St. John's University Athletics
Press Conference Quotes: March 19, 2012
3/19/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 19, 2012
St. John's Head Coach Steve Lavin
Opening statement:
"The most rewarding aspect of coaching is to see young people realize a dream, and from a young age Moe has aspired to play at the highest level of basketball and we were fortunate for a year to be a part of that journey. St. John's is grateful for his contributions this season and what he's going to be doing for the university moving forward is representing St. John's and our program. From the first time I met Moe he exhibited an old soul; very mature and has a bearing that is unique and special. I just want to put in the headlines the fact that our program is so proud of what Moe accomplished this year and we're genuinely happy for him as he moves on and realizes his dream."
On the risks involved in entering the draft:
"I've been in the business for 25 years so what I bring to the table during the recruiting process, during the time that a player is at St. John's and during the process of taking the step to the next level is bringing a perspective. Moe was very deliberate with his decision making process and ultimately, after looking at all the information, he made a choice that he is confident about. He feels that he is at an intersection and that he can help himself and his family by taking that next step. He'll be a real asset for whoever picks him up."
On his feelings about seeing Moe go:
"Naturally as a coach I would love Moe to come back next year but at the same time I feel equally as strong about Moe deserving the right to have this moment and make this choice to pursue his dream. That's what parenting, teaching and coaching are all about. When Moe steps out from St. John's, he will be an example that shows if you come to St. John's great things can happen. I wish we could have worked together more and win more games but that wasn't the situation. We want to amplify the positive of Moe being able to pursue his dream and playing at the next level. I think he has a bright future."
St. John's Freshman Guard/Forward Moe Harkless
On deciding to turn professional:
"It has been my lifelong dream to play in the NBA, and I am excited to have that opportunity to make the jump. 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. We have been through a lot together and I know everyone is excited for me. I know if we all keep working hard, a lot of us will be playing together in the league someday. I believe this is only the beginning for Coach Lavin and his successful legacy at St. John's."
On where in the NBA Draft he expects to be chosen:
"I have mostly heard between 15-25, but I am really interested in being chosen by the right team, where I can make immediate contributions."
On why he's not returning to St. John's for one more year in an attempt to become a Top 5 pick, or try to lock in a lottery selection:
"Playing in the NBA has always been a lifelong dream of mine. The future is never guaranteed and I feel like the opportunity and a chance to pursue that dream is available right now."
On whether he is "testing the waters":
"I am fully committed to the decision to turn professional. I plan to hire agent in the next week or so."
On his St. John's experience:
"I am extremely happy at St. John's, and I want to thank the coaching staff and all of my teammates for the great experience I had in my time in Queens."
On being a New Yorker and the desire to build St. John's into a consistent-winner:
"I feel like St. John's has a bright future under Coach Lavin. My decision to turn pro will help St. John's recruiting, in New York and across the country. Coach Lavin has already done a great job recruiting for next season, and it's going to be a big year for St. John's. "
On how his teammates reacted to the news:
"There were a lot of mixed emotions when I told them. They were excited, but it's bittersweet. There's a lot of talent on this team, and they'll do big things next year. I think we'll all keep working hard, and get the opportunity to play in the league together."
On how long he's known this is the route he would take:
"After a lot of thought and conversations with my family and Coach Lavin, I arrived at the decision in the last few weeks. I didn't want to think about it during the season. I wanted to take it one game at a time and just focus on wining the next game. I really tried to stay in the present throughout the season."
On the biggest factor in his decision:
"This wasn't a quick decision by any means, I took my time and spoke with the right people. After evaluating all of my options, I decided to reach for my dream and take care of my family."
On the positional role he hopes to play on a NBA team:
"I'll be in the gym all offseason and can hopefully work my way back to the wing with more polished perimeter skills. No matter the position, I will be happy to contribute any way I can."
On observations about similar-type players to him in the D-League:
"Coach Lavin and my support group have helped me conduct research and the information gathered indicates that with hard work, I have a very good chance of playing in the NBA next year. I will work hard and give my all in every workout. I know I can prove to GMs and coaches that I am ready be a contributor to a NBA team. I wouldn't be satisfied just being in the NBA. I want to contribute."
On the challenges of the 2011-12 St. John's basketball season:
"Our roster size and Coach Lavin's successful recovery from prostate cancer surgery had no effect on this decision. I'm just ready to take the next step. I really enjoyed my St. John's experience with my teammates and our coaching staff. I just feel it's time for me to take the next step."
On what he'll be working on most between now and the draft to get ready for the NBA:
"I'll be working out with pro trainers and strength coaches down at IMG Academy in Florida. I definitely want to get stronger and work on my jumper to improve my game on the perimeter. I'm really looking to get better at everything."
On his family's support of his decision:
"They were very supportive of whatever decision I made. My mother is insistent that I finish school, and I made a promise to her that I would do that in the very near future."
On the difficulty of leaving St. John's and his teammates:
"It's very difficult. We've all developed a major bond over the year. My teammates are like my brothers. It's hard, but I have to be ready to move on. They're happy for me and that's what matters."
On the NBA player(s) he's often compared to:
"Because of my length, athletic ability and skill set, I've heard a lot of comparisons to Rudy Gay and Paul George. Those are the main two."
On ultimately measuring his success as a professional:
"In a few years, I will be able to look back at this and tell you. I can say right now that I am comfortable and confident with this decision, and 100 percent committed to making myself the best professional basketball player I can be."
Ms. Rosa Harkless
On Moe's conversation with her about declaring for the draft:
"He was very, very straight forward. This is what he wanted to do, this was his dream, this was his goal. The way he got me to support him 100 percent was that he promised me that he would finish and get his degree. As long as he gets his education I support him in anything that he does."
