It seems to me the smart marketing strategy for any school aspiring to elite level college basketball is the approach Mullin is now taking. And it may be the only strategy that will rescue St. John's basketball from mediocrity. It's no longer about winning nor about your college experience and certainly not about education. It's about NBA prep. If he hires Richmond, he is doubling down on that strategy. I know nothing about Richmond's ability to contribute to the on-court success of the team, but I'm fairly sure the hire will fortify the sales pitch...Come to St. John's; we know how to get you into the league. If he is successful in creating that perception, we'll get a lot of great recruits. That strategy, albeit a travesty to the whole idea of going to college, has worked well for Kentucky. It can potentially work just as well on the world's greatest stage.
Welcome back gabelmc.. Long time SJU poster. I agree wholeheartedly. Fans want to win. Talent wins. The talent wants to play pro. Sell the talent on playing pro, bring the most talent in... Team is loaded with talent, both the talent is happy and the fans are happy.
I don't think people should be worried if guys like Mullin can coach. He loves SJU, is s gym rat, NBA all-star, was always known as a "skills guy" beyond all skills guy. Mark Jackson credited Mullin with creating the work ethic and skills to make him an NBA'er. Add a great recruiter and former head coach in Slice who has also been AHC under Cal and Jamie Dixon, Abdelmessih, maybe Richmond, St. jean. Etc..
We have the coaches. I don't think anybody should worry because Mullin knows what this school needs. There should be trust there. He bleeds SJU red. He would never take a job he didn't think he could win at. He's the ultimate winner.