By ADAM ZAGORIA
NEW YORK –– Amid reports that St. John’s will part ways with their head coach as soon as Monday, Mike Anderson says he hopes to be back with the Red Storm next season.
Following St. John’s 72-70 overtime loss to Marquette in the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, I asked Anderson about the NIT and whether he hopes to be back next season:
You mentioned the NIT. Do you hope to be invited?
COACH ANDERSON: If there’s an opportunity, our guys
want to play. I’m sure our guys will want to play.
Q. Do you hope to be back as the coach at St. John’s
next year, Mike?
COACH ANDERSON: I just said yes, without a doubt. I
look forward to this team, guys.
Shortly after the game, Sammy Albano, a longtime St. John’s insider, Tweeted that St. John’s higher-ups had already informed Anderson that he would be let go and that an announcement would come Monday “barring” an NIT invite.
Monday barring NIT invite, @StJohnsU will announce they parted ways w/Coach.
— Sammy Albano (@SammyAlbano) March 9, 2023
Decision was relayed 2him in late Feb by Sr. @StJohnsRedStorm officials. Coach gets entire 10m spread over time. Confirmed by Coach Family member 2school staffer. Most
hoops Staff not told yet#SJUBB
Anderson is owed north of $11 million on his contract and, despite St. John’s financial concerns, he reportedly could be paid out the full amount over time.
St. John’s AD Mike Cragg did not immediately respond to a text seeking comment on Anderson’s status.
At 18-15, St. John’s — along with Seton Hall — are both in the running for NIT bids.
Asked if he wished to comment on his future, Anderson said, “We’re talking about the game right now. Have a nice day.”
St. John’s is 68-56 with no NCAA Tournament appearances under Anderson, and 30-46 in Big East regular-season play.
“Between the season, between injury, guys being — it’s just a bunch of things that just didn’t come together like they should have,” he said.
At least one player, big man Joel Soriano, said he would transfer if Anderson is fired.
“He’s a great coach,” Soriano told the NY Post after notching 12 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.
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