St. John's University Athletics
St. John’s Men’s Basketball Mourns the Loss of All-Time Program Great Wayne McKoy
8/19/2026 4:46:00 PM | Men's Basketball
McKoy, who starred for Lou Carnesecca from 1977-81, passed away at the age of 68
QUEENS, N.Y. (Aug. 19, 2026) – The St. John's men's basketball program mourns the loss of all-time program great Wayne McKoy, who passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 68.
McKoy was a four-year standout for the legendary Lou Carnesecca from 1977-81. The 6-foot-9 center was a two-time All-BIG EAST selection in the league's earliest years and ranks 13th all-time at St. John's in career scoring (1,536), 10th in rebounding (824), fifth in blocked shots (164) and seventh in made field goals (654). Over the course of his career, McKoy competed in three NCAA Tournaments (1979-81) and averaged 13.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 steals over 117 career appearances.
A product of Long Island Lutheran High School, the McDonald's All-American joined Carnesecca's squad in 1977 as one of the most highly touted recruits in program history, as Carnesecca and the Redmen beat out a loaded field of suitors for the Queens native.
As a freshman, McKoy made an instant impact, appearing in 28 games and averaging 9.5 points on 49.8% shooting and 6.0 rebounds per contest.
In 1978-79, McKoy registered his most impressive statistical season leading the Johnnies to the Elite Eight. As a sophomore, he averaged a career-best 14.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks across 32 contests. McKoy averaged 16.3 points per game in the NCAA Tournament, including an 18-point performance in the 10th-seeded Redmen's upset victory over second-seeded Duke, 80-78, on March 11, 1979. He was named to the NCAA Tournament All-Region Team.
In St. John's inaugural season of BIG EAST competition in 1979-80, McKoy led the squad to a 24-5 overall record and the league's regular season title. The junior posted 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game and was named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team.
During his final season in Queens, McKoy was a 1981 All-BIG EAST Third Team selection after logging 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Following his college career, McKoy was drafted in the third round with the 63rd overall pick by the New York Knicks. He enjoyed a three-year professional basketball career in Spain.
Funeral arrangements and visitation details will be announced at a later date.
McKoy was a four-year standout for the legendary Lou Carnesecca from 1977-81. The 6-foot-9 center was a two-time All-BIG EAST selection in the league's earliest years and ranks 13th all-time at St. John's in career scoring (1,536), 10th in rebounding (824), fifth in blocked shots (164) and seventh in made field goals (654). Over the course of his career, McKoy competed in three NCAA Tournaments (1979-81) and averaged 13.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.1 steals over 117 career appearances.
A product of Long Island Lutheran High School, the McDonald's All-American joined Carnesecca's squad in 1977 as one of the most highly touted recruits in program history, as Carnesecca and the Redmen beat out a loaded field of suitors for the Queens native.
As a freshman, McKoy made an instant impact, appearing in 28 games and averaging 9.5 points on 49.8% shooting and 6.0 rebounds per contest.
In 1978-79, McKoy registered his most impressive statistical season leading the Johnnies to the Elite Eight. As a sophomore, he averaged a career-best 14.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks across 32 contests. McKoy averaged 16.3 points per game in the NCAA Tournament, including an 18-point performance in the 10th-seeded Redmen's upset victory over second-seeded Duke, 80-78, on March 11, 1979. He was named to the NCAA Tournament All-Region Team.
In St. John's inaugural season of BIG EAST competition in 1979-80, McKoy led the squad to a 24-5 overall record and the league's regular season title. The junior posted 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game and was named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team.
During his final season in Queens, McKoy was a 1981 All-BIG EAST Third Team selection after logging 13.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Following his college career, McKoy was drafted in the third round with the 63rd overall pick by the New York Knicks. He enjoyed a three-year professional basketball career in Spain.
Funeral arrangements and visitation details will be announced at a later date.
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