Johnny Jungle

The 6th Man of St. John's Basketball

For the die hard St. John's fan.
The unofficial 6th man. est. '07
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Norm Roberts Named Assistant Coach of Florida Under Billy Donovan

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Former St. John’s head coach and SNY college basketball analyst Norm Roberts has accepted an assistant coaching position to join Billy Donovan’s staff at the University of Florida.

“Being from New York, I’ve known Norm for a long time,” Donovan told the Daily News. “He’s an outstanding coach, he’s a great recruiter, has high character and integrity and I’m thrilled to have him on our staff here at Florida.”

Norm Roberts will join multiple-time national champion Billy Donovan at Florida. (Photo: Icon/SMI)
Roberts, who spent six seasons as the Johnnies head man from 2004-2010, compiled a record of 81-101, with his best season coming in 2009-2010, when the Red Storm finished 17-16 (6-12 in the Big East). That season also saw St. John’s lone post-season appearance under Roberts, when the Johnnies lost to Memphis in the opening round of the NIT Tournament.

Hired in 2004, Roberts is credited with turning around a program that was nearly in shambles following the departure of previous head coach Mike Jarvis. The nine graduating seniors, who were the core of this season’s NCAA Tournament team, were recruited under Roberts and are all on track to graduate in the coming weeks.

Prior to his stint at the helm of the St. John’s program, Roberts was the head coach of his alma mater, Queens College for four seasons. In 1995, he began his career as a Division 1 assistant coach, taking a job at Oral Roberts under current Kansas coach Bill Self, following Self to Tulsa, until making his way to high-major college basketball at Illinois, once again under Self. After Self took the head coaching job at Kansas, Roberts served under him for one season, in 2003-2004.

Wherever Roberts has gone as an assistant, he has had a reputation as a strong recruiter, having a hand in bringing in such future NBA players as Dee Brown and Deron Williams at Illinois and J.R. Giddens at Kansas.

Roberts will come to a team that finished 29-8 (13-3 in the SEC) and lost to Butler in the Elite 8. The team will be losing key seniors Chandler Parsons and Alex Tyus, but are adding McDonald’s All-American shooting guard Bradley Beal in this year’s incoming recruiting class.

Lavin Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, Expected to Make Full Recovery

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St. John’s head men’s basketball coach Steve Lavin was diagnosed with low-grade, early stage prostate cancer this past fall and will undergo necessary treatment for the condition in the weeks to come, the University announced late Friday morning.

A statement released by the University said Lavin, 46, will be able to continue his coaching duties through treatment, without interruption.

“My family feels fortunate that through annual health exams, we detected my condition at an early stage,” said Lavin. “This past fall I didn’t want to distract our team, but with the season behind us, we are now working with medical experts and taking the proper steps to tackle this health challenge head on.”

Lavin and his staff famously wore white sneakers for much of the 2010-2011 season, a move to promote awareness for Coaches vs. Cancer, an annual fundraiser that raises money to combat the disease. Throughout the past decade, in his time as head coach at UCLA and as a broadcaster at ESPN, Lavin has also been active in The V Foundation for Cancer Research, including being part of the President’s Club leadership group for the foundation the past six years.

Lavin is expected to make a full recovery following his cancer diagnosis. (Photo: Icon/SMI)
“We are pleased that through early detection we determined Coach Lavin’s condition as a relatively low-grade cancer, and one that could wait for treatment until the conclusion of the basketball season,” said Jonathan Schiff, M.D., a board-certified urologist in private practice in New York City. “I expect a complete cure of Coach Lavin’s condition and we anticipate a seamless continuation of his coaching duties.”

In his first season at the helm for St. John’s, Lavin led the Red Storm to their first NCAA appearance in nearly a decade and revitalized fans, alumni, and the city. The Johnnies also made their way into the Top 25 rankings in both polls for the first time since 2000 and have the 2nd-ranked recruiting class in the country headed to Queens for the 2011-2012 season.

“We are encouraged by the early diagnosis and expect that Steve will continue his regular coaching activities,” said St. John’s Director of Athletics Chris Monasch, “We do not anticipate any disruption in his duties as our head coach, and thank all in advance for their support of Steve and respect for his family’s privacy.”

Future of St. John’s Shines at All-American Championship

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All roads converge in Houston.

And with all eyes focused on the NCAA Final Four, future college standouts descended upon Texas to showcase their skills in the first annual All-American Championship.

The Red Storm had a strong presence in Houston, featuring a combined four signees in the two all-star games.

Forward Sir’Dominic Pointer was the lone Johnny in the afternoon’s first game, tallying 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals in the South’s 93-91 overtime victory over the North.

The 6’6” swingman from Quality Education Academy (NC) is regarded by ESPN Recruiting Insider Dave Telep as “the most improved wing in [the Class of 2011]”. In the spring of 2010, he was projected to be a mid-major recruit, but a strong summer showing and impressive senior season at Quality Ed. has lifted him all the way to #34 on ESPNU’s Top 100 prospects of 2011.

