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St. John’s basketball: Mark Jackson wants to return to coaching in the NBA

By Kevin Connelly

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors gestures from the bench in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 29, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors gestures from the bench in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 29, 2013 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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Former St. John’s basketball standout Mark Jackson wants to return the sidelines in the NBA as a head coach of a franchise.

The former NBA head coach and St. John’s basketball star Mark Jackson made an appearance on ESPN’s First Take on Tuesday morning to address his intentions to return to the NBA sidelines as a head coach in the near future.

The Brooklyn, New York native who started his basketball career as a Bishop Loughlin High School standout continued his rise on the court at St. John’s University from 1983-1987 under legendary head coach Lou Carnesecca.

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As at the NCAA season assists leader in 1986, consensus second-team All-American in 1987, and Haggerty Award 1987 ended up being the No. 18 overall pick of the 1987 NBA Draft of his hometown New York Knicks and spent time with seven different NBA franchises.

Jackson averaged 10.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game during his four year career in Queens with his best season coming in his final year with 18.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.0 steals per contest.

After his playing career, Jackson dabbled in the broadcasting world before the Golden State Warriors hired the point guard to be the head coach of the team.

Over his three years as a head coach of the Warriors, Jackson led the team to a 121-109 record with two playoff appearances and advanced past the first round in both of those appearances.

Jackson is also credited with building the foundation of the Golden State Warriors in drafting Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

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After being fired in 2014, Jackson returned to the broadcast booth on ESPN and ABC where he is teamed up with the top broadcast team in the company alongside Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy.

However, on an appearance on ESPN’s First Take to talk about the latest ESPN documentary, The Last Dance, which highlights the career of Michael Jordan, commentator Stephen A. Smith asked Jackson about the potential of him being an NBA head coach once again.

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Smith, who has been openly vocal about wanting the New York Knicks to hire their former star, pressed Jackson on the possibilities of coaching the Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, or Houston Rockets, three NBA teams that could have head coaching vacancies at the eventual end of season.

Mark Jackson expressed his desire to be an NBA head coach again but does not want to limit himself to one specific franchise.

A great basketball voice an ambassador, Mark Jackson will be successful in no matter the route he chooses whether to remain in the broadcasting industry or jumpstart his NBA coaching career once again.