Mullin Interview With Steve Serby

Not only was it clear it was a job he didn't love, it was a job he wasn't qualified for, and the powers that be did a disservice to the players, University, and fans by hiring him. It was vanity. It was hubris. And it set this program back. Hindsight is always 20-20, but adults who care about the program were not in the room during this hire. Personal tragedy and struggles are part of life, Lavin experienced it with his father passing away and his own cancer battle, Mullin with his brother passing. It sucks, no one ever wants to go through it and to think it doesn't effect your day to day job and responsibilities is naïve. Unfortunately, College Basketball is a results orientated business and when you're Chris Mullin the hire comes with expectations - ones you accept. He wasn't the right guy for the job...I'm glad it's over with, but his comments about his tenure feel hallow.
 
SJUDave said:
Not only was it clear it was a job he didn't love, it was a job he wasn't qualified for, and the powers that be did a disservice to the players, University, and fans by hiring him. It was vanity. It was hubris. And it set this program back. Hindsight is always 20-20, but adults who care about the program were not in the room during this hire. Personal tragedy and struggles are part of life, Lavin experienced it with his father passing away and his own cancer battle, Mullin with his brother passing. It sucks, no one ever wants to go through it and to think it doesn't effect your day to day job and responsibilities is naïve. Unfortunately, College Basketball is a results orientated business and when you're Chris Mullin the hire comes with expectations - ones you accept. He wasn't the right guy for the job...I'm glad it's over with, but his comments about his tenure feel hallow.
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Mullin stated that he left the program better then he found it? If so, not much better. Anderson didn't have much to work with when he got here and as I recall, Mullin was not involved with many, if any recruits of worth. Again, Mullin was the wrong man for the job and the BS about having a key to every gym in the City was just that ...BS. Say what you will but his lack of effort and disappearing act in the summer time did nothing to enhance his legacy at St. John's.
 
Johnny Rapper said:
Mullin stated that he left the program better then he found it? If so, not much better. Anderson didn't have much to work with when he got here and as I recall, Mullin was not involved with many, if any recruits of worth. Again, Mullin was the wrong man for the job and the BS about having a key to every gym in the City was just that ...BS. Say what you will but his lack of effort and disappearing act in the summer time did nothing to enhance his legacy at St. John's.
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Might I dare say this is your best post in history
 
ras said:
To make matters worse w Mullin, making Mitch, also w no exp ,associate head coach was a dumb move.
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Agree. That’s why if you are going ti be an effective manager in any business you shouldn’t hire friends or family unkess uiu can very cherry hold them accountable for their job being done. Even though I’m friends with my partners there is an absolute level of accountability. And in regards to Mullin he said it himself I think the first year mud season or maybe it was later but he envisioned the Larry Bird model at Indians. Well first that’s not what you said in your presser and this isn’t the NBA and third you didn’t delegate well either. Like LJSA said he’s great on broadcasts. I can totally see that. He isn’t and never was a coach
 
Johnny Rapper said:
Mullin stated that he left the program better then he found it? If so, not much better. Anderson didn't have much to work with when he got here and as I recall, Mullin was not involved with many, if any recruits of worth. Again, Mullin was the wrong man for the job and the BS about having a key to every gym in the City was just that ...BS. Say what you will but his lack of effort and disappearing act in the summer time did nothing to enhance his legacy at St. John's.
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That was by far his worst quote he gave to Serby. It's a slap in the face along with a loogie in the face of fans. Embarrassing to think he left the program better than when he got it.
 
