Young mulling Roberts' offer to join him at St. John's
August 12, 2008
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/weiss/New Heights Ad/coach Kimani Young said he will make a decision this week regarding an offer to become an assistant coach at St. John's. Coach Norm Roberts offered Young and New York Panthers 17-and-under head coach Oswald (Oz) Cross positions on his staff for the 2008-2009 season, a move that could help reestablish the Red Storm as a legit landing pad for city-bred blue-chippers.
"I think Oz and I can add a lot to the program, but I don't think we are the final answer," Young said by phone last weekend.
"I love Norm and have a lot of respect for the school. I think this is a great opportunity. But the basketball program and the school are bigger than both of us. I do think we can bring a lot to the program." Young coaches top local talent at Bronx-based New Heights, including Bishop Loughlin junior
Jayvaughn Pinkston, St. Anthony forwards
Devon Collier and Ashton Pankey and South Kent (Conn.) point guard
Devon McMillan. Young has been coaching grassroots basketball for 15 years.
Cross, who coached St. John's big man Justin Burrell at Our Saviour Lutheran, has a strong relationship with former St. Raymond standouts
Omari Lawrence and Kevin Parrom, and Rice senior
Durand Scott. Cross was fired at Our Saviour Lutheran in 2007 but has had a successful summer with the Panthers. Cross could not immediately be reached this afternoon.
Former Gauchos director Emanuel (Book) Richardson, now an assistant coach at Xavier, says Young and Cross should strongly consider joining Roberts' staff.
"Those guys would be great for St. John's," Richardson said. "They have been coaching for a while, and I personally told them they should explore that option."