Rick Pitino is back at the helm of college basketball, leading St. John's University to unprecedented heights—culminated by winning their first Big East Tournament championship in 25 years. The Red Storm’s resurgence under Pitino, who has turned the team around during his tenure, has sports commentators buzzing. Colin Cowherd, during the March 17 episode of ESPN’s "The Herd," expressed high praise for the veteran coach, saying, "I'm rooting for Rick Pitino, and I think they have a chance to win it." Cowherd lauded Pitino as one of the greatest college basketball coaches, positioning him alongside legends like John Wooden and Coach K.
St. John's secured its spot in the NCAA Tournament, entering as the No. 2 seed in the West Region, after clinching the Big East championship with a statement victory over Creighton. Cowherd highlighted Pitino’s abilities as what he dubbed a "turnaround wizard," emphasizing his capacity to adapt to challenges and revitalize the programs he leads.
Pitino, now 72, has faced his share of tumultuous moments, particularly following his controversial exit from Louisville during allegations of corruption. Yet even amid this storm, he rebounded, quickly finding success at Iona before making the leap to St. John’s. During the past year, the Red Storm amassed an impressive 30-4 season record, which is generating excitement among fans and interrogations of his coaching genius once again.
Reflecting on his return to coaching, Pitino firmly rejected the notion of redemption attached to his storied career. “I really don’t believe in the word ‘redemption’ because those who judge you really don’t know the facts,” he stated during his appearance on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show." These remarks come years after he was exonerated by the Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP) from the scandal I which he was embroiled. Pitino has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, asserting during the show, "If something went wrong, you’re the head of the team. You have to be responsible for all actions."
St. John's now looks forward to its upcoming NCAA Tournament matchup against No. 15 seed Omaha on March 20, 2025, where they will venture north to Providence. On the drive, Pitino cheekily urged fans to wave as they passed UConn’s campus en route—a playful nod to their historic rival. "When you pass Storrs on the way by, just wave to them,” he quipped, referencing UConn’s previous reigns as back-to-back national champions under coach Dan Hurley. Pitino noted how this banter reflects their competitive nature on and off the court.
Pitino’s comments highlight the current state of college basketball, as the rivalry between St. John’s and UConn intensifies. Interestingly, two of UConn's 10 losses this past season came at the hands of Pitino’s rejuvenated Red Storm, who enjoyed their latest success thanks to strategic recruiting and adaptations to NCAA regulations over Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals which were implemented last year. This flexibility has allowed St. John's to gain significant talent through the transfer portal.
The team remains on the rise, currently ranked No. 5 in the AP poll—its highest ranking since January 1991—signifying the magnitude of their turnaround. A victory for Pitino’s team could set the stage for additional matches against top teams, including UConn, should both programs progress through the tournament.
Pitino, meanwhile, finds himself at the center of yet another success narrative, one he has built through years of perseverance through both triumph and tribulation. With strong leadership and proven track records, the Red Storm aims to put St. John’s back on the map as they enter the NCAA tournament. The eyes of the college basketball world will be on them as the season moves forward, filled with anticipation over what Pitino and his squad will achieve next.
