ST. JOHNS COACH STEVE LAVIN HAS PROSTATE CANCER

NEW YORK (PIX11)— 

Steve Lavin, the man who ledSt. John's Red Storm basketball team to the NCAA tournament where they tied for third in the Big East, announced Friday that he has prostate cancer.

In a statement, the 46-year-old reveals that he was diagnosed several months ago but was told he could delay treatment until the season wrapped. His treatment is expected to start in a few weeks.

"My family feels fortunate that through annual health exams, we detected my condition at an early stage," Lavin said in the statement. "This past fall I didn't want to distract our team, but with the season behind us, we are now working with medical experts and taking the proper steps to tackle this health challenge head on."

Many have credited Lavin for reviving the St. John's basketball, steering the Red Storm to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2002. The Red Storm ultimately lost to Gonzaga in the second round.

Before arriving to St. John's, Lavin served as an analyst for ESPNfor seven years.