Rick Pitino is one of the longest-standing coaches in college basketball. The 73-year-old has been coaching at the college level since 1974, so it’s safe to say that he has seen a lot in his esteemed career.
Pitino has been vocal about the various shortcomings and problems that coaches and colleges face in the NIL era, and he recently expressed discontent with the state of college basketball recruiting. Pitino tweeted that his pursuit of a top prospect had him watching game film with his coaches late in the night.
“What do I think of the portal? I’m sitting outside at 11:30 at night with my two coaches on a cement curb in front of the Regency on 60th st watching game film on my phone. A new prospect is looming,” Pitino said on x.
Starting as an assistant coach in Hawaii and Syracuse, Pitino went to Boston University and then became an assistant coach with the New York Knicks. He also became the head coach of the Knicks and then the Celtics. His big college stint was at Kentucky, followed by a 17-year run at Louisville. Pitino coached through controversies, accusations, scandals and banishment. However, he made a comeback with St. John’s in 2023.
Rick Pitino’s Journey of Turning St. John’s Program Around
Now, in the new era of NIL and the transfer portal in college basketball, many doubt whether veteran coaches can adjust and succeed. However, Pitino has once again proved his worth.
Rick Pitino has changed the course of St. John’s basketball. He won back-to-back Big East Tournaments in 2025 and 2026. He also won the AP coach of the year, Big East coach of the year and Henry Iba Award in 2025.
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