The St. John's Red Storm's remarkable season came to a sudden halt on March 22, 2025, with a disappointing 75-66 loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. After a thrilling year that saw them capture their first Big East Tournament title in 25 years and clinch the Big East regular-season championship for the first time in 40 years, Red Storm fans were left reeling as the expectations soared.
St. John's entered the tournament with a solid 31-5 record, boasting a squad transformed under Coach Rick Pitino’s leadership. However, their journey ended prematurely due to a series of unfortunate events and a lackluster offensive performance against a formidable Arkansas team. A key turning point came when leading scorer RJ Luis Jr. sat for nearly five minutes at a crucial juncture in the game as tensions mounted.
Luis, who had been the Big East Player of the Year, struggled against Arkansas’ length and physical defensive style, finishing with a dismal 3-for-17 shooting performance. St. John's shot a troubling 28% from the field and an even worse 2-for-22 from beyond the arc after shining just days before with a season-high 14 three-pointers in a win against Omaha.
Coach Pitino acknowledged the team’s struggles, particularly with RJ Luis's inability to find his rhythm. "He was 3 for 17," said Pitino in an understated admission of his star player’s poor form. He tactfully indicated during post-game comments that substituting the struggling Luis was a tough decision. "You’re asking leading questions. So don’t ask me any questions. You already know why he didn’t play," said Pitino, hinting at the difficult tactical decisions made during the heat of competition.
The game was a microcosm of St. John's season—marked by grit but ultimately tainted by inconsistency in crucial moments. The Red Storm’s outstanding performance metrics throughout the season included leading the nation in defensive statistics and outpacing opponents in rebounding and hustle plays. Yet, against Arkansas, none of that translated to success on the scoreboard as they were unable to reverse the momentum once it swung.
While reflecting on the losses and the closures of a promising season, Pitino expressed gratitude towards his senior players, Aaron Scott, Kadary Richmond, and Deivon Smith, who had anchored the team during their remarkable run. “Thank you seniors. Losing always hurts, but you played with torn ligaments, sprained shoulders, pulled groins and you gave us a magical run. We will always cherish our time together,” he tweeted after the game, highlighting their contributions to the program’s resurgence.
This season was not just a series of basketball games, but a journey marked by resilience and improvement. St. John's program has undergone a transformation over the last two years under Pitino, moving from an average team to one that captured the attention of college basketball fans nationwide. The genuine atmosphere of excitement around St. John's basketball is palpable, and with a solid core returning, the prospects seem bright.
Looking ahead, questions loom regarding the future roster composition, especially regarding Luis's next steps. As the leading scorer and a definitive force, he could opt to go pro, leaving the team without its pivotal player. What will come next for a squad that tasted success and grappled with disappointment? It’s an offseason that will determine the outlook for the Red Storm in the coming years.
Despite the season-ending loss, the journey to this point has revitalized interest and support for St. John's basketball, signifying a pivotal moment in the program's trajectory. The continued commitment from the fanbase and major financial backers, such as billionaire alumnus Mike Repole, will play a crucial role in sustaining this momentum. Repole's involvement in fundraising aligns with the growing visibility and competitiveness of the program.
In a broader context, as the basketball landscape rapidly evolves, St. John's could soon find itself an attractive destination for top recruits yearning for a stage to shine and a coach experienced in crafting winning teams. The successful blend of established players and talented newcomers could pave the way for future accolades and advances deep into the NCAA tournament.
While the loss to Arkansas stings, much is to be built upon as St. John's looks to reclaim its status in college basketball. For every St. John’s fan lamenting the early exit, there is also a healthy reminder of the remarkable season that transpired, giving hope for what lies ahead. It’s clear that the foundation has been laid for something special at St. John's, and the journey is only beginning. If this season taught fans anything, it’s that with the right commitment, passion, and atmosphere, anything is possible.
