St. John’s Alum Mark Jackson Named Head Coach of the Golden State Warriors

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo, former St. John’s star Mark Jackson is taking the court once more, but, this time, as an NBA coach.

The Brooklyn native agreed to a 3-year deal worth more than $6 million with the Golden State Warriors to become the 24th head coach in the franchise’s history.

Jackson was a member of the Red Storm from 1983-1987, averaging 10.1 points and 5.6 assists per game in his collegiate career.

“Mark has always been a very bright, determined young man. He knows the game, and has experienced success at all levels. This is wonderful, this is what he wanted to do,” said Jackson’s former coach, St. John’s legend Lou Carnesecca. “His ability to lead is without question, he has always had that gift. And as a point guard he saw the game from all angles, which will help him tremendously as a coach.”

Jackson was drafted 18th overall in the 1987 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. He would also go on to play for the Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets, with whom he retired in 2004.

In his 17-year career, Jackson dished out 10,334 assists, which ranks him 3rd all-time in NBA history.

After his playing career ended, Jackson went on to work for the YES Network as the New Jersey Nets play-by-play commentator. He then moved to ESPN/ABC, where he did the same alongside Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen.

In 2006, when Jackson left the YES Network, rumors swirled that he could fill the New York Knicks vacant head coaching position. Those rumors would be put to rest when New York agreed to terms with current head coach Mike D’Antoni. Then, in 2010, Jackson was also rumored to be a in the mix for the head coaching positions with the Nets and at his alma mater, St. John’s, but he remained with ESPN/ABC.

Jackson will inherit a Warriors team that features a solid group of young talent to work, led by guards Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry.

In a press release from the Warriors organization, Jackson expressed his appreciation for being offered the position, as well as making clear his vision for the team.

“I am really elated about this opportunity and I’m looking forward to the challenge of building the Warriors into a perennial contender,” said Jackson. “I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the organization during our meetings, beginning at the top with Joe Lacob and, of course, with Larry Riley, Bob Myers and Jerry West.”