Proximity to Philly but not in Philly, NYC, putting players in NBA, fast paced play, rapidly rising program, playing time etc. Not sure what else specifically. Lavin has done a great job recruiting since he has been here. You'll start seeing that this season. Last sesson SJU had a lot of setbacks and played with only 6 scholarship players.
This year SJU has a lot of horses. Not sure if you believe it but Lavin has this roster going about 9 deep with top 60 players and JC AA's. He's about as good of a recruiter as I've seen, and a far cry from anything SJU has had. I don't know who SJU will land yet, but I'd bet that Lavin is good for at least 1 or 2 top 60 players in this class. SJU will be a finalist with Jermaine Lawrence who is staff's priority in frontcourt for 13'. In addition, I hear The battle for Chris McCullough will come down to SJU and SU.
As far as Rysheed goes, Lavin has been on him for a while now. I think SJU is in the thick of it, but never know until the kid actually pulls trigger.