St. John’s could turn out to be a real force in the Big East next season.
As previously reported here last month, sophomore guard D’Angelo Harrison is expected to return to the team along with freshman forward JaKarr Sampson, the reigning Big East Rookie of the Year. Adding them to recently committed guard Rysheed Jordan, forward Orlando Sanchez and the rest of the returning players, and the Johnnies will have an experienced, deep and talented squad in the first year of the new Big East.
“D’Angelo has responded to his suspension in an admirable and mature manner,” Johnnies coach Steve Lavin said Monday after Harrison was named to the All-Met Division 1 Basketball Team. “We are hopeful with a productive spring and summer performance he will be able earn his way back on to our team.”
Harrison was suspended March 1 for the remainder of the season for a pattern of disciplinary issues.
“I was suspended for disciplinary reasons,” Harrison said Monday. “Obviously it is hard to be suspended from the team but I have been repairing those relationships with the coaching staff and I understand why they did it.”
He added: “Taking time away from the game was good because I could be a regular student and not have pressure on me all the time. Taking time away from the game was good for me, I learned a lot and I’m still learning.”
Sampson, meantime, was named the MBWA Rookie of the Year.
“We’ll have a deep team next year with Orlando Sanchez, Max Hooper and God’sgift Achiuwa being able to play so I think we’re going to be good,” Sampson said.
Said Lavin: “We are pleased Jakarr and D’Angelo are being recognized by the Met writers for their performances this past season.”
