar Cook.