The next time a coach scoffs at having to play in Carnesecca Arena, he better take a look around what once was a rat trap on the corner of Union and Utopia Parkways.
The House That Louie Built is in the throes of being turned into a state of the art facility with an emphasis on creating an intimidating a home court advantage for the Red Storm.
The Post toured the arena yesterday and the changes are startling. The addition of new seating, many with chair backs, creates a bowl atmosphere that will make it tough on the Big East opponents – Seton Hall, Cincinnati and South Florida – and non-conference foes that play at Carnesecca this year.
After the 2008-09 season, the ceiling will be torn out and a new dome, complete with a video scoreboard will be installed. The main entrance boasts a Hall of Fame section and a new ticket lobby.
“One of the most important factors in college basketball is a homecourt advantage,” said St. John’s coach Norm Roberts. “You want to make it as tough as possible on your opponent and you want your fans to give you a boost.”
Roberts said he believes the Red Storm is capable of posting a better than .500 record overall and a .500 record in league play this year. He has a nucleus of players led by Justin Burrell and Anthony Mason Jr.
Mason Jr., who was hampered by a severely sprained ankle injury last season, had surgery to clean out the joint. Roberts said this is the first offseason that his star swingman has been healthy and able to work out with his teammates.
St. John’s, coming off an 11-19 season overall (5-13 in the Big East play), opens the season on Nov. 14 against LIU in Carnesecca.
Power forward Rob Thomas, who suffered a potential career-ending knee injury before undergoing reconstructive surgery, has lost weight and not suffered any complications during rehab.