St. John’s to hire former NBA player as new head coach

Former NBA player Chris Mullin looks on during the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Announcement of the Class of 2011 in Houston, Texas, April 4, 2011. Mullin reportedly will return to his alma mater, St. John’s, as coach of the basketball team. (REUTERS/Jeff Haynes)

Chris Mullin reportedly will return to his alma mater, St. John’s, as coach of the basketball team.

Mullin will replace the recently fired Steve Lavin, according to reports Monday by ESPN.com and the New York Daily News.

Mullin, 51, starred at St. John’s in the 1980s, winning the Big East Player of the Year award three times and leaving as the school’s career scoring leader (2,440 points).

Drafted seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors, Mullin was a five-time NBA All-Star and also won two Olympic gold medals on his way to the Hall of Fame.

Since retiring, Mullin had spent five seasons as the general manager of the Warriors and recently had worked as an advisor to the Sacramento Kings.

St. John’s and Lavin agreed to part ways Friday after five seasons.

Lavin led the Red Storm to the NCAA Tournament in 2011 and this year, when they lost to San Diego State in the second round.