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

[NJRedman]

[ ... snipped ... ]

Then throw in possibly Ed Pinkney in to coach them up? Uh oh

EZ-Ed can't end up at SJU can he? I would think that would make him break out in hives.

Him and Mullin grew up together, best friends. Though I think it might be Nova Nation who breaks out in hives seeing him on our bench at the Wells Fargo Center, haha

[Hoyas]

didn't they show that in the ESPN 30 for 30 last year on the Big East?

[XUFan09]

How is it the same situation? Mullin is a hall of famer, NBA All star and was selected to be on the greatest Basketball team ever assembled. Cheaney isn't even close to the same as Mullin. Mullin's name definitely carries more weight in the basketball world. Guy was a superstar. Hell he was in NBA Jam!!!

Thank you for agreeing with me. Calbert Cheaney is highly recognizable in Indy, much more than Mullin would be. But no one in NYC would recognize Cheaney or care about him. Similar situation with Chris Mullin, recognizable in his territory but not as much elsewhere. I wish the ex-Pacer well, but for some reason SJU fans think recruits around the country will be salivating for the chance to play at St. Johns simply because Chris Mullin is the coach.

Well you are comparing a guy who in his best year in the NBA averaged 16 points a game and was never an all star with a hall of famer, top 100 player in NBA history and a member of the dream team? You think those two are comparable? Yes, Bird is top 50 all time greats Mullin is top 100. So most people who actually know basketball will know who chris mullin is. He isn';t some bench player from the NBA he is an all time great. If kids don't know who he is there coaches will.

Where did this idea come from that kids don't know anyone who played prior to kobe? Yeah, they are young but when I was young I knew who players were in all sports before my time. I had heard of guys like Jim Brown, Terry Bradshaw (before he was all over TV), Sandy Kofax, Dr. J, Kareem Abdul Jabar and Carl Yastremsky (SP?). Kids aren't stupid and they know how to use google if they don;t know much about him.

The bolded part is just proving his point. Mullin was clearly the better player, but Cheaney's name is still more easily recognized in the Midwest, particularly in Indiana (a recruiting hotbed, by the way). The only way that makes sense is if Mullin's name is not a national brand. He'll still benefit significantly from his pedigree when recruits look up info on him, but recruits across the country are not having the same immediate reaction that some NY/NJ high schoolers are expressing. I'm still liking this hire because St. John's at least swung for the fences and it might pay off, but Mullin doesn't convey the same "wow" factor in other areas.

I agree that kids tend to know some of the old players, but Mullin is honestly one of the last basketball greats from the 80s and 90s that I recall when the topic comes up. Still one of the greats, obviously, but he doesn't immediately come up. Even though kids will obviously look him up if he's recruiting them, that initial reaction is a big deal and why NYC recruiting specifically will be exciting with him at the helm. He should be able to do a good job outside that area, but it will take more work, which is what HoosierPal was saying.

[NJRedman]

Thank you for agreeing with me. Calbert Cheaney is highly recognizable in Indy, much more than Mullin would be. But no one in NYC would recognize Cheaney or care about him. Similar situation with Chris Mullin, recognizable in his territory but not as much elsewhere. I wish the ex-Pacer well, but for some reason SJU fans think recruits around the country will be salivating for the chance to play at St. Johns simply because Chris Mullin is the coach.

Well you are comparing a guy who in his best year in the NBA averaged 16 points a game and was never an all star with a hall of famer, top 100 player in NBA history and a member of the dream team? You think those two are comparable? Yes, Bird is top 50 all time greats Mullin is top 100. So most people who actually know basketball will know who chris mullin is. He isn';t some bench player from the NBA he is an all time great. If kids don't know who he is there coaches will.

Where did this idea come from that kids don't know anyone who played prior to kobe? Yeah, they are young but when I was young I knew who players were in all sports before my time. I had heard of guys like Jim Brown, Terry Bradshaw (before he was all over TV), Sandy Kofax, Dr. J, Kareem Abdul Jabar and Carl Yastremsky (SP?). Kids aren't stupid and they know how to use google if they don;t know much about him.

The bolded part is just proving his point. Mullin was clearly the better player, but Cheaney's name is still more easily recognized in the Midwest, particularly in Indiana (a recruiting hotbed, by the way). The only way that makes sense is if Mullin's name is not a national brand. He'll still benefit significantly from his pedigree when recruits look up info on him, but recruits across the country are not having the same immediate reaction that some NY/NJ high schoolers are expressing. I'm still liking this hire because St. John's at least swung for the fences and it might pay off, but Mullin doesn't convey the same "wow" factor in other areas.

I agree that kids tend to know some of the old players, but Mullin is honestly one of the last basketball greats from the 80s and 90s that I recall when the topic comes up. Still one of the greats, obviously, but he doesn't immediately come up. Even though kids will obviously look him up if he's recruiting them, that initial reaction is a big deal and why NYC recruiting specifically will be exciting with him at the helm. He should be able to do a good job outside that area, but it will take more work, which is what HoosierPal was saying.

