One of the most prolific talents in the long and storied history of St. John’s Basketball, Zendon Hamilton is coming home to join the Red Storm coaching staff.
The seventh-leading scorer and fourth-leading rebounder in St. John’s history will serve as the program’s coordinator of basketball operations. In this role, Hamilton will assist in all facets of the Red Storm’s day-to-day doings while playing a significant role in both alumni and community relations.
“We are excited to welcome Zendon back to St. John’s as a member of our basketball staff,” said Head Coach Mike Anderson. “Zendon was an outstanding player who has always been a great ambassador for our University. His experience at the collegiate and professional levels and knowledge of St. John’s will undoubtedly benefit our program.”
Hamilton, who played six seasons in the NBA, becomes the second member of the Red Storm staff to boast an NBA pedigree. Special Assistant to the Head Coach Paul Pressey played 11 seasons in the league from 1982-1993.
“It feels so good to be home and to be a part of this family that has such a storied tradition because of all of the great players and coaches over the years,” said Hamilton. “I want to thank Coach Anderson and Mike Cragg for this opportunity to come back home and continue to be a part of this great St. John’s Basketball program.”
After participating in the McDonald’s All-American Game at Alumni Hall in 1994 alongside future Red Storm teammate Felipe Lopez, Hamilton had a stellar freshman campaign, averaging 11.4 points on better than 50.0 percent shooting to go along with 5.0 rebounds per contest.
The Floral Park, N.Y., native enjoyed his most productive season as a sophomore in 1995-96, averaging 20.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.
After nearly averaging another double-double with 16.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as a junior, Hamilton helped lead St. John’s to the NCAA Tournament as a senior in 1998, posting 15.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game for the 22-win Johnnies.
A three-time Second Team All-BIG EAST selection, Hamilton averaged 8.1 rebounds per game in 72 regular season BIG EAST contests, good enough for the ninth highest average in conference history. For his St. John’s tenure in total, Hamilton scored 1,810 points and collected 949 rebounds in 114 games, good enough for career averages of 15.9 and 8.3, respectively.
After going undrafted in 1998, Hamilton played two successful seasons in Spain and Greece before beginning a six-year NBA career with the Clippers during the 2000-01 campaign. The following year with the Denver Nuggets, Hamilton appeared in a career-high 54 games, 15 of which were starts, while averaging career-best marks of 6.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per outing.
Over the next several seasons, Hamilton went on to have tenures with the Raptors, 76ers, Bucks and Cavaliers, including 46 appearances with Philadelphia during the 2003-04 campaign.
From 2006-12, Hamilton played professionally all over the globe, signing on with clubs in Poland, Russia, Syria, Ukraine and Uruguay.
Upon retiring in 2013, Hamilton began his coaching career in what was then known as the NBA D-League. Over the next several seasons, he served as an assistant coach for the Idaho Stampede, Texas Legends and Agua Caliente Clippers before coming home to Queens.
Since his graduation, Hamilton has remained close to his alma mater, aiding in several aspects of the basketball program and serving as a member of the department’s hall of fame selection committee.
Zendon Hamilton Joins St. John’s Men’s Basketball Coaching Staff