Mjmajher and the rest of you Mullin haters , give it a rest , will you ! We got all of your 620 posts about Mullin the Coach but , you really ought to let it go , after all this time. Therapists would tell you that … It’s too bad many of you never saw Mullin the 3 time BE MVP or Wooden Award winner during his Redmen career . He was a tough Competitor , even as a Freshman . I would speculate that Mullin never sought the Coaching job , after Lavin but, was sought out by President Bobby and others . Perhaps , even Louie himself . As a Alum of the School and without a doubt the Finest BB player ever to wear the Red and White , loyalties sometimes prevail and I think Mullin responded to such a Call . He didn’t seek the job . Calling him a Liar is classless and shameful . And , picking of Nits about sitting in the Scorer’s table or , who draws the plays is childish . I draw a parallel to NHL Hockey , Gallant never draws a Play and many Other HC’s don’t either ! Having St Jean handle timeout plays wasn’t a Crime . Besides , St Jean is considered top shelf BB wise and will soon be a big time Coach somewhere, NBA or College . Mullin got a team with Ponds , Simon and others to the NCAA . We are hoping CMA finally makes it , this year . We will see . So give the Anti Mullin comments a rest . Enough !
 
SLYFOXX1968 said:
Mjmajher and the rest of you Mullin haters , give it a rest , will you ! We got all of your 620 posts about Mullin the Coach but , you really ought to let it go , after all this time. Therapists would tell you that … It’s too bad many of you never saw Mullin the 3 time BE MVP or Wooden Award winner during his Redmen career . He was a tough Competitor , even as a Freshman . I would speculate that Mullin never sought the Coaching job , after Lavin but, was sought out by President Bobby and others . Perhaps , even Louie himself . As a Alum of the School and without a doubt the Finest BB player ever to wear the Red and White , loyalties sometimes prevail and I think Mullin responded to such a Call . He didn’t seek the job . Calling him a Liar is classless and shameful . And , picking of Nits about sitting in the Scorer’s table or , who draws the plays is childish . I draw a parallel to NHL Hockey , Gallant never draws a Play and many Other HC’s don’t either ! Having St Jean handle timeout plays wasn’t a Crime . Besides , St Jean is considered top shelf BB wise and will soon be a big time Coach somewhere, NBA or College . Mullin got a team with Ponds , Simon and others to the NCAA . We are hoping CMA finally makes it , this year . We will see . So give the Anti Mullin comments a rest . Enough !
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Dear Slyfox stick to not speculating when you don’t know what you are talking about. Mullin did want the job during the middle of Lavins last season it was mutual interest. That’s just a fact. Heck Lavin even knew it l. my friends brother in law was on his staff and Lavin had told people close to him. So let’s end your speculation right there. This article posted was an interview with Mullin in which part of the interview he talked about his time coaching at St. John’s so it absolutely opens him up to comments because they are ON TOPIC ! So if you don’t want to read it go read your latest copy if insurance digest or something. And the comments by me and others were all accurate about his coaching and regardless of what St Jean is now he was a 24ish year old kid Who’s previous job was asst coach of player development. Not a sideline coach and this is the freaking big east and it’s Chris Freaking Mullin one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and my guess would be an NBA hall if famer is capable of drawing up plays and your Gallant example is insane. If Mullin wants to delegate drawing plays to an experienced college coach like a Dunlap that’s one thing but to a 24 year old is insane. And go back to Mullins presser and read what he says and tell us if he followed through on what he said he was going to do recruiting. Go check his quotes. Your problem is you can’t separate Mullin the player from Mullin the coach. Your vision is clouded more than a Mongolian Dust Storm
 
SLYFOXX1968 said:
Mjmajher and the rest of you Mullin haters , give it a rest , will you ! We got all of your 620 posts about Mullin the Coach but , you really ought to let it go , after all this time. Therapists would tell you that … It’s too bad many of you never saw Mullin the 3 time BE MVP or Wooden Award winner during his Redmen career . He was a tough Competitor , even as a Freshman . I would speculate that Mullin never sought the Coaching job , after Lavin but, was sought out by President Bobby and others . Perhaps , even Louie himself . As a Alum of the School and without a doubt the Finest BB player ever to wear the Red and White , loyalties sometimes prevail and I think Mullin responded to such a Call . He didn’t seek the job . Calling him a Liar is classless and shameful . And , picking of Nits about sitting in the Scorer’s table or , who draws the plays is childish . I draw a parallel to NHL Hockey , Gallant never draws a Play and many Other HC’s don’t either ! Having St Jean handle timeout plays wasn’t a Crime . Besides , St Jean is considered top shelf BB wise and will soon be a big time Coach somewhere, NBA or College . Mullin got a team with Ponds , Simon and others to the NCAA . We are hoping CMA finally makes it , this year . We will see . So give the Anti Mullin comments a rest . Enough !
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Dear slyfoxx if you don’t like what a poster has to say skip over their posts, ignore them and move on. Thank you.
 
