Chris Mullin still doesn’t know if he’ll have St. John’s best returning player for the start of the season — or at all.
The new coach said Rysheed Jordan’s grades continue to be evaluated to determine the guard’s eligibility.
“We’re waiting on his grades and then we’ll see what his status is academically,” Mullin said before throwing out the first pitch before Wednesday’s game at Yankee Stadium.
“Once that gets situated, then we’ll know.”
Sources have said the rising junior is in danger of being ineligible after a tumultuous first two seasons at the school.
He was suspended by former coach Steve Lavin for a game in his freshman year for violating team rules. This past year he took a leave of absence, but still averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game as a sophomore.
The uncertainty surrounding Jordan would have significant implications on Mullin’s first year back at his old school, but the NBA Hall of Famer hasn’t given up hope that it will work out.
“I’ve had good dealings with him,” Mullin said. “The academic piece is out of my control. We’ve all got to take care of our own responsibilities to some degree.”
Asked if Jordan wanted to remain in the program, Mullin said: “As far as I know.”
Among the possible options if Jordan isn’t on the team is Marcus LoVett, who recently signed with the Red Storm.
“We’ll figure it out,” Mullin said. “I’m not really opposed to playing three guards together, mixing and matching lineups. All these guys, until I get them in the gym and work with them… I’m not predetermining anything.”
Mullin did admit that it would “absolutely” be different if the team uses a freshman like LoVett, instead of an experienced player in Jordan.
And he hasn’t given up looking for more players for the upcoming season, with at least one open scholarship remaining.
“If we can find the right guy,” Mullin said.
Asked what he was looking for, Mullin said: “It’s more the level of player. Position-wise, that’s up to me to figure out. Do I anticipate doing something today? No. Will I do something in a month or a few weeks? Maybe.”
His search for a third assistant coach is also ongoing. Sources said candidates include Bulls assistant coach Ed Pinckney and Mitch Richmond, Mullin’s former Golden State teammate.
Additional reporting by Zach Braziller