Steve Lavin Expects to Be Extended at St. John’s, Says There’s a ‘Pretty Good Chance’ Obekpa & Jordan Return; Craig Randall to Visit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One day after losing to San Diego State in the Round of 64 of the NCAA tournament, St. John’s coach Steve Lavin said he expects a contract extension and that there’s a “pretty good chance” Chris Obekpa and Rysheed Jordan return next season.

Lavin just completed Year 5 of a six-year deal and would need an extension to avoid being a lame duck entering next season.

“We talk all the time [with the administration],” Lavin told reporters. “That’s never been an issue, ever, that’s what’s so funny about that.”

An Era Comes to a Close at St. John’s As Obekpa’s Absence Dominates the Storyline

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With 1 minute and 4 seconds remaining against San Diego State, D’Angelo Harrison picked up his fifth and final foul and walked to the St. John’s bench in TWC Arena.

A group of red-clad St. John’s fans who had made the journey here chanted, “Thank you, D-Lo, thank you D-Lo.”

On the bench, Harrison put a white towel over his head as the reality set in.

Moments later, his college career — and an era at St. John’s — came to a close when the No. 9 Red Storm fell to No. 8 San Diego State 76-64 in a Round of 64 South Region game. The Aztecs (27-8) and not the Johnnies (21-12) will advance to play Jahlil Okafor and No. 1 Duke on Sunday.

“When I sat down that’s when it hit me, but it’s tough,” Harrison said. “I don’t know how to put it in words yet.”