St. John's basketball steals North Texas transfer Aaron Scott away from Oklahoma

The St. John's basketball program is now on a recruiting roll after landing its second commitment in as many days with North Texas transfer Aaron Scott.

It saw a commitment from USC center Vince Iwuchukwu on Tuesday.

Scott announced his decision on Wednesday morning.

It comes after a heated battle between the Red Storm and Oklahoma. The Sooners were considered the favorite to land the 6-foot-7 wing as late as Tuesday night. Memphis was also in the running for Scott, landing a visit with him earlier in his process, but were ruled out late last week.

St. John's, according to sources, made its last pitch on Tuesday to try and convince Scott to play in Queens next season over Norman, Oklahoma.

It worked.

The jump in Aaron Scott's production was noticable last season, averaging 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game on 41.9-percent shooting. He also made 37-percent of his 3-pointers.

The amount of 3-pointers he took this season was more than double of what he attempted last season. He currently projects as a quality piece to come off the bench for the Johnnies, despite starting every game for the Mean Green in the last two seasons and being a team captain.

Scott had a team-high 13 points and seven rebounds when North Texas played St. John's this season in the Charleston Classic, losing 53-52.

His game should be tailor made for Rick Pitino's system as a player who can hit 3-pointers and is an above average defender. While it's not the biggest or most flashy name in the transfer portal, it's a very solid addition for the Johnnies.

St. John's will now focus its attention on other prospects in the portal and look for its big splash acquisition in the portal.

Pitino and his coaching staff have three open scholarships remaining.