SJUDave said:
Not only was it clear it was a job he didn't love, it was a job he wasn't qualified for, and the powers that be did a disservice to the players, University, and fans by hiring him. It was vanity. It was hubris. And it set this program back. Hindsight is always 20-20, but adults who care about the program were not in the room during this hire. Personal tragedy and struggles are part of life, Lavin experienced it with his father passing away and his own cancer battle, Mullin with his brother passing. It sucks, no one ever wants to go through it and to think it doesn't effect your day to day job and responsibilities is naïve. Unfortunately, College Basketball is a results orientated business and when you're Chris Mullin the hire comes with expectations - ones you accept. He wasn't the right guy for the job...I'm glad it's over with, but his comments about his tenure feel hallow.
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If Lavin doesn't have his setbacks, I think he coaches here for a long time, perhaps still. And I think he does well. Not a great tactician; the "coach speak" could sometimes drive a fan bonkers, but even a 3/4 motivated Lavin coupled with MSG/NYC behind him could recruit some pretty real talent to St. John's. And a fully-motivated Lavin is probably one of the best recruiters pre-NIL (and maybe with NIL he'd be even more effective).

Mullin is one of my basketball idols. I wanted him to succeed as HC more than the HCs of every team I root for, combined. I was "all-in" early because I did not think Mullin would take the job unless he 1000% wanted it and all the "grind" the job entails. His name and NBA background was certainly attractive early for recruits. He got Ponds, one of the most talented and highly-ranked guards we've had over the last two decades. A number of highly-sought after transfers also wanted to play for him; Simon, Herron, LJ and Clark were all great gets. So clearly there was some cache there, and Matt A. being effective in that market no doubt helped. But after a few years you have to show the world you have what it takes to be a successful coach or the recruiting will dry up. It was pretty clear that last season it was not going to work for Mully, and honestly that he was done with trying to make it work.
 
hardytime said:
If Lavin doesn't have his setbacks, I think he coaches here for a long time, perhaps still. And I think he does well. Not a great tactician; the "coach speak" could sometimes drive a fan bonkers, but even a 3/4 motivated Lavin coupled with MSG/NYC behind him could recruit some pretty real talent to St. John's. And a fully-motivated Lavin is probably one of the best recruiters pre-NIL (and maybe with NIL he'd be even more effective).

Mullin is one of my basketball idols. I wanted him to succeed as HC more than the HCs of every team I root for, combined. I was "all-in" early because I did not think Mullin would take the job unless he 1000% wanted it and all the "grind" the job entails. His name and NBA background was certainly attractive early for recruits. He got Ponds, one of the most talented and highly-ranked guards we've had over the last two decades. A number of highly-sought after transfers also wanted to play for him; Simon, Herron, LJ and Clark were all great gets. So clearly there was some cache there, and Matt A. being effective in that market no doubt helped. But after a few years you have to show the world you have what it takes to be a successful coach or the recruiting will dry up. It was pretty clear that last season it was not going to work for Mully, and honestly that he was done with trying to make it work.
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Attended my first game in ’80, started St. John’s in 83. Really awesome times! Mullin is our legend , couldn’t have been more psyched when he got hired. Listened to his press conference , figured he was all in just like he was as a player. Thought he was going to be similar to Coach Carnesecca. That didn’t happen.

