Very harsh words from Lenn Robbins in his article in the Post.
3 St. John's recruits ruled academically ineligible
By LENN ROBBINS
St. John’s basketball recruits Norvel Pelle, JaKarr Sampson and Amir Garrett are not academically eligible to enroll at the university, the NCAA has ruled, a severe blow to what was one of the nation’s best recruiting classes.
St. John’s said it will pursue all avenues to get the three eligible for the spring semester, but this is a black eye for the university. It raises legitimate questions about the quality of student St. John’s coach Steve Lavin is recruiting.
“We will continue to work with the NCAA in an effort to review Amir, Norvel and JaKarr’s cases regarding their eligibility,’’ Lavin said in a statement released by the university. “Our student-athletes and their families have been patient and cooperative throughout this review process. We are hopeful that Amir, Norvel and JaKarr will be able to join us on the court this winter, and in the classroom when the 2012 spring semester begins.”
According to The Associated Press, if ruled eligible, they would be able to participate in practice Dec. 19.
Lavin did not immediately respond to a text message. St. John’s spokesman Dominic Scianna said university president Father Donald Harrington would not comment beyond the statement.
Calls to the NCAA were not returned.
Garrett and Sampson are wings and their losses probably won’t be as damaging as Pelle's, who is a 6-10 forward/center. Players of that magnitude don’t come along very often.
Garrett (6-6), a native of Los Angeles, was chosen in the 22nd round of the baseball draft in June and signed with the Cincinnati Reds in August. NCAA rules allow Garrett to play college basketball and professional baseball.
Pelle is from Compton, Calif., and Sampson (6-7) is from Akron, Ohio.
The ruling raises an awkward issue for St. John’s. For six years, the Red Storm graduated every four-year player who came through under former coach Norm Roberts. Now Lavin’s first full recruiting class is tarnished, though it still brings in some outstanding talent, led by forward Maurice Harkless of Queens.
Guards D’Angelo Harrison, Nurideen Lindsey and Phil Greene, forward Sir’Dominic Pointer and post man Godsgift Achiuwa are the other players who are going to have to grow up quickly in the Big East.