The No. 2 seed St. John’s remarkable season came to an end after they were defeated by the No. 10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks in the second round, 75-66. The most popular college basketball team in New York City has now fallen in their quest to claim a National Championship.
Having lost just four games all season, St. John’s came into the tournament as one of the favorites to go all the way. The Red Storm made their first NCAA appearance since 2019 and beat Omaha 83-53 in the first round before falling to Arkansas in the second round.
Rick Pitino Praises His Injured Stars
Rick Pitino took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share that two of his star seniors played through injuries and are set for surgeries. Kadary Richmond and Aaron Scott, two of the Red Storm’s most important players, are set for surgeries, having played the game through injuries.
Pitino disclosed this information and expressed his gratitude to the players on his X page.
“Tomorrow Kadary and Aaron Scott will have surgery on their torn UCL thumbs. You guys played hurt and never complained. Thank you my Warriors! You’re special!.”
Richmond is known to have persistent injury problems. Pitino once said, “Kadary Richmond is more injured than any player I’ve coached.”
He has been a vital cog of the Red Storm engine all season. He was one of the team’s ball handlers. In the 24/25 season, Richmond averaged 32.4 minutes per game, 12.4 points per game, 5.3 assists per game, 6.4 rebounds per game and 2.0 steals.
Scott, a senior starter, averaged 27.3 minutes per game and contributed 8.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.6 blocks, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 assists.
The two stars are now set for surgeries after exiting the tournament.
Pitino and the St. John’s Red Storm’s Remarkable Season
The Red Storm finished the season as the No. 2 seed after winning both the Big East regular season and conference tournament titles. The program had struggled for about a decade, but Pitino has revitalized it and made it a force to be reckoned with.
Pitino had remarkable success at Louisville and Providence, where he got to the final four, and it seems he’s translated some of that to St. John’s. Pitino led St. John’s to a 31-5 record and finished the season as the nation’s most efficient defense.
Although they lost in the second round, their first-round win was their first NCAA win in 25 years.
The Red Storm had only made 3 NCAA appearances since 2002 before Rick Pitino was hired two years ago. Last season, he gave St. John’s its first 20-win season in five years after finishing the season 20-13.
In only his second season at St. John’s, the two-time national champion is on the verge of making history as he’s a finalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year. A St John’s coach has never won the award.
KEEP READING: Top 10 NIL Deals in Men’s College Basketball
He was named a finalist along with three others: Auburn’s Bruce Pearl, Duke’s John Scheyer, and Houston’s Kelvin Sampson.
With Richmond and Scott out of eligibility for next season, Pitino has his work cut out in building a new team for the new season. Based on his pedigree, one can trust Pitino to find his way.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
