WASHINGTON – St. John’s sophomore guard Willie Shaw was suspended for the NCAA Tournament for violation of team rules. Shaw did not travel with the team to Washington, D.C. for its first round match-up with Wisconsin Friday night.

“I won’t comment on why he’s not here, because it’s a team matter,” said Head Coach Mike Jarvis. “But it will definitely affect us, and not in a positive way. Sometimes this is how things have to be.”

However, Jarvis wanted to look at the silver lining in Shaw’s actions.

I’m very disappointed,” Jarvis continued, “but the great thing is that Willie’s a sophomore and there are lessons to be learned and he’ll learn the lessons and he’ll be back.”

Shaw will not be back for the remainder of St. John’s stay in the Tournament, no matter how far the Red Storm advances.

“Willie is a big part of the team, but he’s not here,” said senior center Donald Emanuel, “so just like everything else in life, you have to move on and keep going.”

Shaw was averaging 6.8 points in 29 games this season.