http://www.redstormsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/012512aaa.html[He wouldn't rule out returning to coach this season, but he will tell you he will be back next season, his third in charge of the program.
"The blood work has come back cancer-free and it has really come down to the premature return and subsequent setback in terms of stamina and energy," he said. "The doctors have advised me to avoid the strenuous aspect of the job, which is the out-of-body experience on the sideline coaching the games. Observing, recruiting, evaluating or hosting a player, that's all within reason in that it doesn't challenge the health."
To prove that, Lavin told of recruiting point guard Jamal Branch, who transferred to St. John's last week from Texas A&M.
"It's the elephant in the room," Lavin said of the cancer. "I was pre-emptive. I brought it up right out of the gate. I told him I had successful surgery and now I'm cancer-free and that I came back too early and set myself back now and are now trying to make a full recovery.
"He was going to hear speculation, innuendo and rumors from other schools. My inclination was to take that head on." ]
Do we need anymore proof?