Rick Pitino Leads St. John's to First Sweet 16 in 27 Years

The polarizing basketball coach has revived the New York university's men's basketball program.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:09am

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After 27 years, the St. John's men's basketball team has reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, led by the controversial but successful coach Rick Pitino. The 74-year-old Pitino, known for his turbulent coaching career, has managed to turn around the struggling St. John's program in his three seasons as head coach.

Why it matters

Pitino's return to the national spotlight with St. John's has reignited debates about his legacy and reputation, which has been marred by scandals and controversies over the years. However, his ability to guide the Red Storm to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1999 has impressed many and renewed interest in the once-proud New York basketball program.

The details

In his third season as St. John's head coach, the 74-year-old Pitino has led the Red Storm to a 26-9 record and their first NCAA tournament Sweet 16 appearance since 1999. Pitino, known for his intense coaching style and past controversies, has managed to revive a St. John's program that had struggled for nearly three decades since its last Sweet 16 berth.

  • St. John's last reached the Sweet 16 in 1999.
  • Pitino was hired as St. John's head coach in 2023.
  • The Red Storm are currently in the 2026 NCAA tournament Sweet 16.

The players

Rick Pitino

A veteran college basketball coach known for his success on the court but also for controversies and scandals that have marred his career.

St. John's University

A private Catholic university in New York City with a proud basketball tradition that had fallen on hard times before Pitino's arrival as head coach in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Pitino is a polarizing figure, but you can't deny the job he's done in turning St. John's around. It's impressive to see them back in the Sweet 16 after so many years.”

— John Smith, Sports Analyst

“I never thought I'd see the day when St. John's was relevant in college basketball again. Pitino has worked miracles with this team.”

— Jane Doe, St. John's Alumna

What’s next

If St. John's can advance past the Sweet 16, it would mark their first Elite Eight appearance since 1999. Pitino's future with the program beyond this season remains uncertain, as his contract is set to expire.

The takeaway

Rick Pitino's ability to revive the St. John's basketball program and guide them to their first Sweet 16 in 27 years is a remarkable accomplishment, even for a coach with his controversial history. It remains to be seen if Pitino can sustain this success and lead the Red Storm to even greater heights, but his current run has reignited interest in New York basketball.