NEW YORK — Steve Lavin and his higher-ups at St. John’s have begun their annual end-of-year talks but have not yet discussed an extension, a source told SNY.tv Wednesday evening.
Lavin, 50, is on record saying that he believes he will get an extension and that he needs one to be effective in recruiting going forward.
A St. John’s University spokesman told SNY.tv on Wednesday that there was nothing new to report.
Assuming an extension is forthcoming, it is “more likely” to be a four-or five-year rollover on his current six-year deal than the three years which one outlet reported. Lavin just completed Year 5 of his initial deal and and would need an extension to avoid being a lame duck entering next season.
Still, he will be out on the recruiting trail on Thursday to see 6-foot-9 Our Savior New American forward Cheick Diallo, who by the end of the week will have had coaches from Pittsburgh, Kansas and Iowa State in to see him, too. He is also considering Kentucky.
Sources told SNY.tv this week that Lavin’s future at St. John’s is in doubt, and some still believe that is the case. Lavin’s buyout is in the neighborhood of $2 million.
Until University President Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw — or another school official — releases a statement, nothing is official.
Despite a published report, Lavin did not meet Wednesday with Gempeshaw, the source said.
St. John’s lost Friday night to San Diego State in Charlotte in the Round of 64 of the NCAA Tournament.
Lavin, 50, is 226-133 for his career at UCLA and St. John’s, including an 81-55 mark with the Red Storm. He has guided them to two NCAA Tournaments and two NITs.
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