Rick Pitino Ignites St. John’s Ambitions During a Historic Turnaround

Empire State of Mind: Rick Pitino has St. John’s dreaming big amid a historical stretch. In the heart of New York, at Madison Square Garden, the energy was palpable as students stood for three hours, rallying their team with fervor. With only 2:04 left in a tightly contested game, Zuby Ejiofor, the towering center, sank two crucial free throws, followed by a powerful two-handed dunk from Aaron Scott, pushing St. John’s to a commanding three-possession lead. The crowd erupted when Kadary Richmond soared to block a 3-pointer, his celebration igniting a roar from the 16,521 fans, a sound not heard in nearly four decades by the Red Storm’s loyal supporters.

Such electrifying nights were precisely what the university envisioned when hiring Hall-of-Fame coach Rick Pitino from Iona two seasons ago. Pitino, recognized as one of the most strategic minds in college basketball, inherited a program that had struggled under previous leadership. His inaugural season yielded 20 wins and a controversial exclusion from the NCAA Tournament, a stark contrast to the three years of frustration experienced under Mike Anderson. Fast forward 11 months, and on a Tuesday night, the 12th-ranked St. John’s faced off against No. 11 Marquette, with first place in the Big East on the line—an event that marked their first top-15 matchup since January 30, 1999, a date well before any current player was born.

The historical significance of the game resonated with Pitino, who watched his team dominate with a final score of 70-64, marking their ninth consecutive victory and 15 wins in their last 16 games. The Red Storm showcased their prowess with three players achieving double-doubles, while they out-rebounded the Golden Eagles by an impressive 22 boards, including 21 offensive rebounds that translated into 16 second-chance points. Despite facing foul issues and challenges with outside shooting, the team remained undeterred as they prepared for a pivotal matchup against No. 19 Connecticut.

“This is a very unique team,” Pitino noted. “They defy statistical data almost every single game. Their effort level is incredibly high. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such determination.” The success of Pitino’s strategy has propelled St. John’s into the top 10 of the USA Today Coaches’ Poll for the first time this century, making their upcoming two-game stretch against Marquette and UConn feel monumental. The team is matching its best start since the legendary era of Mark Jackson and Walter Berry in the 1985-86 season.

The last time St. John’s reached these heights was 25 years ago when Metta Sandiford-Artest, previously known as Ron Artest, led the Red Storm to a Big East Tournament title. That team, under the guidance of retired head coach Mike Jarvis, experienced one of the most remarkable stretches in program history, defeating four ranked opponents in ten days during February 2000. Their victories included wins over No. 9 Syracuse, No. 18 Connecticut, No. 2 Duke, and No. 23 Seton Hall, setting the stage for a postseason run that culminated in the school’s third conference tournament championship and its most recent NCAA Tournament win.

Jarvis, who previously led the Red Storm to an Elite Eight appearance in 1999, expressed pride in Pitino’s revitalization of the program. Their paths first crossed in the late 1970s when both were emerging coaches in Boston. “Rick Pitino is perfectly situated at St. John’s at just the right time,” Jarvis stated. “With the NIL and the portal, along with Rick’s business acumen, he’s the ideal fit for this moment in the program’s history.”

The excitement around Pitino is palpable in New York City. When he stepped onto the court at 6:21 p.m., he received a standing ovation, accompanied by Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind.” The contrast between Pitino’s sharp suit and Marquette head coach Shaka Smart’s casual attire highlighted how well Pitino embodies the spirit of the city. His presence has attracted celebrities like actor Steve Schirripa, Yankees manager Aaron Boone, and former Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz to sit courtside, all drawn by the energy he brings to college basketball.

In the closing moments of the game, the student section chanted, “We want UConn!” echoing their anticipation for Friday night’s matchup against the two-time defending national champions. “I’m so proud of this damn team,” Pitino declared. “They play with such heart and deserve all the recognition.” This synergy between the coach and his players has rekindled hope among fans, making St. John’s a team to watch as they continue their journey through the season.

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