Most impressive for Pointer in this All-American Championship was his defensive presence. Even in an offensively-based All-Star game, Pointer showed flashes of defensive brilliance, including locking down and picking the pocket of guard Ryan Boatright, a UConn signee, and diving on the floor for the loose ball.

On defensive prowess alone, Pointer could find himself in Steve Lavin’s starting lineup next season, bringing toughness and hustle to what will be an incredibly young roster.

(From left) Sampson, Harrison, Pointer, and Harkless gave St. John’s fans something to look forward to moving into next season. (Photo: Facebook)

But his offensive game is something of note, as well.

Pointer showed confidence driving to the basket in traffic with either hand, finishing a pretty dribble-drive through contact with the left hand in the third quarter and knocking down a free throw to convert the 3-point play. Also, his rise-and-fire three pointer in overtime helped the South to victory.

Maurice Harkless of South Kent (CT), Steve Lavin’s first commit from the Class of 2011, won Most Outstanding Player for the East, pouring in 15 points. With a balance of an inside game at the rim and the ability to knock down the jumper in the mid-range, Harkless showed the versatility that will translate to the college game next season.

His night was highlighted by an acrobatic dunk in the third quarter, when he took a pass off the backboard from Rutgers-bound point guard Myles Mack and threw it down for the slam.

D’Angelo Harrison, the 6’3” guard from Dulles High School (TX), put his highly-touted scoring ability on display early, with 8 points in the first three minutes of the game. He finished with 21 points to go with 6 rebounds.

Harrison showed his fearless knack for shooting the ball on the West’s first possession, launching a three from the right wing with a hand in his face and knocking it down. He was effective both off the dribble, getting to the basket, as well as from distance, which explains the 31 points per game he averaged this past season at Dulles.

The fourth recruit to participate in Houston, JaKarr Sampson of Brewster Academy (NH), added 10 points. He showed good dribbling and face-up skills in the post, which will create match-up problems for opposing defenses next season at St. John’s.

His most impressive play came on the defensive end, when he rejected UCLA-bound Norman Powell on a dunk attempt. Though called for a foul on the play, he appeared to get the clean block and showed his aggressiveness and willingness to lock down at the rim.

All four players give Johnnies fans a glimpse of the future, one that, next year, will be a very youthful and athletic bunch.

St. John’s is currently ranked as the second overall recruiting class by ESPNU, with nine overall commits, six of whom are in the ESPNU Top 100.

Hardy named AP Honorable Mention, Burrell in dunk contest

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In a season that already included three Big East Player of the Week awards and a spot on the All-Big East First Team, senior guard Dwight Hardy has added another impressive accolade to his resume.

Hardy and Burrell will make the trip to Houston to compete in the 3-Point and Dunk contests, respectively. (photo: flickr.com)

The 6’2” Bronx native has been named an Honorable Mention AP All-American, the national media panel announced Monday night. He becomes the first St. John’s player to be named an AP All-American since Erick Barkley received the same honor in 1999-2000.

Hardy’s team-leading 18.3 points per game ranked fourth in the Big East, increasing his production after  Coach Steve Lavin’s early-season decision to move the senior from shooting guard to point guard.

“Point guard gives me a better chance to shoot off the dribble,” Hardy said of transitioning to a relatively unfamiliar position. “[The coaches] want[ed] me to be aggressive at all times.”

And though the Johnnies’ NCAA Tournament run ended with a loss to Gonzaga, Hardy will still make a trip to the Final Four in Houston, as he was selected to compete in the State Farm College 3-Point Championships on March 31st. He will be traveling with teammate Justin Burrell, who was selected to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Hardy shot 35% from long range on the year, averaging nearly two 3-pointers per game. In his two-year career at St. John’s, he shot nearly 37% from 3-point range. He will also take part in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-Star Game on April 1st in Houston.

Competing alongside Hardy will be LaceDarius Dunn of Baylor, Andrew Goudelock of College of Charleston, Ravern Johnson of Mississippi State, Mickey McConnell of Saint Mary’s, Kansas Jayhawk Brady Morningstar, Kansas State’s Jacob Pullen and Mississippi’s Chris Warren.

Burrell, known as a strong, powerful dunker, will compete in the Slam Dunk Contest after receiving the Big East Sixth Man Award earlier this season. He averaged 6.3 points and 4.9 rebounds off the bench for the Red Storm in 2010-2011.

The dunk competition will also include Pittsburgh’s Gilbert Brown, Will Coleman of Memphis, East Tennessee State’s Justin Tubbs, Illinois College’s Jacob Tucker, San Diego State Aztec Billy White, Darnell Wilks of Cincinatti, and UNC Asheville’s John Williams.

The festivities will air on March 31st at 9pm ET on ESPN2.

Former Johnny Larry Wright Finds Success at Oakland

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On Selection Sunday, the Red Storm watched the television anxiously from a room on the 10th floor of the New York Athletic Club, awaiting the announcement of their seeding in the NCAA Tournament. Nestled comfortably at Central Park South in mid-town Manhattan, the athletic club is at the center of a city of nearly 8.4 million people, 25 blocks from the World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden.

