St. Johns- #10 Big East college basketball power rankings

St. Johns

Coach: Steve Lavin (2 seasons at St. Johns 34-31) Overall 179-109, 9 years

2011-12: Record 13- 19 overall, 6-12 in Big East ( Tie 11th)

Starters Returning (4) Phil Greene, God’sgift Achiuwa, D’Angelo Harrison, Sir’ Dominic Pointer

Preseason Tournament: Charleston Classic

Top Non-Conference Games: vs. South Carolina

Transfer Out: Malik Smith (Fairmont State)

Transfer In : Max Hooper (Harvard), Jamal Branch (Texas A&M)

Early Departure: Moe Harkless

It was a tough year for the Red Storm but it was pretty much expected after losing so many seniors. Last year head coach Steve Lavin brought in 9 recruits, but now those players are a year older. However they lost their best player from the class to the NBA Moe Harkless. It was also a tough year for Lavin who missed most of the season after defeating cancer. The Red Storm once again add 6 new talented players to the mix.

Leading the way for St. Johns will be shooting guard D’Angelo Harrison (17 ppg). He is the second returning leading scorer in the Big East. He also led the Red Storm in three point shooting and steals. Joining him in the backcourt is point guard Phil Greene (7.6 ppg). Greene did a great job as a freshman last season, expected bigger things this season. Sir Dominic Pointer(6.6 ppg) will likely start at the 3 position he had a disappointing season last year, it will be interesting to see if he can bounce back. The depth here will get a boost in December when Texas A&M transfer Jamal Branch becomes eligible. Also providing depth here will be freshman Felix Balamou and Jamal White (1.6 ppg).

The Red Storm really lacked the beef inside and it appears the same way this season. Leading the way for St. Johns here is God’sgift Achiuwa (9.4 ppg). He is really the only true post player on the roster. Joining him in the frontcourt is the super athletic Amir Garrett (7.4 ppg). Garrett is also a minor league baseball player. The Johnnies look at have a lot of young talent here for depth but they are unproven. Providing the depth will be JUCO transfer Marco Bourgault, freshman JaKarr Sampson, JUCO Orlando Sanchez, and freshman Chris Obekpa. Sampson is the a top 50 recruit and should be the top option off the bench. Obekpa is known for his shot blocking.

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