http://web.sny.tv/media/video.jsp?content_id=25675403
In this interview with SNY’s Gary Apple and Tarik Turner, St. John’s coach Steve Lavin talked about his difficult last month.
From the death of his father, Cap, to the suspension of D’Angelo Harrison, to the fight with Notre Dame, it has been a trying month for Lavin.
“From the time my father passed Feb. 10 it’s been very difficult,” Lavin said.
“You just move forward as best you can.”
On the court, the Johnnies have lost six of seven to fall out of NCAA Tournament contention.
Lavin said Sir’Dominic Pointer deserved the one-game suspension he will serve in Saturday’s Big East finale against Marquette at MSG. (Notre Dame’s Cameron Biedscheid will also serve a one-game suspension.)
“Dom Pointer will serve a one-game suspension which I think is what’s appropriate because that’s big,” Lavin said. “At this stage of the season, to miss a basketball game is very significant.”
Lavin also said he’s spoken with Harrison and the player’s grandmother and the door is open for Harrison, who averaged a team-best 17.8 points per game, returning for his junior season.
“We’ve had productive talks with his family and I had a good talk with D’Angelo,” Lavin said. “But right now we’re at a stage where he’s processing. He’s focused on academics.
“When we get through the season, when we get to the spring, there will be the appropriate time to make a decision in terms of what way D’Angelo prefers to go.
“I’d be in support if he has a good spring and a good summer to coming back to St. John’s.”
Asked if the door was open, Lavin said, “Oh absolutely, absolutely. He’s done a lot of great things here at St. John’s, and has a bright future, whether it’s here or somewhere else.”
Keep in mind that unless a current player leaves or or someone goes off scholarship, St. John’s has no scholarships to give.
In the meantime, the Johnnies will enter next week’s final Big East Tournament at MSG and will have the advantage of playing on their home floor.
“Once we get Dom back, we’re playing in the Garden and that’s a positive because it’s our homecourt; we’re familiar with those conditions,” he said.
“We’ve been competitive against every team in this league. We’ve had some big wins, we’ve had some challenging losses as well…
“But I like the upside of this group. I like the direction that we’re headed.”
