When I first spoke with Redlands Community College PG Nurideen Lindsey over a month ago, he was someone not many knew or remembered. Having to overcome the unbearable tragedy around the time he was supposed to go to college forced him to put basketball on the backburner. Years later, Lindsey has seemingly defied the odds set against him and decided to play for St. John’s.
“There were a lot of different reasons that made me choose St. John’s,” said Lindsey. “First and foremost just the class that’s coming in with me, I think is a great class to be included with, and the coaching staff is just a great staff.”
Too Easy (a nickname Lindsey earned in a showcase game after scoring all over Lance Stephenson) was considering seven school’s who all put scholarship offers on the table, along with St. John’s.
“I was considering Kansas, Oklahoma State, Auburn, Kentucky, USF, Georgia Tech, and Miami, but ultimately I felt St. John’s would be the best place for me.”
For a while the St. John’s fans were expecting an announcement from Lindsey that seemingly wasn’t coming. Sources told JohnnyJungle.com that he was on his way to Queens, I guess it just took a little longer then expected to come to fruition.
“I decided this morning that St. John’s would be great for me,” said Lindsey. “Kevin Durant, and Baron Davis gave me great advice about making the best decision for myself.”
One of the criticisms, not necessarily on Lindsey but more of his style of play is the fact that he is a combo guard. The word “true” point guard isn’t exactly how you should describe Lindsey, but he says that’s not something he or the fans should worry about.
“I’m not a “true” point guard, but I get the job done,” said a confident Lindsey. “I think me and D’Angelo [Harrison] in the backcourt is going to be something special.”
“I think me and D’Angelo [Harrison] in the backcourt is going to be something special.”
The fact that Lindsey isn’t confined to one exact position allows him to offer the Red Storm a ton of versatility, something head coach Steve Lavin has clearly been looking for in his recruits.
“I score the ball, but I can also run a team,” Lindsey said. “Being a true point guard is a learning and working process, and I think I’ll eventually get to that point.
And the biggest thing to take from the nonsense of being a “true” point guard from Lindsey’s perspective is this; “I love passing the ball just as much as scoring it, if not more,” said Too Easy.
Nuri was in attendance at the Red Storm’s Midnight Madness this past Friday but got there late due to missing his flight. Once he did get there, he loved what he saw and said that it had some effect in finalizing his decision.
“I thought it was great!” said Lindsey. “The support that the people came out and showed was unbelievable.”
Lindsey is the fifth recruit on board the Steve Lavin ark for the class of 2011, and the third player to join in the last week.
Yesterday Dom Pointer committed to St. John’s, today was Nurideen Lindsey’s turn, the revolving door keeps on spinning for Steve Lavin and the Red Storm. At this rate the mentality for the St. John’s faithful has to be I wonder what goodies Lavin will bring us tomorrow.
Welcome to St. John’s Nurideen Lindsey.
Welcome aboard Nuri! I think the backcourt is going to be electric. St. John’s has defenders, scorers, and distributors with size and speed everywhere. 2011 is going to be fun!
There’s a lot of hope for St.Johns basketball.Promising new recruits. But i think Roberts ,being a new coch , didn’t get some of the calls he should have coaching against name coaches. maybe the calls will go our way now. Alot of factors involved in winning. Bring the sweater back and see the calls go our way again.
I thought the refs were fair to Norm. Regardless the best call in the past 10 years has been Steve Lavin. Thanks for view Arthur! Hope to see you commenting more.
Dave – Good piece on Nuri.