While there is no timetable for his return to coaching, Steve Lavin appeared at St. John’s practice Tuesday for the first time since undergoing prostate cancer surgery Oct. 6.
“I’m definitely feeling closer to full strength, and eager for a return to the sidelines,” said Lavin. “I’ve been pleased with the progress made by our young team. During this period of recuperating, Coach [Mike] Dunlap and the staff have worked in an impressive, collaborative manner to prepare our team for the challenges ahead.”
Lavin continued, “I have been monitoring the team’s progress by watching DVDs of practices and games. I have also been in contact via iPhone, text and e-mail with our coaches, student-athletes and recruits. Naturally we still have much to do in terms of implementing our system and style of play, but the effort from this team has been outstanding.”
Lavin was not able to coach in either of the team’s two exhibitions contests or the season-opener Monday night, a 74-59 victory over William & Mary at Carnesecca Arena.
It remains unclear if he will be on the sidelines Wednesday when the Johnnies host Lehigh.
“I was over his apartment last week and he’s starting to get back to normal,” St. John’s adviser Gene Keady said Monday night. “He’s laughing a lot now, he walks a lot, he’s making some progress as far as getting back to a normal life, so we’re anxious to get him back.
“But coach [Mike] Dunlap has done a tremendous job leading us, I can’t say enough about that.”
