October 19, 2012
The 2012 Red Storm Tip-Off launched a new season of St. John’s
basketball at the Queens, NY,
campus on October 12 as 3,158 fans cheered the University’s men’s
and women’s teams in Carnesecca
Arena.
For the second straight year, ESPN3 aired the Tip-Off nationally
via St. John’s Television Network Productions. ESPN personality
John Anderson hosted the event, which featured performances by
Chiddy Bang and music from DJ Zeke. The evening included a men’s
scrimmage, a men’s and women’s mixed-team shooting contest, a
slam-dunk competition and a $30,000 half-court shot
challenge.
Announcer Ralph Bednarczyk hosted the ESPN3 broadcast. Joining him
courtside were former St. John’s standout Tarik Turner and
Dartmouth star Samantha Berdinka. “The Coach” Tim O’Toole conducted
sideline interviews throughout the event.
After the players and coaching staffs were introduced, the
women’s team took to the court with a specially choreographed
dance. The men’s scrimmage followed. Freshman
JaKarr Sampson cruised to victory in the slam-dunk contest,
with an artful assist by Orlando Sanchez.
“The players’ energy was an uplifting experience — it reminds you
of the joy that team sports can bring,” said
Steve Lavin, head men’s basketball coach. “You’re in that
hallway, in the underbelly of Carnesecca Arena, seeing those kids
and how hyped they are, and the energy is palpable. There can be
plenty of hardship throughout a season, but tonight was about joy
and celebration to tip-off our season.”
The Red Storm’s returning core includes BIG EAST All-Rookie
selection
D’Angelo Harrison, combo guard
Phil Greene, swingmen
Sir’Dominic Pointer and
Amir Garrett, along with big-man
God’sgift Achiuwa. Lavin’s nationally ranked No. 8 recruiting
class comprises West African guard
Felix Balamou; French shooter
Marc-Antoine Bourgault; Texas A&M transfer
Jamal Branch; Harvard transfer
Max Hooper; power forward
Christian Jones; Top-20 Nigerian center
Chris Obekpa; 2011–12 New England Preparatory School Athletic
Council AAA Player of the Year JaKarr Sampson; and Dominican-born
JUCO All-American
Orlando Sanchez.
“This was the best turnout we’ve ever had at this event, which is a
testament to our fans and their support,” said
Joe Tartamella ’04MBA, head women’s basketball coach.
Commenting on the team’s recent achievements, he added, “Tonight is
a celebration. It’s about these young ladies and what they’ve
accomplished by bringing the program to new heights and going to
the Sweet 16. We look to continue that and bring an NCAA Tournament
game to Queens this year.”
Under new-hired Coach Tartamella’s direction, the 2012–13 Red Storm
squad returns four starters, eight letterwinners and 79 percent of
its scoring from a 2011–12 team that advanced to its first-ever
NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 and finished second in the BIG EAST. The
team earned a 13-3 conference record to go with a 24-10 overall
mark and were picked to finish fourth in the BIG EAST Preseason
Coaches Poll — the highest preseason ranking since the records were
kept in 2000.
Led by senior WBCA All-Region standouts
Nadirah McKenith and
Shenneika Smith — along with
Eugeneia McPherson and BIG EAST All-Rookie selection
Amber Thompson, St. John’s was ranked No. 10 in the ESPN list
of 25 teams to watch this season.