The St. John's Red Storm, boasting a spectacular record of 30 wins against just 4 losses, are heading into the 2025 NCAA Tournament as the No. 2 seed in the West Region. This marks St. John's first NCAA tournament appearance since 2019, displaying their resurgence as a formidable force in college basketball.
Fans and alumni alike have reason to celebrate as the team prepares to face the No. 15 seed Omaha Mavericks on March 20, 2025, at 9:45 p.m. ET at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. The game will be broadcast live on CBS, with live stats available on various platforms.
After an impressive run in the Big East Tournament, where they claimed their first title since 2000, St. John's showed dominance by defeating Butler, Marquette, and Creighton by large margins, boasting an average victory margin of 17.7 points throughout the tournament. Mike Repole, a key booster for the team, has been vocal about his excitement, stating, "I haven't had this feeling in New York in a long, long time" as his beloved team reestablishes itself on the national stage.
Repole, a self-made billionaire and St. John's alumnus, has significantly contributed to the team’s success this year by donating over seven figures, enabling the recruitment of excellent talents such as RJ Luis, who earned the Dave Gavitt Trophy as the BIG EAST Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and fellow All-Tournament Team members Zuby Ejiofor and Kadary Richmond.
The Red Storm have witnessed a remarkable transformation, not only in their performance but also in their community support. Repole, who previously expressed dissatisfaction with the school's leadership, now offers a proud testament to the team's revival, stating, "College sports has always been a business. Now it’s being shared in different ways," alluding to the transformative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules that have altered the dynamics of college athletics.
Moreover, the team’s successful season has been energized by head coach Rick Pitino, marking his 24th NCAA tournament appearance. Known for his no-nonsense coaching style, Pitino leads the Johnnies with a stellar 54-21 overall record in the tournament. His expertise has revitalized the program, leading it to a 30-win season for only the third time in its history, a milestone not reached since 1985-86.
As St. John's prepares to face Omaha, the Red Storm is favored heavily by 18.5 points, with a win probability estimated at 97%. The Mavericks, despite struggling at the beginning of the season, have turned around their fortunes under the mentorship of Summit League Player of the Year, Marquel Sutton. However, they face a formidable challenge against the Johnnies' top-ranking defense.
St. John's basketball team stands out not only due to its skilled roster but also its remarkable fans who have rallied to support them throughout the season. With a renewed sense of hope, Repole describes a common sentiment among fans, saying, "It’s almost like he wasn't ready to go until the team was in the right place. And finally after 25 years, the team is in the right place," reflecting on the passing of the program's patriarch, Lou Carnesecca, who had been a galvanizing force behind the St. John's spirit.
As the first-round matchup approaches, all eyes will be on the court in Providence on March 20, where the Johnnies hope to continue their dramatic comeback story in this year’s March Madness. The anticipation surrounding the game serves as a testament to the re-established legacy of St. John's basketball, kindling excitement amongst both current fans and alumni.
The upcoming clash promises to be more than just a game; it represents a revival—a narrative of resilience and triumph. With Zuby Ejiofor noted as a key player to watch, particularly on the boards, the Red Storm will aim to bring home a victory and advance in the tournament. The team's journey is not just a celebration of success on the court but also a reflection of community pride and long-lasting passion for St. John's basketball.
