Mike Cavataio, a 6-foot-4, 175-pound swingman from St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows, N.Y., made a verbal commitment to St. John's University late last night, according to sources.
Reporter Brian Towey had previously spoken to Cavataio before his decision. According to Towey,
Cavataio turned in a middling performance at the second week of the Eastern Invitational Camp. He impressed coaches with his deceptive athleticism at the live event at Holy Cross High School later that month.
Then in West Virginia, playing with the Long Island Lightning at the Triple S Harley Davidson Jamfest, he had that moment when coaches said, "Whoa".
"He had a breakout tournament down there, " said Joe Walsh, who coached Cavataio with the Long Island Lightning in West Virginia, and is also an assistant coach at CHSAA rival All Hallows.
BRIAN TOWEY'S VIEW: Cavataio is a spindly forward with a long, live body. He'll slash, attack the rim, and is extremely active on the glass. He's a fundamentally sound player who can have an affect on a game with his rebounding, shot blocking, or passing.
AAU COACH BOB PAUL'S VIEW: His number one strength is his athleticism. (Paul coaches Cavataio with the Long Island Lightning and is an assistant coach at Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York).
He's a fantastic athlete. I think he's got enough perimeter skills to be a tough match-up for bigger guys and the size and athleticism to give smaller guys problems. He creates mismatches every time he steps on the floor. He is also one of the fiercest competitors I have come across.