Rick Pitino, head coach of the St. John’s Red Storm, has expressed openness to welcoming program legend Chris Mullin back to the coaching staff. Mullin, a revered figure in St. John’s basketball history, could potentially reunite with the team in a coaching role.
Chris Mullin’s Legacy at St. John’s
Chris Mullin’s connection with St. John’s runs deep. As a player from 1981 to 1985, he became one of the program’s most iconic figures. A three-time Big East Player of the Year and two-time All-American, Mullin led the Red Storm to the Final Four in his senior year. He remains the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,440 points.
After a Hall of Fame NBA career spanning from 1985 to 2001, Mullin returned to St. John’s as head coach in 2015. Over four seasons, he compiled a 59-73 record, culminating in a First Four appearance in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
Pitino’s Admiration for Mullin
During a SiriusXM interview, Mullin praised Pitino, calling him the “Pat Riley of college basketball.” Pitino responded with warmth, emphasizing Mullin’s significance to St. John’s and expressing his desire for the program legend to return.
“I’m not what St. John’s is about; Chris Mullin is what St. John’s is about. He’s the most famous player in the history of the school. He’s someone everyone looks up to for what he’s accomplished. He is St. John’s,” Pitino said.
He added, “Chris epitomizes everything that’s great about St. John’s. It just takes a little time to heal some wounds, but as far as I’m concerned, my admiration is as high as it can be for Chris. He’s part of our family and the greatest player in St. John’s history.”
St. John’s Current Success
The No. 7-ranked Red Storm are enjoying a strong season, boasting a 24-4 overall record and a 15-2 mark in the Big East. They are currently riding a three-game win streak, averaging 78.7 points per game on 44.8% shooting from the field and 30.2% from beyond the arc. Their average margin of victory stands at an impressive 13 points per game.
Leading the charge for St. John’s is RJ Luis Jr., who averages 17.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He’s supported by Zuby Ejiofor (14 points, 8.1 rebounds), Kadary Richmond (12.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists), and Deivon Smith (9.9 points, 5.1 rebounds).
What’s Next for the Red Storm?
After their recent matchup against the Butler Bulldogs, St. John’s will prepare to face the Seton Hall Pirates at Carnesecca Arena on March 1 at 2:15 p.m. ET. A potential reunion with Chris Mullin would undoubtedly bring added excitement to an already thriving se
