There is no arguing it. The St. John’s Red Storm held a successful version of their own Big East Tip-Off. Not too many important things came out of the event. Well, outside a certainly noteworthy suspension, some awesome dunks and Steve Lavin still being one of the snazziest dressers in the Big East Conference.
First, we should start with the announced suspension of Chris Obekpa. It has been reported that the big man has been suspended and would not be available to play in the Red Storm’s two exhibition games. It’s definitely not a deathblow to the program, although, having any team distractions at any point is not a good thing. According to Zach Braziller of the New York Post, the incident was minor and Lavin never had any issues with him before.
Here is exactly what Lavin had to say about the situation (H/T Red Storm Sports)
"“As a coach you try and teach your players that choices and judgments are an important part of life and so appropriately there are consequences that are tied to those choices. I think it will be a valuable learning experience for Chris. That’s where the focus is on, the lesson and opportunity to understand that there is a responsibility that comes with representing this basketball program and University.”"
As for the St. John’s scrimmage, everyone looked good in spots. None more so than the (finally) eligible, Orlando Sanchez. Other players who looked good were Max Hooper, D’Angelo Harrison and Felipe Lopez. Well, Lopez (my second favorite Johnnie of all-time) looked good in the alumni scrimmage.
Rysheed Jordan also made an impact. The hyped freshman did not disappoint the crowd. In fact, Sheed was really the star of the entire shindig. The event was highlighted when Jordan decided to go all dunkfest 2013 on America.
That is just a small example of the kind of shenanigans that took place last evening.
All in all the event was a success. Carnesecca Arena was filled to capacity, Lupe Fiasco took the crowd on a musical journey and the groundswell of support for St. John’s has never seemed higher.
Really, none of that could have gone any better considering some big-time recruits were in the crowd. Isaiah Briscoe, Adonis Delarosa, Cheick Diallo, Kassoum Yakwe and Devonte Green were all in attendance last night. Not a bad thing for the Red Storm considering the night was a massive success.