Rick Pitino draws parallels between expectations for St. John's and New York Knicks following similar end to seasons

Rick Pitino guided St. John's to a historic campaign last season, leading the Red Storm to their first conference title in 25 years. The team won both the Big East regular season and tournament crowns.

St. John's lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to John Calipari's Arkansas, ending their season with a 31-5 record. However, Pitino, who will be 73 years old in September, is determined to chase championships before his coaching career comes to a close.

The Hall of Fame coach joined WFAN's BT & Sal show last week following Tom Thibodeau being fired by the New York Knicks. Pitino drew a comparison between his team and the Knicks — both fan bases that have been longing for championships.

Co-host Sal Licata asked Rick Pitino if he was chasing a Final Four or national title or simply trying to sustain success within his program.

"St. John's is pretty much in the same ball game as the New York Knicks," Pitino said (TS-14:41). "I mean, right now, the fans are starving. They were starving for a Big East championship. They were starving to make the tournament. We accomplished it.

"The New York Knicks are starving to win a championship. It's been a long, long time. So, St. John's is pretty much in the same boat. And for me — am I chasing a championship? Am I chasing a Final Four? Without question. Because my window's closing as a basketball coach. So, do I want it — whether it's at St. John's or wherever? Of course I do."

The Knicks last won an NBA championship in 1973 when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. On the other hand, St. John's is seeking its first national championship in program history.

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Rick Pitino hilariously dismisses Knicks talk, says he's done with NBA schedule

Rick Pitino doesn't want to return to the NBA, as he made that crystal clear during his interview with Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata.

"I was very proud to be the assistant coach under Hubie Brown. I'm very proud to have won the Atlantic Division as head coach of the New York Knicks. I can assure you that a 73-year-old is not coaching 100 games anymore," he said.

Pitino had a few stints in the NBA, serving as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks, then as their head coach, and later as the head coach of the Boston Celtics.