Mike Anderson’s St. John’s introduction included two important guests

A meandering week-long search officially ended Friday when St. John’s feted Mike Anderson as Chris Mullin’s replacement as the 21st head basketball coach in St. John’s history.

“First and foremost, wow, what a whirlwind … I got a call Wednesday and I’m up here right now and I’m going to be the head coach of St. John’s,” the 59-year-old Anderson said in Friday’s Madison Square Garden press conference. “I’m ready to get to work.”

Shamorie Ponds and Justin Simon have declared for the NBA draft, and multiple committed players have backed out since Mullin stepped down, but existing players LJ Figueroa and Mustpaha Heron were in attendance at the press conference, perhaps a good sign they could be staying at the Queens school.

Anderson has posted a career record of 369-200 (.649) in 17 seasons as a head coach at UAB, Missouri and Arkansas. His nine NCAA tournament appearances are highlighted by an Elite Eight appearance in 2009 with Missouri.

Anderson, the uncle of former Missouri star and current Nets forward DeMarre Carroll, is one of only four current Division I coaches with at least 15 years of experience who has never endured a sub .500 season, joining Roy Williams, Tom Izzo and Mark Few.

Anderson was fired after going 18-16 this year in his eighth season with the Razorbacks, losing in the second round of the NIT.

Since Mullin stepped down on April 10, St. John’s had been turned down by Arizona State’s Bobby Hurley and Loyola Chicago’s Porter Moser. Iona’s Tim Cluess also removed his name from consideration earlier this week.

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