Rick Pitino isn’t thrilled about St. John’s being eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, but he’s especially upset that Seton Hall was snubbed.
Seton Hall becomes the first team in the Big East’s 45-year history to be removed from March Madness after finishing five games over .500 in the conference, joining Providence, Marquette, Butler, St. John’s and the defense. champion UConn.
Pitino, who wrote for X on Monday, joined in with his conference colleagues.
“I believe that things will get better, not worse.” Pitino tweeted.
“I completely believe the six teams in the Big East belong in this field. I know the players along with Providence are completely disappointed in the decisions that were made. But BE It’s completely wrong that Seton Hall, which is 13-7, can’t get a win against a top team!”
Seton Hall coach Shaheen Holloway was stunned on a Zoom call with reporters Sunday night.
“It’s very disappointing and very shocking,” Holloway said.
“I can’t believe that a team that should be the second-best in the national conference numerically won 13 games. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a situation like that before. The disrespect that was shown to me… it’s mind-boggling to me. … Hours later, I still can’t believe it. I still can’t believe that only three teams made it to this conference. It’s shameful and disrespectful on every level.”
Meanwhile, Marquette head coach Shaka Smart theorized that DePaul’s historically ineffective team ended up giving other teams in the Big East a chance at the Big Dance.
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“It was a perfect storm numbers-wise in our league,” Smart said. on CBS Sports. “UConn had the best year of any of his Big East teams, and DePaul probably had the worst year ever.
“That affected the midfield team.”
