St. John’s, Rick Pitino defeat son Richard’s New Mexico at MSG
Rick Pitino didn't know what to expect. If only his team was prepared for this kind of test. If St. John's is ready to play as well, it will need to do so against a top-tier opponent. His players gave him a brilliant answer. A year ago, Johnny didn't appear after the Garden lost the […]
Bragging rights on the line in Pitino showdown for St. John’s-New Mexico clash
Sunday afternoon will probably be spent in the garden with the family. Sitting behind the St. John's bench are Rick Pitino's daughter Jacqueline and son Ryan. On the other side of the floor behind New Mexico's bench will be Pitino's wife, Joanne, her sister and best friend, who will support Rick's son Richard. “[Joanne] “I […]
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 […]