St. John’s star Moe Harkless, the 2011-12 Big East Rookie of the Year and the only league freshman to be named an All-Big East honorable mention selection, announced Monday that he intends to forego the remainder of his collegiate career and enter the 2012 NBA Draft.
“Moe has chosen to take the next step in his career to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. Moe and his mother Rosa know that we are thankful for his contributions to the St. John’s basketball program and respect his wishes to pursue a professional playing career,” said St. John’s head Coach Steve Lavin in a release.
Harkless, a guard/forward, is expected to become the first basketball player of the Lavin Era at St. John’s to be selected in the NBA Draft. From 1997-2006, a total of 13 players signed or coached by Lavin became NBA Draft choices.
“It has been my lifelong dream to play in the NBA, and I am excited to have that opportunity to make the jump,” said Harkless. “I am grateful to my teammates and coaches at St. John’s. I would like to thank Coach Lavin, our staff and my teammates for being there for me throughout the whole season.”
