St. John’s Adds Former UCLA Guard Darrick Martin As Assistant Coach

St. Johns has officially announced the hiring of Darrick Martin to replace Mike Dunlap as assistant coach on Steve Lavin’s staff.

Steve Lavin’s relationship with Martin goes back years. Lavin spoke of their relationship in the University’s official press release:

“I have known Darrick personally for more than 20 years, and our staff is pleased he has chosen to become a member of the Johnnies basketball family. With our current team being one of the youngest in school history, the timing is ideal for Darrick to join forces with our staff to assist in our efforts to return St. John’s to college basketball prominence.”

Martin is a former guard at UCLA where he honed his craft and eventually made up to the NBA. He played on and off in the league from 1995 to 2008. He has a plethora of basketball experience that got him noticed across the NBA. Martin really made an impression on NBA Hall of Fame player, Magic Johnson;

“Darrick has a great basketball mind and is an excellent student and teacher of the game. He’s a bona fide gym rat who is dedicated to achieving greatness. If any student-athletes are serious about hitting it hard and improving their game, Darrick Martin is their man.”

While Magic words are quite an endorsement, what is most important is what Darrick Martin himself has to say.

“I am really excited for the opportunity to work with Coach Lavin, our staff and student-athletes. There is a huge comfort level for me, having played for Coach Lavin and knowing Rico Hines coming in. I have met the staff and I am looking forward to working with this talented roster, and helping the student-athletes develop on and off the court.”

In 2009 Martin was brought in as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves coaching staff in the NBA. He worked to help develop the teams back court, a role that will almost definitely be part of his job with St. John’s. Having D’Angelo Harrison and Phil Greene from last seasons back court will only help Martin adjust to his new job.

Martin’s long career in professional basketball will prove to be beneficial to a young St. John’s team over the course of a long season. Coach Lavin and fans alike will be happy to have Martin on board.