March 16, 2025
New York, NY
New York, NY — Rick Pitino’s arrival at St. John’s University as head coach has marked a new era for the storied basketball program. Known for his ability to rebuild programs and lead teams to success, Pitino is already making waves in the college basketball world, as the Red Storm continue to shine under his leadership.
St. John’s basketball, long a respected name in the Big East Conference, has been undergoing a transformation under Pitino’s guidance. Since he took over as head coach in 2024, Pitino has quickly revamped the team’s offensive and defensive schemes, bringing renewed hope to the fans and players alike. The Red Storm’s 2025 season has been one to watch, with exciting performances and a chance to contend in the Big East Tournament.
Pitino’s Arrival and Immediate Impact
Rick Pitino, who has had a legendary career coaching teams like Louisville and Kentucky, took over the St. John’s program with one clear mission: to return the Red Storm to prominence. After signing a multi-year contract with the university in 2024, Pitino set to work rebuilding the team from the ground up.
The immediate impact was felt in the Red Storm’s performance on the court. Pitino, known for his high-pressure defense and fast-paced offense, has instilled these philosophies into St. John’s players. The transition has been smooth, with a noticeable improvement in the team’s energy and execution. Under Pitino’s tutelage, players have developed their skills, with standout performances from key figures like RJ Luis and David Jones.
“We’re getting better every day,” Pitino said after a hard-fought win against Creighton. “The players have bought into what we’re doing here, and I’m excited about the direction we’re headed.”
St. John’s Resurgence in the Big East
The Big East Conference has long been one of the most competitive basketball leagues in the nation, with teams like Villanova, UConn, and Creighton consistently performing at a high level. Under Pitino, St. John’s has shown they can compete with the best in the conference.
In the 2025 Big East Tournament, the Red Storm made a strong push, defeating top-tier teams and proving that they are a legitimate threat in the league. St. John’s earned a spot in the semifinals of the Big East Championship, showcasing a blend of tough defense and explosive offense.
Pitino’s expertise in coaching has been instrumental in bringing out the best in his players. The Red Storm’s defense, which was once a weak point for the team, has become one of the most aggressive and efficient in the conference. Their ability to force turnovers and convert them into fast-break opportunities has kept opponents on their heels.
Key Players Under Pitino’s Leadership
One of the standout performers for St. John’s this season has been sophomore RJ Luis. The 6’6” guard has blossomed into one of the top players in the Big East under Pitino’s guidance. Luis has been a consistent scorer for the Red Storm, averaging 16 points per game while also contributing with rebounds and assists.
“RJ has a great work ethic,” Pitino remarked after a recent victory. “He’s a complete player, and his growth this season has been incredible. He’s going to be a key player for us moving forward.”
Another player who has made significant strides this season is senior forward David Jones. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Jones has provided St. John’s with a dynamic presence on both ends of the floor. His ability to stretch the floor and hit outside shots has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
In addition to Luis and Jones, Pitino has successfully integrated several new faces into the rotation, including freshman guard Andre Curbelo, who has provided a scoring spark off the bench.
St. John’s vs. Creighton: A Thrilling Matchup
One of the most highly anticipated games of the season was St. John’s matchup against Creighton, a perennial powerhouse in the Big East. The game, which took place during the Big East Tournament, was a showcase of two teams with championship aspirations.
Creighton, led by star player Ryan Kalkbrenner, was considered the favorite heading into the game. However, St. John’s, under Pitino’s guidance, fought hard and kept the game competitive from start to finish. Despite some late-game heroics from Creighton, the Red Storm fell short, losing 75-72 in a game that highlighted the growth of the program under Pitino.
“We learned a lot from this game,” Pitino said after the loss. “Creighton is a great team, and we were right there with them. We’re getting closer, and we’ll use this experience to get better.”
The Road Ahead: NCAA Tournament Bound?
As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, many are wondering if St. John’s will secure an at-large bid. With a strong performance in the Big East Tournament and a solid regular-season record, the Red Storm have put themselves in contention for a spot in the tournament.
“We’re focused on getting better and improving every day,” Pitino said when asked about his team’s NCAA Tournament chances. “If we keep playing the way we have been, I’m confident we’ll make a run.”
The Red Storm’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament will depend on their ability to win key games in the closing weeks of the regular season and in the Big East Tournament. Pitino’s leadership has certainly given the program new life, and St. John’s is poised to be a dangerous team come tournament time.
