Pitino Persuades Freeman to Pick St. John's Over Kentucky
Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman says Rick Pitino's pitch convinced him to choose St. John’s over Kentucky, as the legendary coach addressed everything Freeman wanted in a program and coach.
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Pitino Push: Freeman's Recruitment Shifts Toward St. John’s
St. John’s appears to be gaining momentum to land Donnie Freeman after Rick Pitino offered a bigger deal than Kentucky, forcing the Wildcats to mount a last-minute counter while other targets slip away and the recruitment tightens the race.
Pitino inks lucrative St. John's extension after Sweet 16 surge
St. John's and Rick Pitino have agreed to a restructuring that adds a year to his deal and includes a substantial pay raise for Pitino and his staff, positioning him as the Big East’s second-highest-paid coach. Pitino, who has propelled St. John’s to consecutive Big East titles and a Sweet 16 this season, indicated he plans to continue coaching, barring retirement.
Love of the Game Keeps College Hoops Icons on the Sidelines
In an era defined by NIL chaos and the transfer portal, college basketball legends Tom Izzo, Rick Barnes, and Rick Pitino say the game is broken but their love for it keeps them coaching—and still winning—showing that pride, tradition, and tough leadership remain on the sidelines.
St. John's season already a win, setting the stage for a historic Sweet 16
St. John's has already turned the 2026 season into a historic success, reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999 and winning Big East regular-season and postseason titles, making Friday's game feel like icing on the cake regardless of the outcome.
Darling's Last-Second Drive Lifts St. John's to Sweet 16
Dylan Darling, who was scoreless for 39:56, insisted on a play for himself in the huddle and then delivered a right-handed layup on a straight-line drive with 3.9 seconds left to beat Kansas 67-65, sending St. John's to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999. Pitino called the moment one of the funniest he’s ever experienced and credited Darling's confidence, as the Red Storm prepare to face Duke in the next round.
St. John’s seals Sweet 16 with Darling’s late buzzer-beater, signaling a revival
St. John’s snapped a 27-year Sweet 16 drought when Darling drew up a buzzer-beater on a 3.9-second Power play, capping Rick Pitino’s rebuild as Bryce Hopkins erupted for six timely 3s in a tense win over Kansas.
Ejiofor Set to Prove Kansas Made a Mistake in Sweet 16 Showdown
St. John’s rising star Zuby Ejiofor, developed under coach Rick Pitino, faces his former team Kansas in a Sweet 16 clash, with his father urging him to show Kansas why they made a mistake letting him go.
Pitino Delivers on Promise as St. John’s Captures Back-to-Back Big East Tourney
Rick Pitino guided St. John’s to a second straight Big East Tournament title at Madison Square Garden, honoring a vow to his wife Joanne and signaling the program’s dramatic revival by outlasting rival Huskies.
Pitino-Backed St. John’s Poised for a March Madness Run
CBS analyst Jon Rothstein believes St. John’s, led by Rick Pitino, can go deep in the NCAA Tournament thanks to a strong frontcourt, depth, and a tougher nonconference schedule; he argues anything short of a Sweet 16 would be a disappointment given the program’s progress, while also addressing Pitino’s impact, potential sleepers, and broader March Madness topics like tournament expansion and NIL.
St. John’s survives Seton Hall to reach the Big East final at MSG
St. John’s edged Seton Hall 78-68 at Madison Square Garden to advance to the Big East championship, with late free throws from Bryce Hopkins helping seal the win and Pitino eyeing back-to-back titles.
Johnnies blow out Villanova to reclaim Big East pace
St. John’s answered a tough loss by routing Villanova 89-57 at the Garden, tying for the Big East lead as Zuby Ejiofor posted the first triple-double of his career (16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) and Ian Jackson added 19 points off the bench in a 52.5% shooting night that produced 26 assists while Villanova endured a season-low in points.
UConn Stuns St. John’s 72-40 to End 13-Game Win Streak
Connecticut overwhelmed St. John’s 72-40 in Hartford, snapping the Red Storm’s 13-game winning streak as St. John’s went 17:28 without a made field goal and shot 20% from the floor (5-for-20 from three). Tarris Reed Jr. posted 20 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks for UConn, while Joson Sanon led St. John’s with 10 points. Pitino took responsibility for the struggles as his team was dominated inside and on the perimeter. The loss leaves UConn and St. John’s tied atop the Big East standings, with St. John’s needing to regroup for an upcoming date with Villanova.
Pitino's 900th Win Sealed by Darling's late 3 as St. John's Tops Xavier
St. John’s rallied from a 16-point second-half deficit to beat Xavier 88-83 at the Cintas Center, securing Hall of Famer Rick Pitino’s 900th career win in his first-ever matchup against his son Richard Pitino. Dylan Darling drilled the decisive 3 with 53.2 seconds remaining after St. John’s rode a late push sparked by Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell; Xavier’s Tre Carroll led all scorers with 31 points in a dramatic finish.
Kentucky vs. St. John’s: Key Matchup and Expectations
Kentucky faces St. John’s in the CBS Sports Classic, featuring a matchup between former coach Rick Pitino and his former player and current UK coach Mark Pope, with both teams aiming for Final Four potential. The game also highlights potential return of Jayden Quaintence and Kentucky's recent strong performance against Indiana.