Sunday, September 23, 2012

Cancer-free Lavin ready to Storm back

It was around this time last year at St. John?s University?s inaugural ?Dribble for the Cure? event when Red Storm coach Steve Lavin announced he would undergo treatment for prostate cancer. He didn?t anticipate missing much time after surgery. But he returned too quickly and ended up setting back his recovery, coaching just four games last season.

Lavin was back at the ?Dribble for the Cure? event on Saturday in Queens amid his preparation for the upcoming season and his return to the sideline. His blood-work has been clean and he remains cancer-free after nearly a year of convalescence, while he continues to work on improving his overall health.

?I think the stamina, just kind of knowing myself, kind of having a sense for my own strength, I can tell I?m closer to being back to a level of health that I was at prior to the treatment,? said Lavin, whose routine includes yoga and brisk walking. ?I feel more energy.?

Though Lavin is eager to return to the bench, his trying year has put life in perspective for him. Basketball is one of his passions, but his recuperation has helped him appreciate those who are close to him, while putting the sport ?in its proper light.?

?Your health, your family, your faith, a handful of friends are clearly the priorities,? Lavin said. ?And then I take very seriously what I do as the basketball coach of St. John?s and the opportunity I?ve been given to work with this group of players in such a historical program. But I think the experience of having cancer gives you pause, and you see things with more clarity in terms of the important priorities in life.?

His returning players are enthused about having him back performing his normal duties. Sophomore point guard D?Angelo Harrison ? the Red Storm?s leading scorer last season at 16.8 points per game and one of 11 underclassmen under scholarship ? appreciates Lavin?s vitality. ?He always brings energy,? Harrison said. ?Lav?s a great guy, everybody knows that. Just having him around makes everybody have another chip on their shoulder. We already have one, but he?s back too so we?re ready to go.?

In ?Dribble for the Cure,? participants dribble a basketball during a run or walk to generate funds for pediatric cancer research throughout New York City. St. John?s raised more than $25,000 Saturday. Last year?s event raised more than $21,000.

Source: http://feeds.nydailynews.com/~r/nydnrss/sports/~3/9z7x30Kf26c/story01.htm

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