QUEENS, N.Y. – The St. John's men's basketball team has burst onto the national scene under the leadership of head coach Rick Pitino, culminating in their recent triumph at the BIG EAST Championship. This celebrated victory not only marks the team’s first title since 2000, but it also secures their place in the NCAA Tournament – their first appearance since 2019.
On March 15, 2025, Pitino guided the Red Storm past Creighton, effectively ending their 25-year title drought, and affirming his position as one of college basketball’s elite coaches. Following this victory, Pitino expressed his pride, stating, “I am, as a New Yorker, about as proud as any person could be because, you know, when I hear St. John’s is New York’s team and we’re New York strong and we represent New York, it makes me feel awesome inside.” His emotional connection to the program and city is evident, as he emphasizes St. John's identity as New York’s team.
With the conference championship securely under their belt, the Red Storm are poised to make waves during the NCAA Tournament. St. John's earned the No. 2 seed and will begin their championship bid against No. 15 Omaha on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 9:45 p.m. at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence. Pitino is already strategizing for the game, highlighting hockey-loaded competitor teams like Arkansas and Kansas, which could be waiting if they advance. “We know [Omaha’s] a high-scoring team. They shoot a lot of threes,” said Pitino, outlining the challenges his team may face.
What sets this team apart is not just their on-court performance. Under Pitino's tutelage, St. John's has benefitted immensely from substantial financial backing, primarily through billionaire Mike Repole, founder of BodyArmor and St. John's alum. Repole’s involvement has proven invaluable, reportedly providing about 50% of the NIL pool, estimated at $3.5-$4 million. This financial support has attracted high-profile transfers, such as Kadary Richmond, ranked the No. 1 player in the 247Sports Transfer Portal, enhancing the team’s capability.
During his recent guest appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Pitino discussed the burgeoning NIL opportunities and their impact on the St. John's program. He pointed out how the recent revenue-sharing model, which allocates approximately $22 million annually to each participating school, offers the Red Storm unique advantages. Other institutions may funnel these funds primarily toward football programs, but without one, St. John's can dedicate it entirely to basketball.
Rick Pitino’s insights specify how schools without football programs – like St. John's – could leverage this change to build stronger basketball teams. He firmly believes this new financial framework can promote competitive balance across college basketball. Anticipation is mounting around Pitino's vision of potentially merging the Big East and ACC conferences, seen as pivotal for enhancing the national spotlight and competitive stage for basketball programs.
Following this powerful championship run, the buzz surrounding St. John's basketball is electric. Yet, there remains skepticism. Pitino asserts, “St. John’s didn’t get built by the NIL. St. John’s got built with the character of the players.” This statement encapsulates the team's spirit and resolve, formulating the conflict between imminent success and future expectations.
So, can Rick Pitino continue this upward trend and cement St. John's as a basketball powerhouse? The road to the NCAA National Championship begins soon, starting with their game against Omaha, but the possibilities are tantalizing for the Red Storm. With strong financial backing, superb coaching, and growing talent, it seems St. John's is just getting started. The basketball world will be watching intently as they rise to prominence once more.
With Pitino at the helm for his second year, there's a genuine sense of optimism. All eyes are glued to how St. John's navigates the upcoming tournament – can they break through all obstacles and emerge as champions? For fans and players alike, this is only the beginning. The future undoubtedly looks bright as the Red Storm aims for glory.
