Chris Mullin accepts head coaching job at St. John's

Basketball Hall of Famer and St. John's alum Chris Mullin has finalized a deal to become the next head coach at his alma mater. 

The university announced the deal Tuesday afternoon and will hold a press conference Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. ET to introduce Mullin to the media.

"Obviously, it's a surreal experience coming home and returning to St. John's University. This is a role I have been preparing for all of my life," Mullin said in a statement. "There are so many people who have had a great influence on me to reach this point, especially my parents, Coach Carnesecca and my former teammates. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Gempesaw for providing me this tremendous opportunity to give back to the university where I spent some of the greatest years of my life."

Mullin will become the Red Storm's 20th head coach, and was reportedly the first choice of new president Conrado Gempesaw.

The two sides have been in discussions about the position for some time. The school decided to act when St. John's lost its opening NCAA tournament game against San Diego State, and chose to move on from Steve Lavin after five seasons.

Under Lavin's guidance, St. John's has gone 81-55, including a 21-12 record and a second trip to the NCAA tournament this past season.

Mullin is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the St. John's basketball program with 2,440 points, and was a three-time Big East Player of the Year.

Following a 16-year NBA career, Mullin was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player and as a member of the 1992 "Dream Team," which won the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics.

Mullin has occupied several roles in the Golden State Warriors organization since retiring from the game, including five seasons as general manager. He will be leaving a position as an adviser for the Sacramento Kings.

A news conference announcing the move is expected before Thursday.