You know he is an easily recognizable name on the west coast right? As another poster above stated, he spent 2 decades as a player and executive for the NBA in northern california. Okay so that one guy might be bigger than him in Indiana that doesn't mean he only draws water in NYC.

12 years as a player at Golden State and 5 years in the front office.
4 years as a player in Indianapolis.
2 years in the front office of the Sacramento Kings.

I don't get this idea that he is some unknown outside the tri-state area. he spent 20 years in California as a player and a executive for an NBA franchise. San Fran isn't some small market either. He's is a legend in two large markets on both coasts. So the mid-west might not INSTANTLY recognize him. So what?

[REDMEN1415]

Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille 19s19 seconds ago
Matt Abdelmassih: "We want to foster relationships where the city kids are expected to go to St. John's." #sjubb

Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille 2m2 minutes ago
Mat Abdelmassih: "This is the one job I always said I would come walking back to." #sjubb


Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille 12s12 seconds ago
Matt Abdelmassih: “I’m honored [Chris] called me to be a part of his staff. I know it’s the start of big things.” #sjubb

Welcome home Matt

[Jet915]

Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille 19s19 seconds ago
Matt Abdelmassih: "We want to foster relationships where the city kids are expected to go to St. John's." #sjubb

Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille 2m2 minutes ago
Mat Abdelmassih: "This is the one job I always said I would come walking back to." #sjubb


Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille 12s12 seconds ago
Matt Abdelmassih: “I’m honored [Chris] called me to be a part of his staff. I know it’s the start of big things.” #sjubb

Welcome home Matt

Awesome, now bring home Diallo...haha.

[XUFan09]

Well you are comparing a guy who in his best year in the NBA averaged 16 points a game and was never an all star with a hall of famer, top 100 player in NBA history and a member of the dream team? You think those two are comparable? Yes, Bird is top 50 all time greats Mullin is top 100. So most people who actually know basketball will know who chris mullin is. He isn';t some bench player from the NBA he is an all time great. If kids don't know who he is there coaches will.

Where did this idea come from that kids don't know anyone who played prior to kobe? Yeah, they are young but when I was young I knew who players were in all sports before my time. I had heard of guys like Jim Brown, Terry Bradshaw (before he was all over TV), Sandy Kofax, Dr. J, Kareem Abdul Jabar and Carl Yastremsky (SP?). Kids aren't stupid and they know how to use google if they don;t know much about him.

The bolded part is just proving his point. Mullin was clearly the better player, but Cheaney's name is still more easily recognized in the Midwest, particularly in Indiana (a recruiting hotbed, by the way). The only way that makes sense is if Mullin's name is not a national brand. He'll still benefit significantly from his pedigree when recruits look up info on him, but recruits across the country are not having the same immediate reaction that some NY/NJ high schoolers are expressing. I'm still liking this hire because St. John's at least swung for the fences and it might pay off, but Mullin doesn't convey the same "wow" factor in other areas.

I agree that kids tend to know some of the old players, but Mullin is honestly one of the last basketball greats from the 80s and 90s that I recall when the topic comes up. Still one of the greats, obviously, but he doesn't immediately come up. Even though kids will obviously look him up if he's recruiting them, that initial reaction is a big deal and why NYC recruiting specifically will be exciting with him at the helm. He should be able to do a good job outside that area, but it will take more work, which is what HoosierPal was saying.

You know he is an easily recognizable name on the west coast right? As another poster above stated, he spent 2 decades as a player and executive for the NBA in northern california. Okay so that one guy might be bigger than him in Indiana that doesn't mean he only draws water in NYC.

12 years as a player at Golden State and 5 years in the front office.
4 years as a player in Indianapolis.
2 years in the front office of the Sacramento Kings.

I don't get this idea that he is some unknown outside the tri-state area. he spent 20 years in California as a player and a executive for an NBA franchise. San Fran isn't some small market either. He's is a legend in two large markets on both coasts. So the mid-west might not INSTANTLY recognize him. So what?

I left California off until a second person said the same thing (maybe someone did and I missed it). I never said he was unknown, just distinctly less known in some areas, without the same level of recognition. Some over-excited fans are portraying him as a national brand, and he isn't. That's all. Initial reactions do matter, though, which is overall a good thing in this case, as new coaches don't usually even have the recognition that Mullin receives in certain areas, even if he doesn't get the same level of excitement elsewhere. E.g. Danny Hurley's brand isn't as big.

Honestly, I don't understand why you are so argumentative over these points in the first place.

[Steve Lavin]

I think people are seriously discounting his NBA experience and how much kids will want to come here to play for him and learn how to shoot like an NBA legend. If I was a SG and I knew Mullin was coaching and preferred a run and gun, spaced out, 3 point barrage offense, I'd be thrilled. Not just for the fun style of play, but also getting the chance to get tips and advice on my shooting from one of the best pure shooters ever. How many other coaches are 5x NBA All Stars and HOFer's? Can you even find any?

It's not all about the kid either. Many times a recruit's parents will drive decisions. They will let the kid have input, but they often push them to go where they think the best fit is. And the parents know who Mullin is and it would be very hard to say no to a guy who is an NBA legend.

