QUEENS, N.Y. - Blustery conditions and the persistent threat of rain did little to dampen high spirits at the 2008 Lou Carnesecca Golf Classic on Monday at the North Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington, N.Y. Almost 200 friends and supporters of St. John's were on hand to honor the Hall of Fame Coach, provide support for the Carnesecca Initiative and forthcoming arena renovations, and celebrate a joyous reunion featuring many legends from St. John's and New York City basketball history.

An all-star cast, headlined by Hall of Famers Carnesecca, Willis Reed, Rick Barry, and "Dr. J" Julius Irving, featured many of STJ's all-time legendary basketball players, who braved the elements on the golf course or joined in the dinner and reception honoring their former mentor. Chris Mullin, Jayson Williams, and Frank Alagia were among the 29 former St. John's basketball players at the event, and were joined by the three members of the NBA's 50 Greatest, University President Donald J. Harrington, C.M., former New York Knick Charles Oakley and Bruce Beck of NBC-4, who served as the evening's Master of Ceremonies.

St. John's fans in attendance were able to interact with the hardwood legends throughout the day, and were also able to get their hands on rare St. John's collectors' items and other sports memorabilia by participating in live and silent auctions. Some of the items up for bid included tickets to Major League Baseball's All-Star Weekend at Yankee Stadium, a basketball autographed by the stars of the St. John's 1985 Final Four team and an authentic Lou Carnesecca Sweater. Several one-of-a-kind experiential items were also auctioned off, including dinners with Carnesecca, Reed, Barry, Williams, Walter Berry, Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Walt "Clyde" Frazier and others. Irving threw in a surprise trip to Atlanta and a round of golf at his exclusive course.

Headed by former St. John's All-American and longtime NBA star Mel Davis, the golf classic benefited the Carnesecca Initiative, the University's major fundraising venture to support a planned $30 million multi-year renovation to Carnesecca Arena. Early leadership gift commitments have helped to move the first phases of the renovations forward and additional gifts will be needed to complete the full vision. For information about upcoming Carnesecca Initiative events, naming opportunities in the new Carnesecca Arena, or to make a donation, please contact Davis at 718-990-2374, or by e-mail at davism1@stjohns.edu.