St. John’s basketball: Mike Anderson promotes assistant coach Van Macon

The St. John’s basketball program has promoted Van Macon on the coaching staff. 

After holding a big part in keeping the top talent in New York City, the St. John’s basketball program has promoted assistant head coach Van Macon to an associate head coaching position.

Head coach Mike Anderson announced the move on Wednesday morning as Macon has spent two seasons in Queens since Anderson took over the storied program.

“Van [Macon] is a veteran coach and tireless worker who has helped shape our program in so many areas,” Anderson said in a press release.

“We are pleased with his contributions in elevating St. John’s Basketball and believe our program will continue to climb the ranks of the BIG EAST with [Macon] in his new role.”

Macon was vital in the recruitments of Julian Champagnie and Posh Alexander.

Champagnie was named to the All-Big East Freshman Team after the 2019-20 season and has continued his upward trajectory after reeling in an All-Big East First Team honor as well as the Big East’s Most Improved Player award.

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Alexander was named as the conference’s Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year after his first season.

“I am very grateful for this new opportunity at St. John’s and fortunate to be part of Coach Anderson’s staff. These past two years have been a tremendous experience for my family. I’m excited to keep building my hometown team to the highest level possible while we strive for excellence on and off the court,” Macon said.

Van Macon joins TJ Cleveland as associate head coaches on the staff of Mike Anderson.

St. John’s basketball continues to restructure contracts this offseason

In addition to Van Macon receiving a promotion, St. John’s has also extended the contracts of Athletic Director Mike Cragg and men’s basketball head coach Mike Anderson.

Cragg is now under contract with the school through the 2025-26 school year and Anderson recently agreed to a new deal which will keep him in Queens through the 2026-27 season.

St. John’s is coming off a 16-11 (10-9 Big East) season, which was a fourth place finish in the regular season standings for the Johnnies, which was the first time in seven seasons the program posted a winning record and double-digit victories in the Big East.