Ricardo Gathers gave St. John's a verbal commitment on Saturday.

The AAU coach of Gathers compares him to a cross between Charles Barkley and Karl Malone.

"That's huge," Gathers told The Post. "Those are a couple of NBA Hall of Famers. I understand what he's saying. Those guys knew rebounding wins games just like defense. I go into every games trying to get at least 10 rebounds."

Gathers is the Red Storm's first 2012 recruit.

Steve Lavin and his staff still are going hard for St. Anthony point guard Kyle Anderson, Philadelphia power forward Amile Jefferson, D.C. shooting guard Darrick Wood and California shooting guard Katlin Reinhardt.

Gathers is rated by Rivals as the nation's No. 11 power forward and the No. 34 recruit overall. Jefferson is ranked as the No.10 power forward and No. 33 overall.