Van Macon Promoted

Coach Mike Anderson announced on Wednesday that Van Macon has been elevated to the position of associate head coach for the St. John's men's basketball program. A Queens native with more than two decades experience in the collegiate ranks, Macon spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach on Anderson's staff.
 
"Van is a veteran coach and tireless worker who has helped shape our program in so many areas," said Anderson. "We are pleased with his contributions in elevating St. John's Basketball and believe our program will continue to climb the ranks of the BIG EAST with Van in his new role."
 
During his two years in Queens, Macon has been instrumental in helping the Red Storm to consecutive winning seasons. This past season, St. John's finished 16-11 overall with a 10-9 record in the BIG EAST action, good enough for fourth place in the conference. It marked the first time in seven seasons that St. John's recorded a winning record and double-digit victories in BIG EAST play.
 
"I am very grateful for this new opportunity at St. John's and fortunate to be part of Coach Anderson's staff," said Macon. "These past two years have been a tremendous experience for my family. I'm excited to keep building my hometown team to the highest level possible while we strive for excellence on and off the court."
 
Macon has played an integral role in recruiting and developing several local talents at St. John's, including All-BIG EAST performers Julian Champagnie and Posh Alexander. After being selected to the 2019-20 All-BIG EAST Freshman Team, Champagnie had a decorated sophomore campaign in 2020-21 that featured All-BIG EAST First Team and BIG EAST Most Improved Player honors. The Brooklyn native became just the fourth player in program history to lead the BIG EAST in scoring last season, averaging 19.5 points in conference play. In addition, Alexander was named the BIG EAST Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, which marked only the third time in conference history a freshman collected both accolades.
 
Good move, Van has been killing it on the recruiting trail.

Does this mean TJ is about to make the jump into head coaching?  Or does he stay on staff as just an assistant?  
 
Making Plays post=434194 said:
Good move, Van has been killing it on the recruiting trail.

Does this mean TJ is about to make the jump into head coaching?  Or does he stay on staff as just an assistant?  
Click to expand...
Looks like two AHCs for now
 
I'm really surprised I don't see his name come up for head coaching spots, especially the locals.
 
MainMan post=434196 said:
I'm really surprised I don't see his name come up for head coaching spots, especially the locals.
Click to expand...
I'm sure teams have had interest, that's probably another reason for the promotion.  You have to do whatever you can to try to hold on to him, because he's been great here. 
 
while Anderson has a new contract, wondered if Van would be our Coach in waiting, when Anderson's decides to retire.
 
Smart move by Van staying where he's from and successful.  You go to an Illinois without ties to the HC and they'll get rid of you a second if you don't land everyone they want you to land.  My guess is Underwood has some concerns about Curbello following Antigua to KY, even though they just landed some PGs.
 
Zach B

Told that the promotion for St. John's assistant Van Macon has been in the works for some time. He did speak to Illinois, but he never really considering going there. Mike Anderson has wanted to elevate him since season concluded. #sjubb

 
 
CMA has been pressing all the right buttons for 2 years
He's not only a good coach, he's a smart and very astute guy
Very glad that he's our coach!!
 
Last edited:
Paultzman post=434240 said:
Zach B

Told that the promotion for St. John's assistant Van Macon has been in the works for some time. He did speak to Illinois, but he never really considering going there. Mike Anderson has wanted to elevate him since season concluded. #sjubb


 
Click to expand...
We dodged a major bullet there. I think Underwood realizes he hit upon a magic formula by tapping into the New York market and doesn't want to see it dry up so soon. They were looking like they'd be a Pitt-type thorn in our recruiting side, but I think they'll go back to fishing more traditional waters if they don't bring in a New York guy.
 
It would not have been a devastating blow, because CMA has built a multi-talented, cohesive staff top to bottom, that appear to be really like each other and like working here.   

More than title, Associate head coach money is likely better money than a mid major would pay a rookie HC.    Smart move all the way around, and glad he is on board.
 
Also speaks to the quality of coaching staffs from top to bottom of the conference. I know it’s been mentioned before, but the conference is loaded coaching wise.  
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top