Lou Carnesecca, the legendary St. John’s coach and a pioneer of the Big East Conference, passed away on Saturday at the remarkable age of 99.
Known affectionately as “Looie,” Carnesecca was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. He embodied the spirit of the Red Storm and the vibrant culture of New York City.
Throughout his career, he dedicated himself solely to coaching in Queens, guiding St. John’s through its Golden Age. His tenure was marked by an impressive 24 years without a single losing season, a feat that resonates deeply with the pride of New Yorkers.
Carnesecca played a pivotal role alongside commissioner Dave Gavitt in establishing the Big East, helping to shape it into the premier college basketball conference. Under his leadership, St. John’s entered the league and achieved a tie for first place in its inaugural season.
In the 1984-85 season, he transformed St. John’s into a national powerhouse, culminating in a trip to the Final Four. With stars like Chris Mullin and Walter Berry, the team boasted a remarkable 31-4 record, clinching the conference title with a dominant 15-1 performance.
Carnesecca concluded his remarkable coaching career with 526 victories over 24 seasons at St. John’s, averaging 22 wins per year. Although he briefly coached the ABA’s Nets from 1970 to 1973, his heart always belonged to the college game. He returned to Queens after parting ways with the Nets, taking the reins of the Red Storm in 1973.
Born to Italian immigrant parents who ran a grocery store in Manhattan, Carnesecca initially faced pressure to pursue a medical career. Instead, he followed his passion for sports and attended St. John’s University, where he was part of the 1949 baseball team that reached the College World Series. He began his coaching journey at St. Ann’s High School before serving as an assistant coach under Joe Lapchick at St. John’s from 1958 to 1965, eventually stepping into the head coach position upon Lapchick’s retirement.
After retiring from coaching in 1992, Carnesecca continued to contribute to St. John’s by maintaining an office on campus and supporting the athletic department.
Known for his vibrant sweaters, “Looie” was a symbol of passion and creativity, reflecting his deep love for St. John’s, the Big East, and New York City.
The affection he received from fans and players alike was a testament to his impact and legacy.
Carnesecca was truly one of a kind, leaving an indelible mark on the history of basketball coaching.
