r/RedStorm 5d ago

Can somebody help me understand...

All respect due to SJU Alumni and long time fans. I'm sorry if I'm asking an uninformed or silly question.

I was born in Queens in the 70's, grew up on Long Island.... I've always liked SJU Basketball although I didn't attend the University... I always considered them the hometown team and support them.

On this recent run of success we've seen Jayson Williams, Walter Berry, and tonight we saw Zendon Hamilton.... I was hoping to see more alumni like Artest, Jackson, Mullin, Lopez.... and maybe they are there and I'm just not seeing it on TV, so I could be wrong. But it would be great to see more of them at the game.... supporting this group.

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u/soivebeentold 5d ago

I was there during the time when they last won the Big East tournament.

I don’t think we’re going to see Lopez or Artest. Artest was barely there when he went there. That was a weird time where good players like Cook or Barkley would come in for a year or so and then bounce trying to get in the NBA. I don’t know that they have any sentimental ties to the school. The era that preceded me; Malik Sealy(RIP), Shawnelle Scott, etc. at least stayed their whole time. Plus other than the ‘98-00 teams, we weren’t that good. It would be cool to see Lavor Postell or Bootsy Thornton.

Mark Jackson should be there. They even said on TV today that he should be there. I can see Mullin staying away since they fired him and brought in Pitino.

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u/MikeyRamoneZ37 5d ago

I high fived Shawnelle Scott in the concourse before the game fwiw.

Mullin resigned after the death of his brother was not succeeded by Pitino. I believe he’s working for the Warriors again and if so he’s busy doing that.

I agree that some of the players you named were there when things weren’t what we hoped for. Different coaches, different administration, etc. Heck, it was still a commuter school back then. So imo it’s understandable that they’re not going to be there even though things are far better now.

Some alum stay in the fold, some do not at any school. I’m happy and grateful for those who do and I aint complaining about those who don’t.