Pitino Leads St. John's Resurgence to National Prominence

Former player Jamal Mashburn praises coach's 'masterful' turnaround of Red Storm program

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:44am

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In just three years, St. John's has gone from an afterthought to a national brand again under the leadership of head coach Rick Pitino. The Red Storm have gone from playing most of their games at the on-campus Carnesecca Arena to selling out Madison Square Garden, and are now being debated as a potential high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament - a remarkable turnaround after 25 years of virtual irrelevance for the program.

Why it matters

St. John's resurgence under Pitino's guidance has returned the program to national relevance and prominence, capturing the attention of sports fans and media across the country. This represents a significant achievement for a team that had struggled for decades to recapture its past glory.

The details

Former St. John's player Jamal Mashburn, who played under Pitino, praised the coach's 'masterful' work in turning the program around in just three short years. The Red Storm have gone from playing most of their home games at the on-campus Carnesecca Arena to selling out the iconic Madison Square Garden, a sign of their growing popularity and fanbase. St. John's is now being discussed as a potential high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, a far cry from their 25-year stretch of virtual irrelevance prior to Pitino's arrival.

  • Pitino took over as St. John's head coach in 2023.
  • In just three years, St. John's has gone from an afterthought to a national brand again.

The players

Rick Pitino

The head coach of the St. John's men's basketball team, who has led the program's remarkable turnaround in just three years.

Jamal Mashburn

A former St. John's player who played under Pitino and praised the coach's 'masterful' work in reviving the program.

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What they’re saying

“Jamal Mashburn isn't surprised because of the man who took over: his former coach, Rick Pitino.”

— Jamal Mashburn, Former St. John's player (nypost.com)

The takeaway

Rick Pitino's leadership has transformed St. John's from an afterthought to a national brand in just three years, a remarkable turnaround that has captured the attention of sports fans and media across the country. This resurgence under Pitino's guidance has returned the program to national prominence after decades of struggle.