Still Lovin’ Lavin

When Steve Lavin became the man charged with the task of resurrecting St. John’s basketball this past March, he had a vision that would return the Red Storm to greatness; one that would also make the program relevant in and around New York City. As we now enter September, Lavin’s basketball genius is still out in full display for the world to see as St. John’s prepares for its 103rd basketball campaign.

Almost anyone that even remotely pays attention to St. John’s basketball knew right away that Lavin would be a change of pace from previous head man Norm Roberts, whose six years at the helm in Queens restored the program’s dignity and brought it back from arguably one of its lowest moments seven years ago in Pittsburgh.

Those who knew Lavin when he was at UCLA were able to weigh in on the coach’s record both on and off the court; and when the 46-year-old coach made his opening statement on the stage at Taffner Field House, it became a match made in heaven.

So far, Lavin’s marriage to the Johnnies has been nothing short of wedded bliss, and the new coach has gone out of his way to introduce himself to hundreds of people that are not necessarily fans. Moreover, Lavin has managed to not only tap his existing connections while in his new surroundings, but also forge new relationships with people behind the scenes in an effort to rebuild St. John’s not just as a program, but a brand in general.  An example of this comes from a story published this past May, which chronicled the fact that Lavin’s new business cards did not include his cell phone number. Displeased with this typographical error, Lavin and a student worker reissued all 300 cards, this time with Lavin’s personal number handwritten on each one.

Personally, I have had the pleasure of speaking with Coach Lavin on two occasions, and I could tell almost instantly that St. John’s found someone who wanted to see the program succeed and wanted to be there to make it happen. The coach has made it a habit to go out of his way to engage just about anyone, as noted by St. John’s first annual “Select Your Seat Day” for season ticket holders. Lavin’s hope for success seems to be bigger than most fans, and as both an alumnus of and broadcaster for St. John’s, I can tell you that that quality goes more than just a couple of exits on the highway.

Never mind what St. John’s has done in the recruiting aspect of the game. Before any prospect could take a visit to the school, they needed to rebuild their infrastructure and bring in a person who could get people talking again. It’s safe to say that after five months of barnstorming across the city as if he were running for mayor, (an election that given his personality and nature, he could probably win in a landslide if that’s what he wanted) Steve Lavin has done more than just an average job of that.

However, personality alone won’t win you college basketball games; only popularity contests. Fortunately for the Red Storm, Lavin is more than just a sunny disposition. In just his first four months since signing his contract with the Johnnies, Lavin has generated the following for both the program and the university’s bottom line: (The following data comes courtesy of St. John’s senior associate athletic director for communications and men’s basketball SID Mark Fratto)

– Over 200 additional season ticket packages purchased

– Approximately $2 million in private donations to St. John’s University

– $25,000 in corporate sponsorship of St. John’s basketball

– $20,000 in charitable contributions

– 210 (and counting) pieces of newspaper/magazine articles and blog posts (including this piece written shortly after Lavin signed Dwayne Polee)

– One signing in 2010 California State and Los Angeles City High School Player of the Year Dwayne Polee, who became Lavin’s first recruit at St. John’s

That list alone proves that Lavin can bring in revenue streams that St. John’s grew accustomed to seeing under the administrations of Lou Carnesecca and Mike Jarvis, and it seems like the new coach has the same power to draw fans as well. Last month, St. John’s played host to its first-ever “Select Your Seat Day,” where over 100 season ticket subscribers made their way to Carnesecca Arena to not only choose available seating on campus and Madison Square Garden, but also meet Lavin and his staff, an event that was quickly described as a big hit.

So far, Steve Lavin has demonstrated an ability to leave no stone unturned as he continues to lead St. John’s back to national prominence, and if the Johnnies can translate his relentless and determined pursuit of success to the court for 40 minutes a night, then the trademark smile the coach seems to enjoy displaying will only grow wider and brighter.