The St. John’s Red Storm had an outstanding season, capturing both the Big East regular season and conference tournament titles. With a remarkable 31-5 overall record and an impressive 18-2 mark against Big East opponents, they proved to be one of the top teams in the country.
A major factor in their success has been the hire of legendary head coach Rick Pitino, who took the reins two seasons ago with the task of rejuvenating a program that had been struggling. And that’s exactly what he’s done.
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On Wednesday, St. John’s made an exciting announcement, revealing that their 72-year-old head coach had been named the “Looie” Men’s Division I Coach of the Year.
Pitino is the only coach in college basketball history to have led six different programs to the NCAA Tournament, and he has now transformed St. John’s into one of the most intriguing programs moving forward.
After a tough loss to Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32, the focus has shifted to the offseason. With the changes in college sports due to NIL and the transfer portal, Pitino has adapted remarkably well.
St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino.Brad Penner-Imagn Images
St. John’s needed to replace key contributors like RJ Luis Jr., Kadary Richmond, and Deivon Smith, all of whom were vital to the team’s success this past season. However, they’ve not only filled those gaps but have gone above and beyond.
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Pitino has landed former five-star prospects Ian Jackson and Joson Sanon, along with Bryce Hopkins, Oziyah Sellers, and most recently, Dillon Mitchell. Plus, star center Zuby Ejiofor will be back in New York as well.
Related: Rick Pitino Sounds off on RJ Luis Jr. Entering Transfer Portal, NBA Draft
