As out-of-the-blue as the news seemed to everyone else, Nurideen Lindsey’s departure was equally as unexpected to his teammates.
“It was a total surprise to us,” said junior forward God’sgift Achiuwa. “We never expected one of our teammates to leaving, knowing the condition we’re in now.”
And “the condition” went from short-handed to almost historically short-handed, with only six scholarship players remaining in the regular rotation. Against Fordham on Saturday, it is likely that walk-on-turned-scholarship-player Jamal White could see his first primetime minutes of the year.
But help is on the way.
Amir Garrett is reportedly in New York and his academic packet has been submitted to the NCAA Clearinghouse for review. He will not be eligible to play on Saturday against Fordham.
In the mean time, with Lindsey gone and a vacancy left in the Red Storm backcourt, his minutes will be delegated to both freshmen Phil Greene and D’Angelo Harrison.
“The coaches have great confidence in me to perform,” said Greene. “My teammates are supporting me and I know it’s a big responsibility, but I’m ready for it.”
Much the same way that former Red Storm Dwight Hardy was used as a shooting guard during his junior season and moved to the point guard spot his senior year, assistant coach Mike Dunlap says the same may happen with Harrison.
“D’Angelo can play that slot, which means he’s a scoring point [guard],” said Dunlap. “Last year, a lot of people say Hardy as a “two” and we saw him as a “one” and as we brought him along….boy, did he develop quickly. We think we can do the same thing with D’Angelo.”
St. John’s will face a struggling Fordham team at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, a team that has already tallied losses of 34 (to Manhattan) and 15 (to Monmouth), both on the road.
As they have been the last two season, the Rams are led by forward Chris Gaston, who is averaging nearly 14 points and 10 rebounds per game.
In the backcourt, Devon “Fatty” McMillan and Branden Frazier combine for over 21 points per game.
From what has been said, Lindsey’s transfer will be more about adjusting personnel questions than handling any intangible variables.
“I haven’t seen one ounce of [a drop in team morale],” said Dunlap. “That’s just what we’re supposed to do with fine wine. It’s supposed to age nicely and it is. These are young guy who want to win.”
NOTES
– Steve Lavin watched 2012 recruiting targets Ricardo Gathers and Jaren Sina at the City of Palms tournament today.
– Sina is a point guard from Gil St. Bernard’s in New Jersey and recently decommitted from Alabama
– Ricardo Gathers reportedly holds offers from St. John’s, LSU, NC State, Florida, USC, California, and Baylor
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