Our sources are telling us that St. John’s is close to naming it’s next head coach – with an announcement expected as early as Wednesday. Former UCLA Head Coach Steve Lavin is believed to be the leader right now. If he is hired, it is expected that he will compose a staff of guys with NYC ties. Manhattan Head Coach Barry Rohrssen as well as former DePaul and Virginia Head Coach Dave Leitao are believed to be on the list, as well as a few NYC AAU coaches. Jared Grasso, who took over for Dereck Whittenburg at Fordham may be in the mix here as well.

Apparently BC’s Al Skinner is no longer being considered for the job. He interviewed on Friday but is unwilling to put together a staff that does not include his current assistants.

If it does not work out with Lavin, URI’s Jim Baron will be the next target. He is set to meet with St. John’s AD Chris Monash following the Rams appearance in the NIT if Lavin is not hired by then.