Pelle to St. John’s for 2012

Norvel Pelle is expected to sign a Letter of Intent with St. John’s during the early signing period, but won’t arrive on campus until 2012, his current coach told SNY.tv.

“Norvel will be a 2012,” Phelps (Pa.) School coach Brian Shanahan said by text.

The 6-foot-10 Pelle was one of three St. John’s commits declared academically ineligible by the NCAA in September.

Amir Garrett, a 6-6 wing, is currently at Bridgton (Maine) Academy and may be able to enroll at St. John’s in December after signing during this period.

Gathers Decommits from St. John’s

Ricardo Gathers has decommitted from St. John’s and will not sign until the spring.

The decommitment was first reported by WGNO TV in New Orleans and confirmed in a statement by Gathers obtained by SNY.tv.

“I would like to announce that although I had previously selected St. John’s University as the college I would attend through a verbal commitment, I have since decided to withdraw that commitment,” he said.

“I have recently realized that because the decision I make in choosing a university is one that will greatly impact my future, I must be 100 percent sure of the choice I make. I plan to devote time to analyzing all prospective scenarios and seriously considering how my decision will affect not only my basketball dreams and my education, but also considering how my decision will affect my family and those around me. I will be including St. John’s in my options and have by no means ruled that choice out. I would like to spend my last year of high school focused on team goals and then making a decision about college in the spring.”

St. John’s Lavin Returns to Practice

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.”