Jakarr Sampson was trying to make up for lost time.
In his first game at St. John’s, his first college basketball game after what he said felt like an eternity, the highly rated freshman let the stage get to him.
The versatile 6-foot-8 forward from Ohio adjusted since that game, playing better each time out and as a result was named Big East Rookie of the Week for his recent sterling play. Head coach Steve Lavin sat him down after that first game and offered him the nugget the great John Wooden often used to offer him.
“Be quick, but don’t hurry.”
Sampson has taken it to heart. He’s picked his spots. Rather than going at full speed each play, he’s waited for openings, “taken my time, let the game come to me,” he said. “I feel much more comfortable out there.”
Lavin has noticed the change in Sampson, who is averaging 12 points and 6 rebounds per game.
“Now he’s seeing the game at a better pace, he’s playing a better pace and as a result he’s seeing things with more clarity and using better judgment on the court,” the coach said. “JaKarr has slowed down some and found a comfort level that’s allowed him to be very productive.”
While thrilled he was named Rookie of the Week in the Big East, he is far from satisfied. “I want to get more Rookie of the Week awards and potentially keep moving up and be considered for Rookie of the Year,” he said.
Notes: St. John’s has yet to hear from the NCAA regarding the status of forward Orlando Sanchez, Lavin said. The 6-foot-9 forward from the Dominican Republic by way of Monroe Community College would help the undersized Red Storm’s rebounding deficiencies and be another scoring option. “He would be perfect,” forward Chris Obekpa said. “He’s a great player. We would love to have him.” … Freshman guard Felix Balamou has practiced fully since reporting wooziness following an elbow to the face he took against Florida Gulf Coast and is expected to make his second start against South Carolina, Lavin said. … While sad to see yet another program bolt the Big East with the announcement Louisville is headed to the ACC, Lavin didn’t seem worried about the future. “We’ll continue to thrive,” the third-year coach said. “The league and schools have what is essential to do what it takes to be great basketball programs. They’ll continue to move forward and forge ahead.” … St. John’s has been practicing its man-to-man defense more of late and may utilize it more frequently against South Carolina than in recent contests.
zbraziller@nypost.com
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