The St. John's men's basketball team is poised for a triumphant return to the NCAA tournament as a No. 2 seed, marking a significant achievement following a standout season. With a remarkable overall record of 30-4 and a dominant 18-2 performance in league play, the Red Storm has surged into the national spotlight after a quarter-century drought since winning the Big East tournament.
St. John's first secured the Big East title in 25 years under the leadership of head coach Rick Pitino, a renowned figure in college basketball making headlines as he takes his sixth different team to the tournament. The team emerged victorious over Butler, Marquette, and Creighton to secure their tournament championship, demonstrating resilience and skill against formidable opponents.
Reflecting on his team’s triumph at Madison Square Garden, Pitino expressed his joy on social media. “So great to share a Big East Crown at the World’s Most Famous Arena with those you love the most,” he posted on X after cutting down the nets.
Pitino, a 72-year-old Hall of Fame coach, stated, “I saved the best for last,” amidst the celebration at the sold-out arena, where the St. John's fans roared in approval. It's a testament to his remarkable career journey, having faced adversity in recent years before this triumphant return to college basketball.
Five years ago, Pitino faced the lowest point of his career, coaching in Greece after a series of scandals during his time at Louisville. His situation transformed in just a few seasons; he took the helm at Iona before arriving at St. John's and implementing changes to restore the program's legacy.
“I just really feel that adversity is a temporary thing that you could rally from,” Pitino told The Associated Press, discussing his path to recovery. “I’m coaching over 50 years. You’re going to have ups and downs. But it’s what you do with the downs. And it’s what you do with the success stories.”
This season has indeed been a significant success story for St. John's. They have not only returned to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2019 but also achieved their first outright Big East regular-season title in four decades. The team currently boasts a nine-game winning streak and has claimed 19 victories out of 20 games since the new year.
As the second-seeded Johnnies prepare to face No. 15 seed Omaha on March 20, 2025, in Providence, they aim for their first NCAA Tournament win since 1998. The historic win would set the stage for a potential matchup against seventh-seeded Kansas or No. 10 Arkansas in the next round, both led by fellow Hall of Famers.
Pitino’s influence on the team is evident. He has compiled a stellar coaching resume, with 884 wins to date, ranking fifth in Division I history. His career includes national championships at Kentucky in 1996 and Louisville in 2013, although the latter title was later vacated due to NCAA violations.
Under Pitino’s watchful eye, the Red Storm has embraced a fresh style marked by relentless pressure defense and significant contributions from key players like Zuby Ejiofor, Kadary Richmond, and Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. Remarkably, the four losses endured by the team this season have come by a mere seven points, the smallest total margin of defeat for a Division I team with four or more losses since 1950.
Feedback from his peers highlights the progress Pitino has made with his squad. Creighton coach Greg McDermott remarked, “They’ve had a remarkable year. Dominated our league,” noting how St. John's overwhelmed their opponents to clinch the Big East title.
Pitino's journey back to the NCAA has sparked considerable interest beyond the court. He became a viral sensation after a locker-room pep talk that emphasized resilience and learning from adversity, featured in a documentary called “Pitino: Red Storm Rising” on VICE Sports.
His coaching approach blends toughness with understanding, as Ejiofor pointed out, reflecting on Pitino's unique ability to balance intensity on the court with a nurturing side off it. “He’s really soft with me and my teammates, especially when it’s not really basketball-related,” he remarked.
Pitino has adjusted his life to immerse himself in the excitement surrounding St. John's basketball once again. Though he maintains a home in the Westchester suburbs with his wife and five children, he has found himself gravitating towards Manhattan more frequently. Following the Big East Tournament victory, the Empire State Building was illuminated in the school’s colors — red and white — a visual representation of the renewed pride in the team.
Despite the triumphs, Pitino emphasizes the importance of humility in his life, saying, “Humility is a big part of my life right now.” He believes success has come from fostering a culture of hard work and adaptation within the program. “We’ve really tried to just live every single day as if it’s going to be the last in coaching, and make the program better,” he added.
As St. John's embarks on this NCAA journey, hopes are high. With Rick Pitino at the helm, the team is not just looking to make an appearance but to leave an indelible mark on this year’s tournament following an inspiring season. The Red Storm is back, and the stage is set for a successful March Madness run.
