Remi Barry had his heart broken Thursday night. Which gives St. John’s a golden opportunity to give the Sacramento prep school star a new love?
Barry is a diehard Rajon Rondo fan. He spoke to The Post just minutes after the Lakers edged the Celtics for the NBA title. Barry will spend the weekend visiting St. John’s, one of three programs he has seemingly narrowed his college choices to include.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Barry said. “Coming from Paris, I love a big city. I know some guys might not be comfortable, but I love New York. I love the spotlight.”
Barry, who one West Coast talent evaluator told The Post is the best prospect to come out of Sacramento in 30 years, has narrowed his list to Arizona State, UCLA and the Johnnies. He has visited the other two schools and said he enjoyed both visits.
St. John’s is counting on three factors to land the 6-foot-7 French national, who did not play as a senior because of a transfer ruling.
The Red Storm hopes his relationship with coach Steve Lavin, the chance to play in the Big Apple and the fact that St. John’s will get the last official visit will prove decisive.
Barry said he intended to get a good night’s sleep, discuss his options with family and advisors and make a decision when he’s comfortable.
“I’m going to be there for the next four years, so there’s no reason to rush the decision,” said Barry, who like a lot of European players has a polish beyond his years.
“It’s not just about basketball, although that’s what I do,” he added. “I want to feel comfortable with the staff, the players, the school, the city.”
Barry originally crossed the Atlantic to play prep ball in Florida but a falling out with his host family necessitated a move to the West Coast. His transfer was ruled as a competition transfer and not a hardship. So the smooth shooting small forward remains one of the jewels left for the 2010 season.
Barry was allowed to practice with his Del Oro High School teammates but not play. He said he spent countless hours working out on his own.
St. John’s already has a commitment from Los Angeles forward Dwayne Polee Jr., a 6-foot-7 human trampoline. He and Barry would give St. John’s a breathtaking first class under Lavin.
Barry has an uncle who lives on Long Island and he has visited New York previously, so he won’t blink in bright lights. He intends to study business, making the Big Apple another strong option.
“I know St. John’s was once one of the top programs,” said Barry. “I know they had players like Ron Artest. Any player would like to help a program like that get back on top.”