Riding the program's best start in 39 years, No. 20 St. John's regained sole possession of first place in the Big East by rallying past Xavier 79-71 in overtime.
Wednesday night, and so many others when St. John’s has been in action this winter, felt like a different era.
St. John’s fans should appreciate RJ Luis while he’s here. Rick Pitino is anticipating the dynamic junior wing going pro when this season is up. The reigning Big East Player of the Week, the 6-foot-7 Luis has taken a big leap this year as the Johnnies’ leading scorer at 17.5 points per game.
Still, Ricky P is at it again. The 72-year-old Pitino is proving once again he is one of the best basketball coaches to ever walk a college sideline.
Asked if he is certain that this will be RJ Luis Jr.'s final season with the Red Storm, Rick Pitino replied, "In my estimation 100%, but that's RJ's decision."
St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12), left, dribbles the ball against New Mexico guard Donovan Dent (2), right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) AP
“Yeah, I think being booed is something that he can handle,” St. John’s Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino said Friday. “Well, he grew up on the streets of Brooklyn, so I think he can handle being booed. He’s not going to cry.”
The long climb back to national relevance has finally ended for No. 20 St. John's. But Rick Pitino and the Red Storm are nowhere near satisfied. St. John's will look
Q. Who is the head coach of St. John's Red Storm in 2024-2025? - + A. Rick Pitino is the head coach at St. John's Red Storm. "It's like life, sometimes you've got to eat sh**": Dan Hurley gets ...
St. John's head coach Rick Pitino yells on the court during the first half of Wednesday's games against Xavier. Pitino has lead the Red Storm to the top of the
RJ Luis Jr. scored all 16 of his points after halftime, and Simeon Wilcher also finished with 16 for the Red Storm. Richmond added seven rebounds, five assists and three steals — with no turnovers in 44 minutes — before a boisterous crowd of 14,545 at Madison Square Garden.
St. John's guard Aaron Scott yells during Wednesday's game against Xavier in New York. St. John's head coach Rick Pitino yells on the court during the first half of Wednesday's game against Xavier in New York.