Chris Mullin

Chris Mullin is a renowned figure in basketball, known not only for his impressive playing career but also for his contributions as an executive, coach, and Olympic athlete.
Mullin's basketball journey began during his college years at St. John's University, where he achieved tremendous success. He was a standout player for the St. John's Redmen, earning Big East Player of the Year honors three times and representing the United States in the 1984 Olympics.
In the NBA, Mullin was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the seventh overall pick in the 1985 NBA draft. He spent the majority of his playing career with the Warriors, showcasing his versatility as a shooting guard and small forward. Mullin's tenure with the Warriors included multiple All-Star selections and solidified his status as one of the franchise's greatest players.


Mullin's impact extended beyond his time with the Warriors, as he later joined the Indiana Pacers before ultimately retiring with the Warriors in 2001. Following his playing career, Mullin transitioned into roles as a special advisor for the Sacramento Kings and later as the general manager of the Golden State Warriors.
In addition to his executive roles, Mullin also made a mark as a coach. He served as the head coach of the St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team from 2015 to 2019, bringing his wealth of basketball knowledge and experience to the collegiate level.
Furthermore, Mullin's legacy includes his achievements on the international stage as a two-time Olympic Gold medalist. He was a member of the iconic "Dream Team" in 1992, which featured some of the greatest basketball players of all time and helped elevate the sport on a global scale.
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice, once as part of the 1992 Dream Team and again for his individual career in 2011, Mullin's impact on the game of basketball is undeniable. His contributions as a player, executive, coach, and Olympian have left an enduring legacy in the sport.


Chris Mullin's upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, laid the foundation for his basketball journey. Inspired by local basketball legends and NBA stars, Mullin immersed himself in the game from a young age.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Mullin looked up to Knicks icons Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe, drawing inspiration from their playing styles and skills on the court. He also admired Larry Bird and paid homage to Boston Celtics legend John Havlicek by wearing jersey number 17.
Mullin's passion for basketball led him to seek out competition in the vibrant basketball scene of New York City. He frequented neighborhoods like the Bronx and Harlem, known for producing top basketball talent, where he honed his skills against formidable opponents.


His talent didn't go unnoticed, and Mullin's reputation began to grow as he showcased his abilities in various youth basketball leagues, including CYO basketball at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish on Flatlands Avenue. His success extended beyond local leagues, as he emerged victorious in the 1974 "Elks Hoops Shoot," a national free throw contest for youth, further solidifying his basketball prowess.
Mullin's journey continued as he attended Lou Carnesecca's basketball camp, where he further developed his skills alongside future teammates and competitors. This experience provided valuable training and camaraderie, shaping Mullin's basketball journey and setting the stage for his future success in the sport.


Chris Mullin's collegiate career at St. John's University under the guidance of Coach Lou Carnesecca was nothing short of remarkable.
Arriving at St. John's as a highly touted recruit, Mullin wasted no time making an impact. In his freshman year, he averaged an impressive 16.6 points per game, setting a school freshman record for points scored. This early success laid the foundation for an extraordinary college career.
Over the next three years, Mullin's dominance on the court reached new heights. He was named Big East Player of the Year three times, showcasing his exceptional talent and leadership within the conference. Additionally, Mullin earned All-America honors three times, solidifying his status as one of the top players in college basketball.


Mullin's achievements extended beyond the collegiate level. He played a pivotal role on the gold medal-winning 1984 Olympic basketball team, further demonstrating his prowess on the international stage. His stellar performance earned him recognition as the 1985 Wooden Award winner and USBWA College Player of the Year.
During his senior year, Mullin led St. John's to the 1985 Final Four, a remarkable achievement for the program. His leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in guiding the team to its first #1 ranking since 1951. Mullin's senior season saw him average 19.8 points per game, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in St. John's history.


By the end of his collegiate career, Mullin had amassed an impressive 2,440 career points, establishing himself as the all-time leading scorer for the Redmen. His accolades include winning the prestigious Haggerty Award three times, recognizing him as the best college player in the New York City area. Mullin's dominance in the Big East conference was unparalleled, as he became the only men's basketball player to be named the conference's Player of the Year three times (1983–1985).
Chris Mullin's remarkable achievements at St. John's University serve as a testament to his exceptional skill, dedication, and impact on the game of basketball.

References

1.  Men's Tournament of the Americas – 1992, USA Basketball. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
2. ^ "St. John's Basketball All-Time Honors – REDSTORMSPORTS.COM – St. John's University Official Athletic Site". Redstormsports.Com. December 6, 2007. Archived from the original on July 23, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
3. ^ [1] Archived January 24, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
4. a b An Issue That Follows the NBA Like a White Shadow Archived August 23, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, The Washington Post, February 19, 2006
5. ^ "Chris Mullin". Elks Hoop Shoot. Archived from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved May 6, 2019.
6. a b c "Board of Trustees". Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
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8. ^ "St. John's University Celebrates Hall Of Famer Chris Mullin Oct. 19-20". Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
9. Jue, Nathaniel. "Golden State Warriors Retire Chris Mullin's Jersey: 17 Facts About NBA HoFer". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on December 25, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
10. ^ "AP Was There: Dream Team rolls in Barcelona to Olympic gold". AP News. February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
11. ^ "Christopher Paul Mullin". olympics.com. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
12. ^ "Warriors Trade Mullin To Pacers". Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
13. ^ Goldaper, Sam (February 12, 1989). "Chris Mullin: Grown Up, And an All-Star At Last". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
14. ^ "USA Basketball All-Time Men's Roster". Archived from the original on September 7, 2015.
15. ^ "Chris Mullin to be St. John's Red Storm head coach". Espn.go.com. January 4, 2015. Archived from the original on April 12, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2015.