The Rise of St. John’s: A Season of Triumph and Potential
Even as the St. John’s Red Storm continues to rack up victories—securing the program’s best regular season in 25 years and earning a sixth-place national ranking—head coach Rick Pitino remains cautiously optimistic. Despite their impressive performance, Pitino has consistently emphasized that his team is capable of two extremes: winning against any opponent or losing to anyone. This duality underscores the balance of confidence and humility that has defined the Red Storm’s journey this season. Even with a Big East regular-season title under their belt, Pitino hasn’t wavered in his assessment. The Johnnies, as they are affectionately known, have the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, but they also face the risk of an early exit. “We are a type of basketball team, we can definitely lose in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and we can definitely go to a Final Four,” Pitino remarked during a recent interview on WFAN. This unpredictability reflects the grit and resilience that have become the hallmarks of this team.
A Season of Resilience and Grit
The Red Storm’s success this season has been nothing short of remarkable. At 26-4 overall and 17-2 in the Big East, they have not lost a game at full strength since New Year’s Eve, winning 15 of their last 16 games. This streak has been fueled by their relentless work ethic and ability to overcome adversity, including a string of injuries that have plagued key players like Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, and RJ Luis Jr. Despite these challenges, the team has shown remarkable resilience, a testament to the leadership and determination of both the coaching staff and the players. Pitino has repeatedly praised his team’s ability to adapt and thrive, noting that their ability to win despite injuries speaks volumes about their character. “One of the things that people don’t realize, we’ve had major injuries and have not faltered,” he said. “To me, that speaks volumes about what the players are about.”
Pitino’s Balanced Perspective: Confidence and Caution
Pitino’s candor about his team’s potential has been a recurring theme throughout the season. While he acknowledges the Johnnies’ ability to compete with any team in the country, he also recognizes their vulnerability. This balanced perspective is rooted in the team’s identity as a gritty, hard-working unit that relies on effort and execution rather than sheer talent. “If we don’t just work every single possession, we can get beat,” Pitino admitted. This mindset has kept the team grounded, even as they celebrate their historic Big East title—a feat that has eluded the program since 1985. The Johnnies will enter the Big East Tournament as the No. 1 seed, but Pitino knows that the road ahead will require the same focus and determination that brought them to this point.
A Look Back: Comparing This Season to Last Year’s Squad
Pitino’s confidence in his current team is tempered by a deep respect for last year’s squad, which laid the foundation for this season’s success. Despite struggling early in the 2022-2023 season, last year’s team found its rhythm late, winning six straight games before falling to eventual national champion Connecticut in the Big East Tournament semifinals. When asked to compare this year’s team to last year’s, Pitino admitted that it’s a tough call. “If you took last year’s team at this time of year versus this team, I don’t know who would win. I really don’t,” he said. While this year’s team has been more consistent over the course of the season, last year’s squad was nearly unstoppable in its final stretch. “We were pretty damn good at the end of the year,” Pitino recalled. “It would’ve been a helluva game” if the two teams had faced off.
The Significance of the Big East Title and the Road Ahead
The Red Storm’s outright Big East crown is a milestone that underscores the progress the program has made under Pitino’s leadership. It is the team’s first outright title since 1985, a fact that highlights the magnitude of this achievement. As the team prepares for the Big East Tournament and, ultimately, the NCAA Tournament, the focus remains on staying healthy and maintaining the intensity that has driven their success. The Johnnies will have a well-timed break before their next game against No. 20 Marquette, followed by another break before the conference tournament opener. These rest periods are crucial for a team that has battled injuries all season. For Pitino and his players, the key to continued success lies in their ability to remain disciplined and focused on the task at hand.
A Coach’s Perspective: Celebrating Progress and Preparing for the Future
As the Red Storm bask in the glory of their historic season, Pitino remains focused on the bigger picture. For him, this season is not just about wins and losses but about the transformation of a program. “Year 2 should be, you turned it around,” he said, reflecting on the progress made since his arrival. While the team’s achievements are undeniable, Pitino knows that the true test lies ahead. The NCAA Tournament is a stage where anything can happen, and the Johnnies’ ability to navigate its challenges will depend on their ability to stay true to who they are—a gritty, hard-working team that thrives on effort and execution. As the team prepares for the postseason, Pitino’s balanced perspective serves as a reminder that the journey is far from over. For now, the Johnnies are celebrating their accomplishments while keeping their eyes firmly on the prize.
