Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Prepares for NCAA Tournament With Defensive Edge and High Expectations

The Red Storm, led by Pitino’s transformative coaching, enter as a No. 2 seed but face questions about shooting consistency and a challenging path in the West Region.

• St. John’s, under Rick Pitino, has achieved a 30-4 record, Big East titles, and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, marking a dramatic turnaround for the program.
• The team’s defensive prowess, ranked No. 1 nationally in defensive rating, has become their hallmark heading into March Madness.
• Concerns persist over St. John’s shooting inconsistency, particularly from three-point range, which could hinder their ability to advance deep in the tournament.
• Potential matchups in the West Region include a second-round clash against Arkansas or Kansas, and a possible meeting with top-seeded Florida, a favorite to win the region.
• Significant NIL funding, led by billionaire alumnus Mike Repole, has supported recruitment efforts, but Pitino emphasizes that the team’s success is rooted in culture and player development.

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