Former St. John's superstar and Basketball Hall of Fame finalist Chris Mullin watches current St. John's star Dwight Hardy and believes he sees something familiar. The Big East Player of the Year candidate has made an impression with his knack for big shots, the biggest of which was the game-winner last Saturday over No. 4 Pittsburgh.
"Hardy reminds me of Boo Harvey a little bit," Mullin said, referring to a St. John's standout from 1988-90. "He's kind of a herky-jerky typical city player, you know, who has a knack for making big shots. He's very confident and not afraid of the moment."
Mullin is obviously enjoying this Red Storm season. The Johnnies are 18-9 overall and tied for third place in the Big East at 10-5.
"It's good for St. John's, it's good for New York City and probably good for the Big East," Mullin said on campus Thursday. "They've played with steady progress and have taken it a step further this year. It shows in the big wins they've had. In the past they competed, but didn't get the win. And now beating teams like Duke and UConn and Pitt - that catapults you to another level. I feel good for that group of kids, seniors who went through some hard times and stuck it out and now are reaping the benefits.
"I talked to a few of them and I told them they need to enjoy it. I'm proud of them. I'm happy for them."
The entire St. John's community could be happy for Mullin come the Final Four in April, when the inductees are announced for the Hall of Fame. Mullin is one of 12 finalists. He led the Johnnies to the 1985 Final Four and was chosen national Player of the Year.
"To get nominated and to be a finalist, that in itself is to me an honor," he said. "What happens from here is all gravy."
Mullin was at one point thought to be the front-runner to become Knicks GM and his name still is whispered about. In the meantime, the former Warriors sharpshooter and GM is working as an analyst for ESPN.
He is impressed with some of what first-year coach Steve Lavin has done.
"Coach Lavin has done a great job - just from talking to the kids - of instilling confidence in them," Mullin said. "Talent is one thing. Performance in practice is one thing. Performing on the big stage is a whole other."
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