Albany — St. John’s Rick Pitino’s courtship takes its next step on Sunday night.
School officials are set to meet with the Hall of Fame coach, a source told The Post.
Pitino has been the sole focus of Johnny’s search for a coach since he split with Mike Anderson nine days ago.
The Washington Post first reported mutual interests between the two parties the day before St. John’s fired Anderson.
Pitino, 70, has led the University of Iona to two MAAC regular season crowns and two conference tournament titles over the past three years.
Iona ended a 27-win season with a loss to Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
The main factor in St. John’s pursuit is the President Fr. Bryan Shanley, who nearly hired Pitino at Providence 12 years ago, has come “incessantly” in pursuit of the legendary coach.
Pitino called Shanley a “superstar”.
Before agreeing to the deal, Pitino wanted to meet in person and tour the St. John’s campus and facilities.
