http://web.sny.tv/media/video.jsp?content_id=25647193
In what amounts to a blow to St. John’s NCAA Tournament chances, head coach Steve Lavin has suspended sophomore guard D’Angelo Harrison for the remainder of the 2012-13 season.
A source close to the program told SNY.tv Harrison was suspended for “a pattern of behavior.”
A combustible guard out of Texas whose brother, Dre, is serving jail time for murder charges, Harrison has had a history of disciplinary issues at St. John’s and missed part of the preseason after clashing with Lavin.
Harrison will miss the Red Storm’s remaining three regular-season games, the Big East Championship at Madison Square Garden and any 2013 postseason appearances.
“I had a productive meeting with D’Angelo yesterday. He has a bright future in basketball and I’m optimistic his time away from our team will be of value,” said Lavin.
The source said Harrison will have to “earn” his way back onto the team next season, but if he doesn’t return, it would open up a scholarship for St. John’s to use in recruiting. The Johnnies are involved with Philly Vaux Roberts guard Rysheed Jordan, who is expected to announce in April for St. John’s, Temple or UCLA.
A Preseason All-Big East Second Team selection, Harrison is third in the league in scoring with 17.8 points per game (T-48th nationally).
St. John’s has three regular-season games left, beginning Saturday at Providence (8 p.m., SNY). They then travel to Notre Dame before closing at home against Marquette.
At 16-11, 8-7 in the Big East, they probably need to win at least two of those three to make the NCAA Tournament.
