Chris Mullin
JOHNNIES’ SPOT: When Hall of Famer and former St. John’s great Chris Mullin (inset) was told D’Angelo Harrison thought he was a better shooter than Mullin, the response was, “Is he crazy?” (Paul J. Bereswill, N.Y. Post: Bob Olen)
Chris Mullin has a message for D’Angelo Harrison: Game on.
Anywhere. Anytime.
And not just a game of HORSE. Oh no, Mullin, 49, the greatest player ever to wear a St. John’s jersey, is in plenty good shape to take on Harrison, 19 — the best scorer to wear the red and white since Mullin — in a game of one-on-one.
Mullin and Harrison have developed a bit of a mutual admiration society. They spoke earlier this season, long before Harrison became the 48th member of the school’s exclusive 1,000-point scorers club. Harrison did it in 57 games, one less than Mullin, who played before the 3-point shot was implemented.
“What is that black mark on the court?’’ Mullin said with a laugh from Houston, where he’s taking in the NBA All-Star festivities. “Three-point line, huh? That would have been nice.’’
Mullin likes what he sees in Harrison, likes the range on his jumper, likes his mid-range game, and really likes Harrison’s God-given ability to find the basket. But what he likes best is Harrison’s confidence.
When told Harrison said he thought he might be the better shooter, Mullin chuckled.
“He needs professional help,’’ said the Hall of Famer. “Really, is he crazy?’’
Harrison, a sophomore, is one of the most intriguing players in St. John’s history. He was unknown around here, the opposite of Mullin, a Brooklyn kid who chose St. John’s over North Carolina for one reason — Lou Carnesecca.
Harrison came from Missouri City, Texas, just outside of Houston. At 6-foot-3 he was the “center” on his high school team, although his game was shooting and penetrating. Marquette had the inside track until St. John’s put on the full-court press.
Mullin was stoic and calculating. Harrison is emotional and impulsive.
They are polar opposites, but basketball and St. John’s have brought them together.
“I like his game,’’ Mullin said. “He’s a natural scorer, and there’s always a place for that in basketball.’’
So where now for Harrison? According to two NBA talent evaluators, Harrison needs to work hard on his ball handling skills and do as much agility training as he can in the off-season. He does not have the athleticism of JaKarr Sampson or Sir’Dominic Pointer, but Mullin was not a freakish athlete either.
Mullin just happened to have had the sweetest jump shot known to man and basketball IQ that saw plays a second ahead of time. In that regard, he and Harrison are somewhat alike.
“Harrison’s got a chance, but he’s crazy if he’s thinking about coming out now,’’ said a source who was told Harrison has given no such inclination to leave early. “Did he really say he’s a better shooter than Chris?’’
Focus team of the week: In Colorado State’s 89-86 win over Air Force, all five starters played between 24 and 38 minutes and all finished in double figures. The Rams are a dangerous March team because all five starters are seniors, with starting experience since they were freshmen.
Colton Iverson, a Minnesota transfer, was 6-for-6 from the field and power forward Pierce Homung had 13 points, 16 rebounds and four assists. The Rams are coached by former Iowa State and Southern Miss coach Larry Eustachy, so you know they’re not going to back down.
Stat of the week: Our least favorite stat line came from the same Colorado State-Air Force game. Air Force’s Michael Lyons scored 45 points. Wow. He took 25 shots. He had zero assists. Boo.
Email of the week: Post reader Charles Monagan who suggests this name for the conference that will be comprised of the “Catholic 7,” including St. John’s and Georgetown: “Holy Roman Empire.”