St. John’s top 5 men’s basketball players in program history
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (BVM) — With the release of the preseason AP Top 25, St. John’s almost saw its name crack the rankings after receiving five votes. With a much different lineup returning this season, this group will follow behind one of the team’s mainstays in Julian Champagnie.
The junior guard will be the man in charge for the Red Storm after losing many of the team’s starters from the prior year. After averaging 19.8 points and 7.4 rebounds last year, Champagnie still has a long way to go before he matches some of these all-time greats on his quest to Red Storm history:
- Metta World Peace (1997-1999)
Formerly Ron Artest, Metta World Peace doesn’t have the gaudy career stats like others on this list, but he racked up a list of accomplishments during a short amount of time. Artest was named to the Big East All-Rookie team following his freshman year and became a first team All-Big East selection in his sophomore season. The former Red Storm forward would lead his team to NCAA tournament appearances in both seasons with the program, finishing his 19-year professional career as an NBA Champion.
- Walter Berry (1984-1986)
With a smaller tenure than others on the list, Walter Berry’s achievements cannot be overlooked. Berry averaged 20.1 points and shot 58 percent from the floor from 1984-86. The Red Storm power forward’s most memorable moment still lives on around tournament time when he famously blocked Pearl Washington to preserve St. John’s 70-69 win over Syracuse in the 1986 Big East Tournament championship game.
- Malik Sealy (1988-1992)
St. John’s second all-time leading scorer with 2,402 points was a lock to make the all-time list. Sealy’s teams went 86-43 during his four years, with one NIT championship and three appearances in the NCAA tournament. The late forward played eight seasons in the NBA after his run with the Red Storm, still holding onto the career field goals (900) and career steals (238) records.
- Mark Jackson (1983-87)
Arguably the greatest point guard in school history, Jackson finished his collegiate career with 1,328 points. The four-year starter averaged 10.1 points and 5.6 assists from 1983-87, helping lead the Red Storm under coach Lou Carnesecca. Jackson made the Big East All-Rookie team as a freshman, before picking up the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 1987. His accolades continued at the next level, picking up Rookie of the Year honors during his successful 17-year NBA career.
- Chris Mullin (1981-1985)
Mullin is the undisputed top choice for the No. 1 spot after a star-studded collegiate career that led into a Hall of Fame résumé. Mullin was not only the first St. John’s player to reach 2,000 points, but set career records for field goals and steals. Along with his individual success, the Red Storm forward led the program to its longest NCAA tournament run with an appearance in the 1985 Final Four. Mullin averaged 19.5 points in his four-year career with the program before heading off to a 16-year career in the NBA.
