Chris Mullin new head coach of St. John's!

[Bill Marsh]

I've hearing the talk all week on Sirius and CBSSN, if St. John's is even a good job. I hear people talk about the dorms not the same as back in the glory days. What does that mean? What's this dorm issue?

They had Masiello on and when asked on ESPN New York radio if SJU was still a good job, he said it was a "great job" and almost laughed at the question. It shows the perception is still strong (maybe not how it was in 1985 but still strong) among coaches. We are the only major NYC college hoops program.

There are rumors that they are now targeting Iowa State's assistant coach or Slice from Kentucky for recruiting help. Obviously good people will come for Mullin. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that excitement? Mullin is an old-school guy. Hardened Brooklyn kid who understands NYC and the expectations. He will make SJU more NYC than it's been in a long time (Lavin had no connection). He adds prestige and tradition. As for recruiting, I'm not worried. The name does wonders alone, then just imagine him sitting in a kid's house talking about playing alongside Jordan on the 1992 dream team or being inducted into the HOF. The guy is just money.

This is a risk (albeit a calculated one) but it can just be the risk we need to get back as a national power. Chris Mullin is already trending on twitter in the NYC area with experts praising the decision.

I agree.

Mullin's name screams Big East at its finest. His name alone will open the door with high school coaches and AAU coaches. He will be able to say to recruits, "I played here, and I made it from here to the NBA and the Hall of Fame. I can do the same for you."

[Steve Lavin]

For the person who asked about dorms, yes SJU used to have no dorms so they were allowed to give players stipends. Some have said that was the reason we were so successful in luring the top NYC kids back in the day. Now we have brand new dorms for the past decade or so, but we are still mostly a commuter school (mostly NYC, Long Island, North Jersey, Westchester students) but increasing the national reach.

The press conference will be Tues or Wed. the mainstream media hasn't listed it as official yet, but I know from personal sources that it is official. Can't wait for the press conference next week! Ron Artest (Metta World Peace) tweeted that he loved the move, and other ESPN/CBS figures are praising the decision. Like I said, of course this is a risk, but if you're going to take a risk, it would be hard to see Mullin-coached kids fail with great recruiters and assistant coaches.

Some interesting things…some say that the kids today won't know who Mullin even is. But their high school coaches likely grew up idolizing him so they will be sure to laugh at the kids if they ask who he is! Sampson (our 4 star recruit from Lavin) is reportedly still open to staying but is exploring other options too. Another recruit is reportedly happy with the hire and staying.

[Hoyas]

CBS story about it:
http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... -to-accept

the interesting part:
Sources say it's highly unlikely that Rysheed Jordan and Chris Obekpa -- two players who started this year for the Red Storm -- will wind up returning next season.

[Steve Lavin]

Matt Abdelmassih the Iowa State assistant coach who is extremely highly regarded is the early favorite to add to Mullin staff.

[Bill Marsh]

I imagine that Mullin will dip into the pool of St. John's alums to fill his coaching staff. Expect Jayson Williams to get the first call, followed by one to Meta World Peace.

[micgoG'town]

The big knock on Lavin was whether he could coach the talent. How does anyone know what kind of coach Mullin is?

[DudeAnon]

The big knock on Lavin was whether he could coach the talent. How does anyone know what kind of coach Mullin is?

Well at least we know he was a hell of a player himself. Also, recruiting will be a breeze, he knows half of the GMs in the NBA. If nothing else it should be interesting. Also, he's a pretty funny guy.

[Steve Lavin]

Targeting Iowa State coach known for being an NYC master recruiter. Very likely either he or slice from Kentucky comes (especially if UK wins it all and he has nothing left to accomplish).

We all know Lavin has no coaching experience but this guy was a McDonald's AA, Big East POY 3 years in a row, Wooden Award winner (best player in college hoops), SJU HOF, NBA HOF, NBA All Star, worked in the front office of the Kings and Warriors, etc. So obviously the guy must have a lick of basketball IQ and understand what it takes.

The key will be the assistants we hire. Mullin almost surely will get some top ones. If we are going to go down again, at least this time it will be with the person with the strongest ties to SJU, and genuinely cares so much for the program. He is known as a gym rat who works harder than anyone. Knowing all he has accomplished and his mentality and local ties, if you were a betting man you'd be foolish to bet against Mullin.

[HoosierPal]

Loved him as a Pacer. I guess you can say he is starting with a clean sheet. Career coaching record 0-0.

[REDMEN1415]

Welcome home Chris!!!!!!!!!!


Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille 2h2 hours ago
Source says #sjubb pledge Sammy Barnes-Thompkins remains committed to program. Wants to see who they hire.
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Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille 1h1 hour ago Kansas, USA
Top recruit Brandon Sampson is "intrigued" by potential hire of Chris Mullin by #sjubb, wants to sit down with him when official, per source

Gut feeling says RJ and chris stays