Rick Pitino’s coaching career started in 1974 as an assistant coach for Hawaii. Since then, Pitino has coached several top programs in the country, two national teams (Puerto Rico and Greece), and two NBA teams (New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics).
With such a strong coaching resume, Pitino often finds himself in situations where his current team is compared to one from his past. The most notable team he ever coached is the 1996 National Championship-winning Kentucky team.
In an interview uploaded on Monday on CBS Sports’ Inside College Basketball Now, Jon Rothstein asked Pitino where the current St. John’s roster ranks as compared to his previous rosters. He said:
“I said yesterday, at media day in a scrimmage, this is the finest collection of athletes I’ve coached. But they left out ‘as people.’ I meant as people, the type of individuals they are.” (6:16)
In terms of talent on the roster, Pitino said that the current team is very similar to the one he had last season. The 2025-26 roster has an edge because they’re better offensively, but other than that, there are a lot of similarities.
“Obviously, we’re not as good as the ’96 team, but in ’97 or 2013, there are a lot of players on this basketball team who, because of their experience, they can match up with any team I’ve coached, with the exception of the ’96 team.”
So, in Pitino’s opinion, if they manage to step up their defensive game and be at par with last year’s roster, the 2025-26 St. John’s Red Storm would be a very special team.
Rick Pitino is looking forward to official practice with the team
Rick Pitino has a strong roster for the upcoming season. Bryce Hopkins, a 6’7″ forward who was First-Team All-Big East in 2023. Zuby Ejiofor, a 6’9″ forward, First-Team All-Big East, 2025, and Big East Most Improved Player, 2025.
Dillon Mitchell, a 6’8″ forward, was a McDonald’s All-American in 2022 and is one of Rick Pitino’s favorite players on the team. All these players are capable two-way athletes, and Pitino believes he has a really strong roster.
On Aug. 6, the legendary coach took to X to express his summer experience with the team. He wrote:
“Been a great summer with this team. Incredible group of athletes with the right attitude for learning and growing. Can’t wait for the start of official practice in September.”
Been a great summer with this team. Incredible group of athletes with the right attitude for learning and growing. Can’t wait for the start of official practice in September.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) August 6, 2025
Although the Red Storm has a hectic schedule ahead and Rick Pitino is doubtful if they’ll have the same ranking as last year, he’s excited to kick off the season with this roster.
Read More:
‘Forgot to Take His Crazy Pills’: NCAA World Reacts to Rick Pitino’s Wild SEC Football Claim
Why Did Rick Pitino Leave Louisville? The Truth Behind His Shocking Exit
