2008 Woodie Awards
Mullin makes case for HOF induction
Former Johnny standout boasts Hall of Fame resume
Matt Choquette, Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Sports
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Out of all the finalists for the class of 2008, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing and Pat Riley are thought to be this year's Hall locks, but the Red Storm's meticulous, sharp-shooting southpaw's career résumé should speak for itself when attempting to garner the minimum 18 votes required for Hall enshrinement.
Mullin has yet to leave the world of professional basketball. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Golden State Warriors and has plenty on his mind besides his second year on the Hall of Fame ballot.
"It hasn't fazed me much," admitted Mullin. "I won't focus on it because it might not happen, and there is hardly a moment I can be free from putting my energy into the Warriors' affairs."
It is only fitting to divulge into the vast and diverse career that was Chris Mullin's during this time when he will be considered to join the elite fraternity of immortalized basketball stars. And is there any more expert and qualified perspective than that of storied St. John's head coach, Lou Carnesecca?
"I tell kids coming up, 'Don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't play this game, that you're too slow, too fat, too skinny, too small or can't jump,'" Carnesecca said. "That's what I told [Mullin] after many people aimed these remarks at him. I believe he proved
everyone wrong."
Mullin didn't think twice when asked of the defining moment in his basketball career.
"[Coach Carnesecca] was there from the beginning and shaped my life on and off the court," Mullin said. "Everything I accomplish, I have to look back and think of him."
Mullin and Carnesecca certainly enjoyed some good days together. The Red Storm was a nationally recognized powerhouse in the fiercely competitive Big East throughout Mullin's four years at St. John's. Mullin's successful collegiate career culminated when losing to Georgetown in the 1985 Final Four, but not before becoming the only Big East player in history to claim three Big East Conference Player of the Year Awards. The awards kept rolling in for Mullin at the end of college as he received the 1985 John Wooden Award for best college basketball player.
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