The St. John’s University men’s basketball team is once again making headlines, driven by the financial support of billionaire alum Mike Repole and the coaching prowess of Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino. This remarkable turnaround was highlighted by their recent victory in the Big East Tournament, the first time the Red Storm has secured this title in 25 years, at a sold-out Madison Square Garden.
It’s a remarkable resurgence, and now eyes are set on a bigger prize: the NCAA tournament. As a No. 2 seed, St. John’s is aiming to make a run for the Final Four for the first time since 1985. The palpable excitement surrounding the team can be tied directly to the influential leadership and innovative strategies that Repole and Pitino bring to the program.
Mike Repole, who co-founded the beverage companies Glaceau, known for Vitaminwater, and Bodyarmor, has an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, according to Forbes. However, Repole's ambition extends beyond wealth; it connects deeply with his childhood dreams. Growing up, he envisioned himself as either the general manager of the New York Mets or the head coach of the men’s basketball team at St. John’s—both paths he did not pursue, but today, he influences the latter to great effect.
Repole’s admiration for Pitino goes back to the release of the coach’s book, "Success Is a Choice: Ten Steps to Overachieving in Business and Life," which he read cover-to-cover. He cites the book as a powerful inspiration for his own business practices. "I told them, the only book I've ever [fully] read was 'Success Is A Choice,'" he recalls, noting how the teachings of determination and teamwork resonated in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
The launch of Glaceau coincided with the book's release, and it signified a philosophy that Repole applied to his business—emphasizing work ethic and the idea that success is better when shared. Repole remarked, “The job of the coach is to make your players better,” a principle that he translated into his management style, fostering a culture of teamwork and appropriate incentivization.
Now, with Repole's sporadic but significant contributions, St. John’s basketball has transformed. He has reportedly donated millions in name, image, and likeness (NIL) money since 2023 to attract some of the best athletic recruits to the university. His efforts align with the hiring of Rick Pitino, who joined the team in 2023 after overcoming a scandal that saw him ousted from the University of Louisville amidst an FBI bribery and fraud investigation. After being cleared in 2022, Pitino’s return to coaching at St. John’s has energized the program.
Repole has embraced this revitalization, saying, "You're a big part of this team," during a conversation with Pitino captured on Nobull's YouTube account. He continues to support the team, with plans to attend their March Madness game against the University of Nebraska Omaha. "I'm going to be right behind the players," Repole stated, showcasing his commitment and enthusiasm. "I've never seen a team coach as hard as them, play as hard ... It's great to see."
As March Madness approaches, the excitement builds. St. John’s, reminiscent of its storied past, enters the tournament with fervor and expectations. With Repole backing the team and Pitino at the helm, the foundation is set for a historic run. Fans and alumni alike revel in the prospect of a deep tournament run, galvanizing spirits across the university community.
This new era for St. John's is not just about winning games, but about building a legacy—a legacy that embodies the essence of athletic commitment, academic integrity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. All eyes are on the Red Storm, hopeful for a transformation and eager for a return to glory. As the tournament begins, both Mike Repole and Rick Pitino have become instrumental figures in crafting this story, ensuring their impact at St. John's will be felt for years to come.