I don't care if Mullin brings in 3 or 5 star kids. We don't need the 5 star Lavin kids who were great athletes with little real skill. We need the Gonzaga/Creighton type dead eye 3 point shooters and big men with real skill but may only be 3 stars. These solid 3 star kids with skill can be coached up to be better than most 4 stars. I would bet that Mullin gets a few 4 star recruits and a bunch of 3 stars who he thinks he can coach up. The most important part will be making it all fit. We also need kids who are totally dedicated and won't decide to smoke weed and get banned on selection sunday.

[NJRedman]

The bolded part is just proving his point. Mullin was clearly the better player, but Cheaney's name is still more easily recognized in the Midwest, particularly in Indiana (a recruiting hotbed, by the way). The only way that makes sense is if Mullin's name is not a national brand. He'll still benefit significantly from his pedigree when recruits look up info on him, but recruits across the country are not having the same immediate reaction that some NY/NJ high schoolers are expressing. I'm still liking this hire because St. John's at least swung for the fences and it might pay off, but Mullin doesn't convey the same "wow" factor in other areas.

I agree that kids tend to know some of the old players, but Mullin is honestly one of the last basketball greats from the 80s and 90s that I recall when the topic comes up. Still one of the greats, obviously, but he doesn't immediately come up. Even though kids will obviously look him up if he's recruiting them, that initial reaction is a big deal and why NYC recruiting specifically will be exciting with him at the helm. He should be able to do a good job outside that area, but it will take more work, which is what HoosierPal was saying.

You know he is an easily recognizable name on the west coast right? As another poster above stated, he spent 2 decades as a player and executive for the NBA in northern california. Okay so that one guy might be bigger than him in Indiana that doesn't mean he only draws water in NYC.

12 years as a player at Golden State and 5 years in the front office.
4 years as a player in Indianapolis.
2 years in the front office of the Sacramento Kings.

I don't get this idea that he is some unknown outside the tri-state area. he spent 20 years in California as a player and a executive for an NBA franchise. San Fran isn't some small market either. He's is a legend in two large markets on both coasts. So the mid-west might not INSTANTLY recognize him. So what?

I left California off until a second person said the same thing (maybe someone did and I missed it). I never said he was unknown, just distinctly less known in some areas, without the same level of recognition. Some over-excited fans are portraying him as a national brand, and he isn't. That's all. Initial reactions do matter, though, which is overall a good thing in this case, as new coaches don't usually even have the recognition that Mullin receives in certain areas, even if he doesn't get the same level of excitement elsewhere. E.g. Danny Hurley's brand isn't as big.

Honestly, I don't understand why you are so argumentative over these points in the first place.

Disagreements aren't necessarily arguments. This is a sports message board, debate is reason they exist. It's different people from different areas who went to different schools discussing sports where their schools compete against each other. There is naturally going to be differences of opinion. That doesn't mean it's an argument. One side makes a statement, the other disagrees and points out to why they disagree and then the first party shows why they believe they are right and so on. Thats why we come here. If we all agreed on everything it would be a pretty boring board to be on. Even on team specific boards people debate. Thats the nature of our species. We disagree on something and i'm stating my case, thats all.

[Bill Marsh]

I left California off until a second person said the same thing (maybe someone did and I missed it). I never said he was unknown, just distinctly less known in some areas, without the same level of recognition. Some over-excited fans are portraying him as a national brand, and he isn't. That's all. Initial reactions do matter, though, which is overall a good thing in this case, as new coaches don't usually even have the recognition that Mullin receives in certain areas, even if he doesn't get the same level of excitement elsewhere. E.g. Danny Hurley's brand isn't as big.

I'm not saying that you said it. I don't know who said it and I'm not going to bother to look it up and pull up the posts, but the reason the point was repeatedly made that he is well known to basketball fans is because there were statements made that he isn't recognizable outside the Northeast and others that he is only well known in New York.

Those kinds of statements are just silly because he wasn't just a local star in New York. In fact, he was a bigger star on the West Coast. So, he is known far beyond New York and the Northeast. As one poster said, any basketball fan over 30 would know who he is unless they restricted their attention only to their parochial interests. The guy was not just another NBA player; he was a big star, one of the 10 best players in the game in his prime. Frankly it's mind boggling to me that there's even debate on this point because he was such a big star and fans of a sport know their stars regardless of where they play.

Let's not forget that the value of his name recognition is twofold. First is the buzz and excitement he's already created around the program in NY. There seems to be no debate about that. The other is the value of his name in recruiting - especially with coaches. Is there really any doubt that high school coaches across the country will immediately know who he is? They are not just casual fans. They are normally fanatics about the sport. There is no doubt in my mind that he will have instant recognition with them in every corner of the country. Who cares if there are casual fans out there who don't know who he is or if he doesn't sell T-shirts?

To show how names endure, the ad repeatedly used during the tournament features not only Shaq and Doctor J, but Christian Laettner, whose fame faded sooner than Mullin's because his NBA career was nowhere comparable, and Clyde Drexler, who was a Mullin contemporary and no bigger a star than Mullin.