In a poignant final chapter to their season, St. John’s basketball’s NCAA Tournament dreams were extinguished with a 75-66 loss to Arkansas. Yet, through the sting of defeat, legendary coach Rick Pitino stood tall, turning to social media, not with disappointment but profound gratitude for the seniors who orchestrated one of the most remarkable resurrections in college basketball.
The Red Storm’s magical journey of capturing the Big East regular season title and tournament championship for the first time in generations wasn’t just about trophies. It represented the restoration of a storied program’s identity fueled by seniors who played through pain and adversity to deliver St. John’s faithful something more valuable than championships but renewed pride.
A Season of Historic Triumph
St. John’s renaissance under Pitino’s guidance defied all expectations, with seniors like Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, and Deivon Smith leading the charge. The team claimed its first outright Big East regular season title since 1985, a drought spanning nearly four decades, and then followed it up with its first Big East Tournament championship since 2000.
Thank you seniors. Losing always hurts, but you played with torn ligaments, sprained shoulders, pulled groins and you gave us a magical run. We will always cherish our time together.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) March 23, 2025
What made this run extraordinary wasn’t just the hardware and how they captured it. Buzzer beaters, come-from-behind victories, and clutch performances became this team’s signature. In just one season, Pitino’s culture transformation happened almost overnight, turning a middling program into conference champions and NCAA Tournament contenders.
Warriors Through Adversity
“Thank you, seniors. Losing always hurts, but you played with torn ligaments, sprained shoulders, and pulled groins, giving us a magical run. We will always cherish our time together,” Pitino tweeted, revealing the physical toll behind their fairytale season.
The injuries Pitino referenced weren’t just minor setbacks. They were potential season-enders that these players simply refused to let define them. Richmond battled through shooting struggles while managing a shoulder injury. Luis Jr. fought through pain that visibly limited his mobility. Zuby Ejiofor’s heroic 23 points and 12 rebounds against Arkansas came despite physical limitations that would have sidelined lesser competitors.
Legacy Beyond the Scoreboard
Pitino’s heartfelt message captured appreciation for games won and admiration for the character shown throughout their journey. These seniors didn’t just restore St. John’s basketball relevance; they reestablished the blue-collar, never-quit identity that had once made the program a national powerhouse.
The foundation these seniors laid extends beyond their playing careers. Their resilience created a blueprint for future Red Storm teams, showing that championship culture isn’t built on talent alone but on sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the team above self. In just one season, they shifted expectations from hoping to compete to expecting to win.
Though their tournament run ended sooner than hoped, Pitino’s tribute encapsulated what made this team special. These seniors gave St. John’s basketball something missing for decades: no victories and no identity worth rallying behind. As Pitino notes,d they created memories that will be cherished long after the pain of their final loss fades away.
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Their magical run reflected the essence of college athletics: athletes pushing through physical limitations, defying odds, and leaving everything on the court for their teammates, coaches, and university. In doing so, they authored a chapter in St. John’s history that will inspire future generations to reach similar heights.
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