A Max Hooper update

Here's the RedStormReport commenting on new signee Max Hooper:

Max Hooper • G/F • 6-6 • 210 • So.-Tr. • Carmel Valley, Calif. (Brewster Acad. (N.H.)/Harvard)

"Max is a high-percentage 3-point shooter with the size and skill to playmake over the top of defenses. A relentless worker, he seemingly lives in the gym, refining his shot and developing his overall game," said [Steve] Lavin. "He has played in winning programs his entire career, from Mater Dei to Brewster Academy and Harvard this past season. Max's ability to stretch defenses with his shot will be an asset to our offensive scheme."

Hooper, who played in two games as a part of Harvard's 19-man NCAA Tournament roster in 2011-12, will not be able to participate in St. John's games until the 2013-14 season due to NCAA Division I transfer rules. He will be able to participate in all Red Storm practices and team activities upon enrollment.

Hooper earned varsity letters in basketball at Brewster Academy (2010-11, Wolfeboro, N.H.), Mater Dei High School (2009-10, Santa Ana, Calif.) and Valley Christian High School (2006-09, San Jose, Calif.). While at Brewster during his postgraduate year in 2010-11, he averaged 10.0 ppg on a squad that saw Hooper and seven teammates move on to NCAA Division I programs. Hooper helped Brewster and coach Jason Smith's squad to a 31-3 record that season and appearances in both the NEPSAC semifinals and national prep school championship semifinals.

"Max is a tireless worker and elite level shooter. I'm excited for him to have this opportunity at a top program, such as St. John's," said Smith.

While in high school, he was an all-state honoree in four seasons. As a senior at Mater Dei in 2009-10, he was an All-Trinity League and All-California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) selection. Hooper keyed Mater Dei to a 26-game win streak and established the highest single-season 3-point shooting percentage in school history by drilling 49.5 percent of his attempts from long range in his final season. Playing his senior year for Gary McKnight, Hooper completed his four-year high school career with 313 3-pointers. As a junior in 2008-09 at Valley Christian, Hooper was tabbed to the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) team and was named to the San Jose Mercury News all-area team. He was also a three-time recipient of the Scholar-Athlete Award.