Lived through the four years. Now a few years later image hasn’t changed. Disappointment! Still don’t understand how you hire Mitch who never coached
 
Johnny Rapper said:
Better be careful with the compliments, even left handed ones, as the (my) haters may put you on their $hit list.:)
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Why, your post was very insightful. Personally, while I disagree with a lot of your posts, I don't hate you. As for turning on someone who liked your post, that would be very juvenile.
 
One of the risks with Chris Mullin coming here to Coach was the fact that perhaps he was not cut out to be a Coach and this might tarnish his image. In fact, I recall some here, before he even coached a game, (correctly) were worried about that legacy if it didn’t work out. Well we all know how that turned out.

As a player, he is a Program legend who deserves all the praise he got. As a Coach, eh not so much. However, today, that is all in the past. I just hope we all can agree that he was/is an all time “great” of the Program. Hopefully, we’ve all moved on (including Chris) and we can all appreciate his contributions to the Program. Sometimes in basketball, just like life, it doesn’t go the way we hoped. He’s still part of our family and one of us. I for one, hope he will make peace and be comfortable enough to come around if he wishes.
 
Wonder if Clyde Drexler still generates differences of opinion like this 😇
 
nysj144 said:
Attended my first game in ’80, started St. John’s in 83. Really awesome times! Mullin is our legend , couldn’t have been more psyched when he got hired. Listened to his press conference , figured he was all in just like he was as a player. Thought he was going to be similar to Coach Carnesecca. That didn’t happen.

Lived through the four years. Now a few years later image hasn’t changed. Disappointment! Still don’t understand how you hire Mitch who never coached
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Thank you ! Very fair !
 
SLYFOXX1968 said:
Mjmajher and the rest of you Mullin haters , give it a rest , will you ! We got all of your 620 posts about Mullin the Coach but , you really ought to let it go , after all this time. Therapists would tell you that … It’s too bad many of you never saw Mullin the 3 time BE MVP or Wooden Award winner during his Redmen career . He was a tough Competitor , even as a Freshman . I would speculate that Mullin never sought the Coaching job , after Lavin but, was sought out by President Bobby and others . Perhaps , even Louie himself . As a Alum of the School and without a doubt the Finest BB player ever to wear the Red and White , loyalties sometimes prevail and I think Mullin responded to such a Call . He didn’t seek the job . Calling him a Liar is classless and shameful . And , picking of Nits about sitting in the Scorer’s table or , who draws the plays is childish . I draw a parallel to NHL Hockey , Gallant never draws a Play and many Other HC’s don’t either ! Having St Jean handle timeout plays wasn’t a Crime . Besides , St Jean is considered top shelf BB wise and will soon be a big time Coach somewhere, NBA or College . Mullin got a team with Ponds , Simon and others to the NCAA . We are hoping CMA finally makes it , this year . We will see . So give the Anti Mullin comments a rest . Enough !
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Another thing I was reminded of from our most Astute poster here. And this isn’t a St Jean bash fest I like him and now with more experience he has a bright future BUT he wasn’t even originally supposed to be an assistant coach. Slice Matt Pinkney we’re the 3. St Jean was going to be a special assistant but when Pinkney backed out he got that job then next thing you new he’s running buddies. Oh and here is another funny story whether you like Slice or not. Mud way through the season in practice Mullin was deferring to St Jean ( I kmow this because I know the person there when it happened. Slice goes nuts yelling at Mullin to take charge of the practice and if not let Slice run it. Mullin tells him no let st Jean run it. Slice yells @ this isn’t how it’s done at Kentucky “ Mullin tells back “ we aren’t Kentucky “
 
It's possible to hold Chris Mullin in the highest regard as the best player in the history of this program, while also admitting his coaching tenure was a colossal failure.

The coaching failure does not diminish what he accomplished as a player here.

Personally, I just wish he'd be more visible around the program.
 
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