Mullin' It Over: St. John's Three-Time All-American is Coaching Newcomer
April 27th, 2015 - 20:47
Chris Mullin, a five-time NBA All-Star in a 16-year career with the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers, returned to his alma mater (St. John's '85) as head coach. Mullin didn't have any head coaching experience but joined LSU's Johnny Jones, Rutgers' Eddie Jordan and UNLV's Dave Rice as the only active coaches to have played for their alma mater in a Final Four.
In the aftermath of Fred Hoiberg leaving Iowa State for the Chicago Bulls, Jordan and Mullin are among the following alphabetical list of five active Division I head coaches guiding their alma mater after playing in the NBA:
| Active Coach | Alma Mater | 1st Year | Summary of NBA Playing Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Drew | Valparaiso '98 | 2011-12 | Averaged 4.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg and 2.2 apg with three NBA teams in six seasons from 1998-99 through 2003-04 |
| Eddie Jordan | Rutgers '77 | 2013-14 | Averaged 8.1 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 3.8 apg with four NBA teams in seven seasons from 1977-78 through 1983-84 |
| Chris Mullin | St. John's '85 | 2015-16 | Averaged 18.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 3.5 apg with the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers in 16 seasons from 1985-86 through 2000-01 |
| Kevin Ollie | Connecticut '95 | 2012-13 | Averaged 3.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 2.3 apg with 12 NBA teams in 13 seasons from 1997-98 through 2009-10 |
| Lorenzo Romar | Washington '80 | 2002-03 | Averaged 5.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 3.5 apg with three NBA teams in five seasons from 1980-81 through 1984-85 |