Reports have surfaced about former St. Johns PG Mark Jackson possibly making a return to the New York area to take over for head coach Mike Jarvis. Jarvis is gone, Kevin Clark is in on an interim basis, but Jackson could be ultimate solution.
Wow, that would be a great move. I didn't think Jackson had officially retired from the NBA, but if he decides that this is it for his pro career, what better move than to D1 St. Johns? Jackson, IMO, had one of the best basketball IQ's of his day. He was a smart pg, and one of the best of all time. The guy finished fourth in the league in assists as a rookie with an average(10.8) that would lead the league if recorded today. And that is still an NBA rookie record for assists, better than guys like Oscar, Magic and todays points like Damon, Starbury and Tinsley averaged during their rookie campaigns. The overall program at St. Johns will greatly benefit from a guy like Mark.
Mark was always getting pub. for being a great player-coach. It would be interesting to see him take up the job and I think he'd be a good choice. However, I believe they should have brought him along as an assistant under Mike Jarvis first. I have always supported Jarvis and I am still in shock over his firing. St.John's has gotten off to a bad start, but they've been playing hard teams like Duke. The one aspect of coaching which I think Jackson has a firm grip on is recruiting. If you are a basketball player from the inner-city would you rather talk to a middle-aged stiff old man or a former NBA player who came up like you did? If they do not pick up Jackson then I believe they should give Steve Lavin a call. He is not too great of a coach, but he's one hell of a recruiter.
Jarvis did seem to get a bit of a raw deal. St. Johns might just not have been the right spot for him. He's an intelligent, established leader who'll definitely catch on somewhere else. As for Jackson, I think he could really help revitalize the Red Storm. Lavin is a decent recruiter, but he never got the full potential out of his guys. He's sometimes too likable. I do like the guy personally, but as a Bruin fan I'm glad he's out.
IMO, Mark Jackson would make a good coach, but I don't think he'll coach at St. Johns.....THIS year at least. I think they'll bring in a more experienced coach or stay with Kevin Clark the rest of the year. Bobby Gonzalez from Manhattan would be a good choice, but I don't think he'll leave.
I would love to see this happen.As Mark was a great PG and a good teacher of the game.Which is why I'm shocked to see no one pick him up this season.He can still help an NBA team...would give them experience more than anything else. him going to St John's will mean he is offically retired.Which is a shame..but then again it will be great to see him coaching.
