JaKarr Sampson named Big East Rookie of the Week

St. John's had a nice week as a team, winning both of its home games at Carnesecca Arena over Holy Cross (recap) and Florida Gulf Coast (recap).

Naturally, the Red Storm needed solid individual performances to topple its two non-conference opponents. JaKarr Sampson and D`Angelo Harrison, two of Steve Lavin's most talented offensive scorers, came up big for the Johnnies on both nights.

On Monday, Sampson was named the Big East Conference's Rookie of the Week. The Storm's star freshman forward averaged 16.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game over the two contests, arguably his best two performances of the young season.

Sampson scored an impressive 20 points (his career-high) and grabbed 7 rebounds in Wednesday's win over Holy Cross.

"I'm starting to feel more relaxed and comfortable playing with my teammates," Sampson mentioned.

As the freshman becomes more acclimated with the team's system, the Red Storm continues to be led by sophomore leader D'Angelo Harrison. The guard was honored by the Big East for the second straight week on Monday, receiving Honor Roll mention.

Harrison averaged 18.5 points per game in the two wins last week, bringing his season average to 21.2 (second in Big East). After missing an exhibition and not starting two games due to behavioral reasons, Harrison is beginning to hit his stride. He set a St. John's freshman record a year ago, scoring 572 points in 32 games.

The weekly honor is Harrison's fourth of his collegiate career.

Sampson and Harrison will hit the Carnesecca Arena floor again this Thursday, at 7:30, when the Johnnies welcome South Carolina to Queens.

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