St. John’s took a giant leap of faith yesterday. At least two weeks ahead of his own timetable, athletic director Chris Monasch announced that Red Storm coach Norm Roberts would return next season for the final year of his current five-year deal.
The Post reported exclusively on Feb. 3 that high-ranking officials in the administration were in favor of such a move. But Monasch upped the ante by saying he would meet with Roberts after the season to pursue an extension of the current contract.
That has enraged some St. John’s fans who point to Roberts’ 9-44 record in Big East play (he’s 47-65 overall), but it has elated others who know how much progress he has made in restoring dignity to a downtrodden program and increasing the talent base.
Neither camp should be burning or renewing their St. John’s season tickets based on the announcement, which came a day before today’s showdown against local rival Seton Hall in Carnesecca Arena.
Roberts’ current deal included an automatic five-year rollover. But that was window dressing. St. John’s could buy him out for about one year’s worth of the $3 million, five-year deal.
Whatever new extension Roberts and St. John’s reach will not put the university on the hook for a big number. Though Roberts has earned the right to see where he can take his nucleus of eight talented freshman, he must prove that he can do for the Red Storm (10-17, 4-11 Big East) what Tom Coughlin did for the Giants.
“We told Norm when he was hired that we would be patient,” said Monasch, who actually was hired after Roberts. “But we never told him what patient was. I think we did (now).”
On Feb. 29, St. John’s again put its faith in Roberts. It must be leap year.