St. John’s coach Steve Lavin said yesterday that not being able to be on the bench while his young Red Storm team struggles to find its way in the Big East has been a struggle for him as well.

“It’s the most difficult experience I’ve had in my coaching career,’’ said Lavin. “Yet what helps in dealing with that frustration is knowing that we have a first-rate staff that’s uniquely positioned to help a team through a difficult situation like this.’’

Lavin is recovering from successful prostate cancer surgery and is not expected back this season, though he continues to work hard on regaining the energy needed to return to the bench.

The Red Storm (8-10 overall, 2-5 in the Big East) play host to Villanova (9-10, 2-5) tomorrow in Madison Square Garden. The Wildcats are coming off an 84-76 upset of Seton Hall. St. John’s got beat at South Florida, 64-49, on Wednesday.

St. John’s is composed of five freshmen, one junior college transfer and one true junior.

“Because we have a young team the expectations have to realistic and yet also hold them to a high standard,’’ Lavin said.