St. John's to Part Ways with Coach Roberts - OFFICIAL

http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/031910aaf.html

QUEENS, N.Y. - St. John's Director of Athletics Chris Monasch announced on Friday that the University will part ways with Norm Roberts, who will not be retained after six seasons as head men's basketball coach. Monasch will begin an immediate national search to find a successor, who will serve as St. John's 19th men's basketball coach as the University prepares for its 103rd season on the hardwood in 2010-11.

"Coach Roberts took over a very challenging situation and has advanced our program in many respects. We appreciate the class and integrity he exhibited in his six years at St. John's. His student-athletes always represented the University in ways consistent with our values, and he has significantly improved the pool of basketball talent since he arrived," said Monasch. "We have high expectations for our program. Along with demanding that our program is run with integrity and that our student-athletes achieve academically and in the community, we expect a high level of success on the court consistent with our tradition."

Roberts served six seasons at St. John's, from 2004-05 to 2009-10, revitalizing the men's basketball program after beginning his tenure under NCAA probation (2004-05 to 2007-08) and with one reduced financial aid award during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. His career record at St. John's concludes at 81-101 (64-41 home, 12-53 road, 5-7 neutral, 32-70 BIG EAST regular season, 2-3 BIG EAST Tournament).

"I have great respect for Norm Roberts and want to express, publicly, my appreciation for his accomplishments during the past six years," said Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John's University. "Norm recruited student-athletes who have represented the University well, both on the court and in the classroom. His professionalism and the exemplary way in which he and his players have conducted themselves have restored the integrity of our men's basketball program. We are deeply grateful for all Norm has done and wish him and his family great success in the years ahead."

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Wow, what a relief I have truly been waiting for this news for at least a month now. Now we can finally move on. The process has just begun though, it is just as important to find a great coach to come in as it was to fire Norm. Greenberg and McCaffrey are my guys but whos knows.

"I have great respect for Norm Roberts and want to express, publicly, my appreciation for his accomplishments during the past six years," said Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John's University.

Up yours, Harrington.

i'm glad they finally got rid of him, but is anyone else feeling a little bad for Norm?

i'm glad they finally got rid of him, but is anyone else feeling a little bad for Norm?

He was over his head, and had 6 yrs of making A LOT of money, hard to feel bad for him.

  Always feel bad when someone loses their job, especially their dream job. But, this is a business.  For the 1st time in 4 years i feel excited about St.John's basketball again.

yeah, that's true, i'm definitely excited for SJU basketball...thinking of getting season tix next year

I don't feel bad for a guy who applied blame to everyone but himself.

Nicely done Monasch!

Lets not make this a bash Roberts thread. Thanks to Roberts for his 6 years of coaching he brought this program some respect and I wish him and his family the best in their future along with all the assistants on staff.

Thanks for your hard work and effort Norm! Youve done your job and cleaned up the mess that WAS St Johns basketball. Good luck