QUEENS, N.Y. (March 20, 2023) – St. John’s University has officially welcomed Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Pitino as the 22nd head coach of its men’s basketball program. This significant move brings a coach with a storied history of success, including two NCAA championships and Final Four appearances with three different universities, to lead the Red Storm. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about what coach St John’s Pitino will bring to the program.
A New Era for St. John’s Red Storm with Coach Rick Pitino
The announcement marks an exciting new chapter for St. John’s basketball. Rick Pitino, renowned for his dynamic coaching style and proven track record, is set to revitalize the program and guide it back to national prominence. With 35 years of collegiate head coaching experience, Pitino boasts an impressive 834-293 career record. His leadership has propelled five different schools to a combined 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, including seven Final Four runs – a feat achieved by only a handful of coaches in NCAA history.
St. John’s University President, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., expressed his enthusiasm: “I am delighted to welcome Rick Pitino and his family to the St. John’s family. Rick knows BIG EAST basketball and is determined to take and keep the Red Storm program where we know it belongs.” This sentiment underscores the high expectations and strategic vision behind selecting Pitino as coach St John’s.
Pitino’s Legacy: Championship Pedigree and Hall of Fame Status
Rick Pitino’s coaching career is decorated with accolades and milestones. He holds the distinction of being the first coach to lead three different schools to the Final Four and secure NCAA Championships with two separate institutions. His NCAA Tournament record is equally remarkable, boasting a 54-21 mark and a .720 winning percentage, ranking him among the top active coaches in tournament history. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, Pitino’s expertise and experience are undeniable assets for coach St John’s and the Red Storm.
Pitino himself reflected on the historical significance of St. John’s basketball: “One of my great coaching memories was having the distinct privilege of coaching against Lou Carnesecca and St John’s, a Hall of Fame coach and historic program that I have always respected. It is surreal to now have this opportunity to bring St John’s back to prominence.”
From Iona to St. John’s: Pitino’s Journey Back to National Stage as Coach St John’s
Prior to accepting the coach St John’s position, Pitino demonstrated his continued coaching prowess at Iona University. In three seasons, he led the Gaels to a 64-22 record, including two MAAC regular season titles and tournament championships, culminating in NCAA Tournament berths in 2021 and 2023. Before Iona, Pitino spent successful stints at the University of Louisville (where he won the 2013 NCAA Championship), University of Kentucky (1996 NCAA Championship), Providence College, Boston University, and Hawai’i.
St. John’s Director of Athletics Mike Cragg emphasized Pitino’s New York roots and championship mentality: “Coach Pitino is one of the most brilliant minds in the history of the game and has won at the highest levels everywhere he has coached. There is no doubt in my mind he will restore a championship-level program and culture for St. John’s Basketball.”
What to Expect from Coach St John’s: Tournament Titles and NBA Talent
Throughout his career, Pitino’s teams have consistently achieved success in tournament play, securing 14 tournament championships and maintaining an impressive .774 conference tournament record. His ability to develop players is also evident, with 29 of his former players having been drafted or played in the NBA. The 1996 NCAA Championship team at Kentucky alone featured seven future NBA players, highlighting Pitino’s talent for nurturing top-tier basketball talent. St. John’s fans are eager to see how coach St John’s will shape the future of the Red Storm.
Press Conference and Fan Engagement
Rick Pitino will be formally introduced as the new coach St John’s at a press conference on Tuesday at 12 p.m. at Chase Square inside Madison Square Garden. Fans are invited to watch the press conference live at RedStormSports.com, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for St. John’s University men’s basketball. The appointment of Pitino signals a clear commitment from St. John’s to compete at the highest levels of college basketball and rekindle the program’s rich history.
