St. John's Forward JaKarr Sampson Named BIG EAST Rookie of the Year

St. John’s freshman and men’s basketball standout JaKarr Sampson ’16CPS was named the 2012–13 BIG EAST Rookie of the Year, as announced by the conference on March 12.

Sampson is St. John’s second-straight men’s basketball player to earn BIG EAST Rookie of the Year honors and the third overall. Moe Harkless, who now plays for the Orlando Magic, received the top freshman honor in 2011-12. David Russell won the award in 1979-80.

“JaKarr has this boundless energy and influences the game with his zeal, talent, length and versatility at both ends of the floor,” said Coach Steve Lavin. “JaKarr probably has as much enthusiasm as any player I’ve coached. He brings electricity and energy to the game.”

“The BIG EAST Rookie of the Year award was one of the individual goals I set for myself,” said Sampson. “This is a big moment for me—I’m proud of myself for achieving my goal.”

A seven-time BIG EAST Rookie of the Week, Sampson exceeded all BIG EAST freshmen in scoring (14.9 points per game, 12th overall) and rebounding (6.6 rebounds per game, 12th overall). He was among the BIG EAST’s leaders in blocked shots (1.2, 10th), defensive rebounds (4.4, 8th), and offensive boards per game (2.2, 13th). In league play, his 15.1 points per game ranked 12th among all players.

In addition to scoring a career-high 22 points on two occasions, the 6-8 forward accrued a team-best 27 double-figure scoring efforts, including seven 20-point performances. He earned three double-doubles, including a 15-point, 17-rebound effort against the New Jersey Institute of Technology (December 1); a 16-point, 10-board performance against Fordham University (December 8); and a 21-point, 12-rebound effort against St. Francis College (December 15).

You are invited to learn more about St. John’s University’s 17 men’s and women’s athletic teams.