On this same Selection Sunday, 679 miles away in Rochester, Michigan sits the Oakland University Men’s basketball team, surrounded by their fans, watching the selection show from the school’s gymnasium. Rochester, with an estimated population of 11,000, is 30 miles north of downtown Detroit. It is a suburb with low-lying buildings, famous for their annual “Bright Lights Show”, when the entire downtown is illuminated with decorative lights for the holiday season.

These are the contrasting environments Larry Wright has seen during his college basketball career.

Wright, a native of Saginaw, Michigan, was a guard for the Red Storm for two seasons from 2006-2008 before transferring to Oakland after his sophomore year. He shot over 40% from distance in his two seasons at St. John’s, with his best season coming as a sophomore when he averaged 9.1 points in 19 minutes per game.

Now, in his second season with Oakland, Wright and the Golden Grizzlies hear their name called as a #13 seed on Selection Sunday, slated to play Texas in the first round Friday.

But, Wright’s story is unlike many other transfers.

Larry Wright has helped the Golden Grizzlies to Summit League Championship as the conference's Sixth Man of the Year. (Photo: Facebook)

After starring at Saginaw High School, averaging 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, he decided to come to St. John’s under head coach Norm Roberts.

“I went on a visit there. They took me around Manhattan,” Wright said of Roberts recruiting him. “I really connected with the coaching staff and the Garden was a big thing, to be able to play at the Mecca of college basketball.”

As a member of Norm Roberts’ third recruiting class as Red Storm head coach, Wright was part of the strong core that was supposed to build the foundation for the rebuilding efforts in Queens. But, along with Avery Patterson, Derwin Kitchen, and Qu’rraan Calhoun, who came in that same third recruiting class, Wright transferred away from the program.

When many other players transfer schools over lack of playing time, displeasure with the coaching staff, or displeasure with the program, Larry Wright transferred to make his way back home. After his mother slipped a disc in her back, the travel between Michigan and New York to watch his games became too difficult.

He summed up his reason for transferring in simple words: “I wanted [my mother] to see me play college basketball.”

“I wanted to cry, I was sad, but I was happy at the same time because I was going back home,” Wright said of deciding to transfer. “[Coach Roberts] didn’t want me to leave and tried to convince me to stay. But, he respected my decision. He was a great coach for me, but he knew I had to be there for my mom.”

Even after transferring, he remains friends with current Johnnies, including Malik Boothe, Sean Evans, Justin Burrell, and DJ Kennedy. He gave Boothe a call on Selection Sunday to congratulate him on their seeding in the tournament.

“I just wished them best of luck this year and continued success.”

Looking to choose a college close to his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan, Wright chose Oakland University in 2008. He was familiar with head coach Greg Kampe coming out of high school and was recruited by former Oakland point guard and Wright’s AAU teammate, point guard Johnathon Jones.

“[Jones] recruited me like a coach,” Wright said with a laugh. “He was like ‘You gotta come here, you gotta come here’.”

Wright bonded quickly with his new teammates, part of a quality incoming class for the Golden Grizzlies that season.

“Being a team from a smaller conference, we were happy just to be [in the tournament]. Now we’re battle-tested.” -Larry Wright

“I’m very excited that [Larry] decided to come to Oakland and play, because he could have gone to a lot of other schools,” said Kampe after Wright’s commitment. “Most of the time when you get transfers, they are leaving because they are unhappy with playing time, but he was getting all the playing time in the world, he just wanted to come home.”

After sitting out a season because of transfer rules, Wright averaged 11 points and 2.5 rebounds in 25 minutes per game in 2009-2010. He was named to the Summit League All-Newcomer Team and was key in the Golden Grizzlies finishing 26-8 and winning the conference’s regular season and conference tournament titles.

As a #14 seed, they lost to #3 seeded Pittsburgh in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, 89-66.

This season, Wright came out with a new energy, with his team poised for another NCAA run.

“Being a team from a smaller conference, we were happy just to be [in the tournament],” said Wright. “Now we’re battle-tested.”

Coming off the bench this year, he averaged 9.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, earning himself the Summit League Sixth Man of the Year Award. Oakland lost just one game in conference play and swept through the conference tournament, clinching their second straight automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

In a big non-conference win on the road against #7 Tennessee, Wright had 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, including a clutch 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

“A win like that gives us a lot of confidence going into the tournament,” said Wright of the win over the Volunteers.

Oakland will try to ride that confidence to a victory over nationally-ranked Texas. The Golden Grizzlies are as close to an offensive clinic as can be found in Division I, ranking 2nd in the entire country as a team in points per game and shooting percentage. They also rank 14th and 17th respectively in the country in team rebounds and assists per game.

And this is where the road has led Larry Wright.

From Saginaw, Michigan to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, back home to the lights of the much smaller Athletics Center O’Rena in Rochester, Michigan, he is home once again. He is home once again to help Oakland make a run in the Big Dance.

“We look forward to putting on a show.”