Richard Pitino isn’t part of dad Rick’s St. John’s succession plan
No, Richard Pitino isn't going to follow in his father's footsteps at St. John's University. Last February, Rick Pitino said he wanted Richard to remain in New Mexico until his time in St. John's was over and then take his place. Asked about it on a conference call, Richard downplayed the suggestion. St. John's Red […]
Rick Pitino may send Zuby Ejiofor to bench due to rebounding woes
Rick Pitino is considering a change at center. After Zuby Ejiofor's second straight dominant performance, Pitino could start in his place with Vince Iwchukw. “Zubby didn't have any offensive rebounds, and that's what worries me,” Pitino said after St. John's 96-73 win over Quinnipiac at Carnesecca Arena. “We might have to start Vince because he […]
St. John’s Rick Pitino unfazed by NIL challenges that have driven coaches to retirement
The changing landscape of college basketball has, at least in part, contributed to the exodus of several Hall of Fame coaches. Jay Wright, Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams and Tony Bennett all parted ways last week. The advent of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal is thought to have led to them ceasing […]
Rick Pitino eager ‘to see where we’re at’ when St. John’s faces Rutgers in exhibition
St. John's does not play any true road games during non-conference play. But they'll get a taste of the real road environment Thursday night when they visit Rutgers for an exhibition game at Jersey Mike's Arena that will be televised by the Big Ten Network. Rutgers will be an interesting opponent with the addition of […]
Rick Pitino already sees St. John’s making big gains in two key areas
Two deficiencies from last season — lateral quickness and lack of size — shouldn’t be an issue for St. John’s this year. A month into summer training, when asked about his first impressions of his new recruits, coach Rick Pitino was quick to point to those two qualities. And highly-rated Portuguese forward Ruben Prai and […]
St. John’s looks like a classic second-year Rick Pitino team
From Providence to the Knicks to Kentucky to Louisville, Rick Pitino’s teams have traditionally made big strides in his second year as coach. Providence advanced to the Final Four. Kentucky has improved by eight wins. Rick Pitino reacts to St. John’s win over Seton Hall in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals last season. Getty Images […]
Rick Pitino lands Ruben Prey to complete St. John’s roster
Coach Rick Pitino’s St. John’s second-team roster is complete, with the addition of a promising big man from Portugal who Pitino and his staff spent more than a year acquiring. Big man Reuben Pry committed to St. John’s University on Tuesday night, filling a major need up front for St. John’s. St. John’s coach Rick […]
Rick Pitino believes Dan Hurley will stay at UConn
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rick Pitino doesn’t expect Dan Hurley to leave Connecticut and accept the big-money offer from the Lakers. “What I’m hearing is, [inside information] — His father [Bob Hurley Sr.] and his wife [Andrea] “He has some very strong horses in his life and they don’t want to go,” Pitino told The Post […]
How Rick Pitino envisions St. John’s revamped backcourt will work
Rick Pitino’s last national championship team featured three high-level guards who could play for themselves and others. He follows the additions of Louisville’s trio of Peyton Siva, Russ Smith and Luke Hancock, as well as elite lead guards Davon Smith (Utah) and rising sophomores Kadary Richmond (Seton Hall). He sees similarities with the three consecutive […]
Rick Pitino says St. John’s ‘accepts’ Kentucky offer for home-and-home
Count Rick Pitino splits his time between St. John’s and Kentucky. New Wildcats head coach Mark Pope brought up the idea during his induction press conference in Lexington on Sunday, and the Red Storm head coach wrote that St. John’s was “acceptable” to the offer. “[St.John’s men’s basketball] You will be accepted in the UK […]