St John's University Men's Basketball Coaches
St. John's University has a long and proud basketball tradition, with a history that spans over a century. Throughout the years, the Red Storm have had some legendary coaches at the helm who have made an indelible mark on the program. In this article, we will take a closer look at the St. John's University Men's Basketball Coaches who have led the team and contributed to its rich history.
Joe Lapchick (1936-1947, 1956-1965)
Joe Lapchick was one of the founding fathers of St. John's basketball. He was the head coach for 19 seasons and guided the team to an impressive 334-130 record, including two Final Four appearances. Lapchick was known for his innovative style of play and his ability to develop players. He coached some of the greatest players in St. John's history, including Hall of Famers Dick McGuire and Nat Holman. Lapchick's contributions to the game were recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1966.
Frank McGuire (1947-1952)
Frank McGuire took over the reins from Lapchick and continued the winning tradition at St. John's. He led the Red Storm to a 102-24 record in five seasons, including two Final Four appearances. McGuire was known for his disciplined approach to coaching and his ability to motivate his players to perform at their best. He also recruited some of the best players in the country, including legendary center Walter Dukes. McGuire went on to coach at North Carolina and South Carolina, where he won a national championship in 1957.
Lou Carnesecca (1965-1970, 1973-1992)
Lou Carnesecca is perhaps the most beloved coach in St. John's history. He coached the Red Storm for 24 seasons and guided the team to a 526-200 record, including five Big East championships and two Final Four appearances. Carnesecca was known for his colorful personality, his signature sweaters, and his ability to develop players. He coached some of the greatest players in St. John's history, including Chris Mullin and Mark Jackson. Carnesecca's contributions to the game were recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992.
Mike Jarvis (1994-2003)
Mike Jarvis took over from Carnesecca and had immediate success. He led the Red Storm to a 110-61 record in six seasons, including two Sweet Sixteen appearances. Jarvis was known for his fast-paced style of play and his ability to recruit top talent. He coached some of the best players in St. John's history, including Ron Artest and Erick Barkley. However, Jarvis' tenure at St. John's was marred by controversy and scandal, which ultimately led to his resignation in 2003.
Norm Roberts (2004-2010)
Norm Roberts took over from Jarvis and had a tough act to follow. He led the Red Storm to a 81-101 record in six seasons, but was never able to replicate the success of his predecessors. Roberts was known for his emphasis on defense and his ability to develop players, but was often criticized for his conservative style of play. Despite the lack of success on the court, Roberts was revered for his character and his dedication to the program.
Steve Lavin (2010-2015)
Steve Lavin took over from Roberts and brought a new level of excitement to the program. He led the Red Storm to a 92-72 record in five seasons, including two NCAA Tournament appearances. Lavin was known for his charismatic personality and his ability to recruit top talent. He coached some of the best players in St. John's history, including Maurice Harkless and JaKarr Sampson. However, Lavin's tenure at St. John's was also marred by controversy and he was ultimately let go after the 2014-2015 season.
Chris Mullin (2015-2019)
Chris Mullin is a St. John's legend and was tasked with leading the program back to glory. He coached the Red Storm for four seasons and guided the team to a 59-73 record. While Mullin's tenure was not as successful as many had hoped, he was able to bring excitement back to the program and re-establish a connection with the school's storied past. Mullin resigned in 2019, but his impact on the program will be felt for years to come.
Mike Anderson (2019-Present)
Mike Anderson was hired in 2019 and is the current head coach of the St. John's Red Storm. Anderson has a proven track record as a successful coach, having led both UAB and Missouri to NCAA Tournament appearances. He is known for his up-tempo style of play and his ability to develop players. Anderson has a tough task ahead of him, but if he can replicate the success he had at his previous stops, St. John's could once again become a powerhouse in college basketball.