Rick Pitino, 73, Crafts Yet Another Career Masterpiece
St. John’s completed a remarkable turnaround at Madison Square Garden. The Red Storm routed Connecticut 75-52 to secure another Big East Tournament crown.
Historic sweep
The program became the first to win consecutive outright regular-season titles. It also captured back-to-back Big East Tournament championships.
That combination has not been achieved before in the conference’s modern history. The victory avenged a 32-point loss to UConn two weeks earlier.
Team rebuild and roster turnover
The roster was largely reassembled after the transfer portal era. St. John’s added eight new players for the 2025-26 season.
Coach Rick Pitino tasked associate Steve Masiello with prioritizing character. The staff scouted widely, even checking unconventional sources during recruiting.
- Dylan Darling — transferred from Idaho State.
- Dillon Mitchell — arrived from Cincinnati.
- Bryce Hopkins — transferred from Providence.
Zuby Ejiofor’s rise
Zuby Ejiofor’s improvement under Pitino was dramatic. He moved from 1.2 points per game at Kansas to 16.3 this season.
Ejiofor collected multiple league honors in the same year. He earned player of the year, defensive player of the year, and scholar-athlete awards, plus tournament MVP.
| Final game line | 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 blocks |
His defensive presence energized the crowd. Fans chanted his name as the victory closed out.
Pitino’s imprint and coaching approach
Pitino’s arrival triggered renewed expectations. Steve Masiello had called the program “dormant” when he joined three seasons earlier.
Pitino has rebuilt programs across college basketball. His past projects include Providence, Kentucky, Louisville and Iona.
At practice, Pitino is exacting and relentless. He uses a wireless microphone to deliver sharp instruction and high standards.
Age, family and perspective
At 73, Rick Pitino, 73, Crafts Yet Another Career Masterpiece with this St. John’s team. The title added to an already extensive résumé.
He celebrated on stage with players and family. The team’s mascot even held one of his 16 grandchildren during the trophy presentation.
His son, Xavier’s head coach, called the accomplishment special for a hometown coach. He also expressed hope that Pitino will continue coaching.
Context and resources
St. John’s has benefited from increased program resources. Alum and Vitamin Water founder Mike Repole has helped fund the effort.
Still, leaders inside the program credit coaching for sustained improvement. Pitino’s system and culture drove on-court development.
Intensity remains
Pitino has long been combative and competitive. Past disputes with other coaches have become part of his lore.
That intensity showed late in the title game. With under a minute left, Pitino stormed the court to correct a defensive lapse.
This championship marks a definitive end to the program’s dormancy. St. John’s now stands as a restored force in the Big East.
