For St. John's University, one of the main attractions of landing recruits from out of the New York City area is the ability to play many home games in the world's most famous arena -- Madison Square Garden.
While in recent years the arena has suffered from some embarrassing play from both the Rangers (one Stanley Cup in 67 years) and Knicks (last championship in 1973), St. John's University is trying to bring back the fans that use to pack the Garden when Chris Mullin, Walter Berry, Mark Jackson and company use to play.
The recent tremendous recruiting class accomplished by head coach Norm Roberts and his staff have the Red Storm back on track for a possible successful run over the next couple of seasons.
Tonight, St. John's landed versatile guard/forward D.J. Kennedy of Schenley High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylania. The Garden was a big factor in Kennedy's decision.
"Playing in the Big East and playing in Madison Square Garden helped me make my decision," Kennedy said tonight. "It doesn't get any better than that."
Kennedy said also the chance for his family to watch him play also in the Garden was big. "It's one of many factors in my decision to choose St. John's," D.J. said. "Playing in front of your family is big. And playing in the Garden is an exciting opportunity I didn't want to pass up."
So add them up St. John's fans -- a big time inside forward in Justin Burrell, a much valued point guard in Malik Boothe, hard-working guard Paris Horne, a big man with upside in Dele Coker, a mending Rob Thomas, and a hard-working guard in Mike Cavataio. Tonight, D.J. Kennedy joins the impressive group.
"St. John's can play me anywhere," Kennedy said. "It's going to be great to come in with all those great players."