Saturday, February 26, 2011

A Red Storm Brewing in Madison Square Garden

There is a feel good basketball story coming out of New York City and Madison Square Garden. The St. John’s University Johnnies are seeking to return to the national picture.

St. John’s is rated No. 25 and have posted a 17-9 overall (9-5 in the Big East Conference) record. So far so good for former UCLA coach Steve Lavin in his first season with the Johnnies.

Lavin inherited some veteran talent so he is playing the role of a good keeper. Interestingly, Lavin best year at UCLA was also his first year. He led the Bruins to the NCAA Elite 8.

St. John’s would love to have Lavin return the Johnnies to eastern supremacy. This is a school rich in basketball tradition. The coaching names of Frank McGuire and Lou Carnesecca head the list. St. John’s basketball, New York City and Madison Square Garden seem to fit together.

Lavin is making a fashion statement in the Big Apple. He features a coat with no tie and an open top-buttoned shirt. Not quite the same as Carnesecca’s wild sweaters, but what can you expect from a guy who coached on the West Coast?

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