“More of a Financial Decision”: Rick Pitino Makes Brutally Honest Admission About March Madness Hero’s Departure from St. John’s

St. John’s Red Storm coach Rick Pitino explained why Dylan Darling departed from the team in the offseason, despite his heroics in March Madness. Back in mid-April, Darling announced through his Instagram account that he was leaving the Red Storm and transferring to the Grand Canyon Lopes for the 2026-27 season.

Pitino explained the reason for Darling’s departure, but affirmed that he and his program are happy for the guard.

“That was more of a financial situation. We’re really happy for Dylan,” Pitino told reporters last week.

– Rick Pitino, May 25, 2026

With Darling finding a new team, the Red Storm will now look to retool to find another veteran guard just like him. The biggest highlight of his season came in the second round of the 2026 national tournament. With the scores tied at 65, Darling scored his first points of the game through a contested layup to seal a 67-65 win for St. John’s over the Kansas Jayhawks.

Rick Pitino on the moments that led to Dylan Darling’s all-time March Madness moment

Despite his departure, Dylan Darling will be remembered by St. John’s Red Storm fans for his game-winning layup against Kansas. What made his moment even more impressive is that he had not scored in the tightly contested game up to that point. During the post-game press conference, Rick Pitino shared that it was actually Darling who suggested that he take the game-winning shot.

“ So we’re gonna run a play, but they got fouls to give, and Bells comes up to me and says, ‘Run power,’ which is a high back screen pick and roll. So I walk away, I said, ‘Okay, Power.’ I walk away and said, ‘Wait a second. He hasn’t scored a bucket and he wants to run a play for himself.’ And I’m thinking as I’m walking, I said, ‘But, he’s Bells.’ And not only did he do it, he went with his right hand. So real proud of him because to want the ball when you haven’t made a shot is unbelievable,” Pitino shared.

Also Read:

Rick Pitino Reveals Exact Play That Cost St. John’s Victory Against Duke in Sweet 16

St. John’s Basketball Transfer Portal Gets Major Boost With 6-foot-2 Guard Signing

Recruiting Masterclass By Rick Pitino Leaves Fans Shocked as Big Sky MVP Dylan Darling Commits to St. John’s

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!