March 18, 2013
St.
John’s freshman and men’s basketball standout
JaKarr Sampson ’16CPS was named the 2012–13 BIG EAST Rookie of
the Year, as announced by the conference on March 12.
Sampson is St. John’s second-straight men’s basketball player to
earn BIG EAST Rookie of the Year honors and the third overall.
Moe Harkless, who now plays for the Orlando Magic, received the
top freshman honor in 2011-12. David Russell won the award in
1979-80.
“JaKarr has this boundless energy and influences the game with
his zeal, talent, length and versatility at both ends of the
floor,” said Coach
Steve Lavin. “JaKarr probably has as much enthusiasm as any
player I’ve coached. He brings electricity and energy to the
game.”
“The BIG EAST Rookie of the Year award was one of the individual
goals I set for myself,” said Sampson. “This is a big moment for
me—I’m proud of myself for achieving my goal.”
A seven-time BIG EAST Rookie of the Week, Sampson exceeded all
BIG EAST freshmen in scoring (14.9 points per game, 12th overall)
and rebounding (6.6 rebounds per game, 12th overall). He was among
the BIG EAST’s leaders in blocked shots (1.2, 10th), defensive
rebounds (4.4, 8th), and offensive boards per game (2.2, 13th). In
league play, his 15.1 points per game ranked 12th among all
players.
In addition to scoring a career-high 22 points on two occasions,
the 6-8 forward accrued a team-best 27 double-figure scoring
efforts, including seven 20-point performances. He earned three
double-doubles, including a 15-point, 17-rebound effort against the
New Jersey Institute of Technology (December 1); a 16-point,
10-board performance against Fordham University (December 8); and a
21-point, 12-rebound effort against St. Francis College (December
15).
You are invited to learn more about St. John’s University’s 17
men’s and women’s athletic
teams.