Rick Pitino and the St. John’s Red Storm could be gearing up for a reunion with former player and head coach Chris Mullin. Pitino has expressed his willingness to have the program legend join the coaching staff, signaling a potential return to the St. John’s basketball program.
Mullin, a St. John’s standout from 1981 to 1985, made a significant impact during his collegiate career. As a three-time Big East Player of the Year and two-time All-American, he led the Red Storm to the Final Four in his senior year. Mullin remains the all-time leading scorer in St. John’s history with an impressive 2,440 points.
After a successful NBA career, Mullin returned to St. John’s as the head coach from 2015 to 2019. Despite a mixed record of 59-73, he guided the team to the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament, showcasing his coaching abilities.
In a recent SiriusXM interview, Mullin praised Pitino, likening him to the Pat Riley of college basketball. Pitino, in response, expressed his admiration for Mullin and emphasized his importance to the St. John’s legacy. He acknowledged Mullin as the epitome of everything great about St. John’s and highlighted his status as the most famous player in the school’s history.
The potential reunion between Pitino and Mullin holds significance for St. John’s basketball. The current Red Storm team, ranked No. 7 with a 24-4 overall record, has been performing well in the Big East conference. Led by RJ Luis Jr., Zuby Ejiofor, Kadary Richmond, and Deivon Smith, the team has been dominant on both ends of the court, averaging 78.7 points per game.
Looking ahead, Rick Pitino and the Red Storm are focused on their upcoming matchups, including a game against the Seton Hall Pirates at the Carnesecca Arena. With the prospect of Mullin rejoining the program, St. John’s could see a resurgence of their basketball legacy and a renewed sense of camaraderie within the team.
As the season progresses, the potential collaboration between Pitino and Mullin could bring a new chapter of success and unity to the St. John’s basketball program. Fans and alumni alike are eager to see how this reunion unfolds and the impact it may have on the team’s future.
