Thanks for the reports.
http://redstormsports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/092508aad.htmlSt. John's Holds 2008 Red Storm Tip-Off
Students and fans treated to sneak preview of 2008-09 teams.
Sept. 25, 2008
2008 Red Storm Tip-Off Photo Gallery
QUEENS, N.Y. - Nearly 1,200 St. John's students and Red Storm basketball fans attended the 2008 Red Storm Tip-Off held at Taffner Field House on Thursday night. Those in attendance were treated to an early look at both the men's and women's basketball teams and a night full of contests and activities. In addition to the sneak preview of the 2008-09 basketball teams, fans were invited to test their St. John's basketball knowledge against special guest and 1982 grad Howie Schwab of ESPN's "Stump The Schwab."
After an introduction by head women's coach Kim Barnes Arico, the women's team delighted fans with a dance routine before holding an intrasquad scrimmage. Head men's coach Norm Roberts then took to the court and introduced his squad. The men took to the court for what proved to be an exhibition of fast breaks and slam dunks.
Anthony Mason Jr. then beat out teammates Paris Horne and Justin Burrell to win the slam dunk contest. The contest featured Kristin Moore, Joy McCorvey and Monique McLean of the women's team and Schwab as guest judges.
One lucky fan won four tickets to the St. John's game against Duke as well as dinner for four at The ESPN Zone in Times Square after correctly answering The Schwab's trivia questions. Another fan had the opportunity to win $30,000 in a shooting contest, while many other fans brought home Nike prize packs and apparel, Red Storm gear and gift certificates to the campus bookstore.
Before the Red Storm Tip-Off began, fans enjoyed D.J. music, inflatable games, a free BBQ and giveaways from the Powerade Street Team. Fans were invited to stick around following the event for an afterparty featuring D.J. Flo and a step-exhibition by members of ALFSA, St. John's Greek life organization.
Four starters and 10 letterwinners return for Roberts and the Red Storm in 2008-09, including an All-BIG EAST honorable mention selection in senior Anthony Mason Jr. (14.0 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game), BIG EAST All-Rookie team member Justin Burrell (10.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg), sophomore guard-forward D.J. Kennedy (7.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and second-year point guard Malik Boothe (2.5 assists per game). The Red Storm men open their season on Friday, Nov. 14 when local squad LIU visits what will be a newly-renovated Carnesecca Arena.
Fresh off its quarterfinal appearance in the Postseason WNIT, its fifth-straight BIG EAST Tournament berth and an 18-15 record, Barnes Arico and the women's basketball team open its season on Nov. 14 against Northeastern at Carnesecca Arena. The women return their leading scorer in second team All-Met (MBWA) selection Monique McLean (14.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and third-leading scorer in 2008 BIG EAST All-Freshman team selection Sky Lindsay (8.5 ppg). Seniors Kelly McManmon (7.6 ppg) and Kristin Moore (.625 FG pct), and juniors Joy McCorvey (5.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Aricia Mitchell (4.6 ppg) are among the Red Storm's top returnees.