St. John’s Red Storm have long been a decent team in the Big East, but they never were considered a top program before RIck Pitino. While they rarely had seasons where they only won in single digits, they never had a dominant hold in their conference.
However, their fortunes quickly changed when Pitino took over as head coach in the 2023-24 season. The former Kentucky and Louisville tactician quickly transformed the Red Storm into one of the most exciting teams to watch in college hoops with his excellent coaching and high standards for his players.
College basketball fans who don’t regularly keep tabs with the Red Storm might be a bit wide-eyed with their current status. But even they understand how profound the Pitino effect is in turning the Red Storm into Big East champs in only his second season in charge.
Rick Pitino makes a hilarious joke after St. John’s Red Storm dominates Creighton in the Big East title game
St. John’s enjoyed a terrific game against the Creighton Bluejays, finishing the Big East Championship as 82-66 winners. The game was highlighted with a dominant second half after the Red Storm outscored the Bluejays 57-38 to seal the win.
Pitino was asked during the on-court postgame interview on what he plans to do after winning the Big East in his second year. His response to the question was hilarious.
“I’m gonna drink a quart of Jameson’s,” the 72-year-old head coach answered.
St. John’s fans would agree that their head coach definitely deserves a good swig of the popular Irish whiskey. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s a nice nod for the veteran coach to make the comment.
Their junior duo of RJ Luis Zuby Ejiofor had outstanding games for Pitino, finishing with 29 and 20 points, respectively. Ruis was especially impressive on the night, adding ten boards, one assist, one steal, and one block to his superb scoring night. Senior Kadary Richmond rounded out the scoring for St. John’s with his 12 points.
While the March Madness bracket hasn’t been announced yet, the Red Storm will certainly be participating in the biggest college basketball tournament in the world. Fans will hope that their dominant display in the Big East championship game will translate into a fairytale run.
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