By Paul M. Banks
OK, so maybe the St. John’s fanbase isn’t really a nation these days, more of a microstate, or at best a breakaway republic in the realpolitik of college basketball. However, the Johnnies were a glorious program once, and they’re intensively seeking to be once again. Check out this comment I received on my previous article highlighting the chances of DePaul hiring ESPN’s Steve Lavin as their next coach.
As an alumni of St. John’s University, I have heard many names been thrown around for our vacant men’s basketball position. In my opinion, I think that the Red Storm should hire current ESPN Analyst, Steve Lavin. He has a great
resume and will help rebuild St. John’s into a powerhouse.
I found this link, https://lavin4redstorms.com/, that some students at SJU
have setup for Lavin’s support. Your thoughts on Lavin @ SJU?
Sam
The site lists 10 reasons why Lavin should be hired (below are the top 2) and also features a video of Lav ice fishing with Brent Musburger and Erin Andrews (good now I can include the “Erin Andrews” tag on this post for SEO purposes, yay!)
- As UCLA head basketball coach from 1996-2003, Lavin compiled a record of 145-78.
- In his inaugural season as head coach, Lavin directed the Bruins to the 1997 Pac-10 Championship and the NCAA Elite Eight with an overall record of 24-8. 1997 National Rookie Coach of the Year
As both an assistant and head coach, Lavin participated in 13 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (1990-2002), while working at Purdue University and UCLA.
Here’s the AP story about Lavin interviewing with the Johnnie’s today
NEW YORK (AP)—A person close to the situation says former UCLA coach Steve Lavin will interview with St. John’s.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because there was no official announcement. St. John’s athletic director Chris Monasch was unavailable for comment.
Lavin has been an ESPN analyst since UCLA fired him in 2003. He had a 145-78 record with UCLA, leading the school to the NCAA tournament’s round of 16 five times. The Bruins reached the final eight in 1997, his first season.
Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt rejected an offer from St. John’s last week. Boston College’s Al Skinner interviewed on Friday.
St. John’s fired Norm Roberts after six seasons and has not been to the NCAA tournament since 2002.