It’s Ruben Prey’s time to shine.

The 6-foot-11 Portuguese import is slated to be St. John’s starting center next year after serving as Zuby Ejiofor’s backup each of the past two seasons.

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“We expect big things from Ruben,” coach Rick Pitino said Monday, as the Johnnies announced several signings for next season’s roster. “He’s been very patient, very loyal, like Ian [Jackson]. … I want him to be great.”

St. John’s did go after a few high-profile centers in the transfer market, most notably Massamba Diop of Arizona State, with the idea of using Prey at power forward.