A Historic Victory for St. John’s University Basketball
On a thrilling Saturday night, St. John’s University men’s basketball team ended a 25-year drought by clinching the Big East Tournament title. The victory marked a triumphant return to glory for the program, celebrating not just the championship but also a remarkable two-year turnaround under the leadership of legendary Coach Rick Pitino. As the team cut down the nets in celebration at Madison Square Garden, Mike Repole, a lifelong fan and Queens native, watched in awe. The moment was made even more unforgettable as Repole headed to the airport, the bright lights of the Empire State Building glowing in St. John’s red and white—a poetic and powerful tribute to the team’s resurgence. “It was amazing,” Repole said, reflecting on the emotion and pride he felt. “I had no idea how it would make me feel, how it would make New York feel.”
Mike Repole: The Billionaire Booster with a Passion
Mike Repole is not just any fan. A self-made billionaire and 1991 St. John’s graduate, he has been instrumental in the program’s revival. His contributions go beyond cheerleading; he has donated at least seven figures to support this year’s team and has incentivized other alumni to open their wallets as well. His financial backing has enabled Coach Pitino to recruit top talent like Kadary Richmond and RJ Luis. St. John’s reportedly boasts an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) payroll of around $4 million, the highest in the Big East. However, Repole insists his support is “not transactional.” For him, this is deeply personal—a connection rooted in his upbringing in Middle Village, Queens, where he dreamed of one day coaching St. John’s.
From Humble Beginnings to Beverage Empire
Repole’s journey to becoming a billionaire began far from the spotlight. A first-generation American whose parents immigrated from Italy, he studied sports management and later founded beverage brands like Vitaminwater and Bodyarmor, which he sold to Coca-Cola for billions. Despite his success, Repole remains down-to-earth, preferring casual clothes over luxury brands and maintaining friendships from his youth. His loyalty to St. John’s has never wavered, even as he openly criticized the program’s leadership during its struggles. In 2019, he famously called school officials “incompetent” on a radio show, speaking not as a billionaire booster but as a frustrated fan.
A New Era for St. John’s Basketball
The turning point came in 2021 when St. John’s hired Father Brian Shanley as president, who made the bold decision to bring in Rick Pitino as head coach. Pitino, a coaching legend with a storied career, arrived with baggage, including past scandals. Yet, Shanley and Repole were willing to take a chance, believing in Pitino’s ability to restore the program to its former glory. Their faith paid off. Under Pitino’s no-nonsense leadership, the team embraced a grit-and-defense mentality, resonating with fans and bringing excitement back to Madison Square Garden. For Repole, this season has been nothing short of rejuvenating. “I didn’t get any younger this year, but I got a lot more youthful,” he said, reflecting on how the team’s success has reconnected him to his childhood love for the game.
A Rebirth for the Red Storm
St. John’s revival has transcended sports, capturing the hearts of New Yorkers and reuniting generations of fans. From an 84-year-old father and his 9-year-old granddaughter bonding over games to lifelong friends reconnecting for trips to MSG, the team’s success has fostered a sense of community. Even celebrities like Spike Lee have been spotted courtside, and the team’s appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon—complete with a viral sea shanty—has cemented their place in pop culture. As Repole put it, “We’re the Kardashians of college basketball,” but there’s nothing artificial about this team’s grit and passion. Their authenticity has fueled a citywide buzz, with St. John’s regularly selling out MSG and dominating headlines beyond the sports pages.
The Big Dance Awaits
As St. John’s prepares to enter the NCAA Tournament as the No. 2 seed in the West, Repole and the Red Storm faithful are dreaming big. “Why not us?” Repole said, embodying the team’s underdog spirit. For him, this journey is about more than basketball—it’s about reconnecting with his roots and experiencing the magic of New York sports once again. As the team takes on Omaha in Providence, Repole jokingly complained that Coach Pitino blocks his view from the front row, but his pride in the program is undeniable. With the city behind them and a legendary coach at the helm, St. John’s is ready to make noise in March Madness—and perhaps bring even more joy to a fanbase that’s been waiting 25 years for this moment.
