Rick Pitino’s Tribute to Kenny Klein

Next season, Rick Pitino plans to pay tribute to his close friend, Kenny Klein.

Pitino will be leaving the seat beside Klein, who usually occupies the scorer’s box during games. When asked about the idea of the team wearing commemorative patches, Pitino mentioned that he hadn’t yet communicated his plans to anyone at the school.

“We’re definitely going to do something,” Pitino expressed.

Klein, aged 66, faced a heartbreaking incident at a dinner party on June 11 and sadly never regained consciousness, passing away on June 25.

He had dedicated the last two years to the Red Storm’s sports information department following a lengthy career as Louisville’s sports information director.

In 2015, Klein was inducted into the American College Sports Information Directors Hall of Fame, and two years later, he became a member of the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame. He also received the Katha Quinn Award in 2012 from the Basketball Writers Association of America, recognizing his significant contributions to college basketball media coverage.

Pitino delivered a heartfelt eulogy at Klein’s funeral on Monday.

“There was something else I wanted to say, but I couldn’t,” Pitino shared, reflecting on his emotions.

“As time goes on, you not only lose a great friend, but you realize he contributed immensely to St. John’s. This is a significant loss for both me and the university,” he added.

In recent news, St. John’s made headlines as they selected three players in the modern NBA draft. Zuby Ejiofor was picked 23rd overall by the Hawks, Dillon Mitchell went 40th to the Celtics, and Bryce Hopkins was chosen by the Nuggets with the 49th pick.

“I was ecstatic, especially when Bryce got drafted,” Pitino said. “We weren’t sure about Zuby landing in the first round, so it was a bit nerve-wracking, but everything turned out wonderfully.”

Ojiya Cellars will join this group for the NBA’s Summer League, signing a contract with the Knicks for their upcoming games in Las Vegas.

The team is set to start practicing next week, with several players already on campus participating in individual training. The rest of the team is expected to arrive this weekend.