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Iona coach Rick Pitino has been named the new coach at St. John's, the school announced on Mlnday.
Terms of the contract have not been disclosed, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnawoski reported that Pitino has agreed to a six-year contract. It's a monumental hire for college basketball and one that shines a light on a struggling Big East conference.
Pitino is a Hall of Fame coach who has had success on the biggest stage. Originally from New York, Pitino's hire will give the city a chance to spark excitement. New York is known for its passion for basketball, and the move should generate buzz surrounding the program.
St. John's Red Storm hires Rick Pitino
The hiring of Rick Pitino has the potential to be a massive move for college basketball. Over the years, the Big East has struggled when it comes to its strength.
The Big East was once known as a powerhouse conference in the history of college basketball. Over the years, that narrative has shifted with other conferences offering more talented programs. Pitino will be St. John's biggest coaching hire since Lou Carnesecca stepped down from the program in 1992.
Pitino has the resume to inject a sense of excitement immediately into the program. He's the only coach to lead three different programs to the Final Four, accomplishing the feat with Providence, Kentucky and Louisville. Pitino has won two national championships and has made it to the Final Four an impressive seven times during his illustrious career. However, one national title and two Final Four trips have been vacated by the NCAA.
St. John's has been to two Final Fours in the history of its program. Since 2002, the school has reached the NCAA Tournaments just three times. Pitino himself has coached in 23 NCAA Tournaments.
The Red Storm have struggled to take the necessary steps to cement themselves as a legit contender in the struggling Big East. During the 2021-22 season, the team went 17-15, including 8-11 in conference play. The Red Storm finished last season 18-15, including 7-13 in the Big East.
St. John's recently fired former coach Mike Anderson. Anderson had coached the Red Storm for four years, finishing 68-56. Anderson is reportedly filing a lawsuit against the school after being fired "for cause."
