Rick Pitino and the Red Storm lost their second game of the 2023/24 college basketball season on Friday. St. John’s lost to a strong Dayton team as part of the Charleston Classic after dropping a game to Michigan at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
Fans were very quick to put Pitino on ‘Fraud Watch’ after his team was picked to finish fifth in the Big East. It is way too early to judge a roster that only came together over the summer with a first-year head coach. That didn’t stop the conversation from being had online.
“Patrick Ewing or Rick Pitino? It’s time to start a dialogue,” said John Kurkjian.
“Rick Pitino made St. John’s worse lmao,” chimed a man who goes by ‘miguel.’
“St. John’s did not deserve any of the hype they got from Pitino,” added CBB Enthusiasts.
“Is Rick Pitino even coaching? They are playing like they are at the YMCA,” questioned DG757’s Takes.
“St. John’s is dead to me. F— this team and Rick Pitino’s geriatric a–,” said Jack Banaczuk.
“Rick Pitino is so washed. St. John’s is actually the dumbest team of all time,” opined Roy Smith.
“Rick pitino is a dogs— coach,” chirped Mike Hunt.
“Is Rick Pitino the basketball version of Mack Brown?” asked Sam Putin.
You get the idea. The internet was quick to dunk on the two-time* national champion coach, which could be expected given his controversial past.
Rick Pitino needs to get it figured out.
There is still a lot of season left. This St. John’s team has yet to find its rhythm. Putting a bunch of transfer on the floor and expecting them to gel right away is unrealistic.
However, the Red Storm defense is a real issue.
Michigan scored 89 points on 52% shooting from the field. Dayton scored 88 points on 53% shooting from the field.
St. John’s lost both games.
If Pitino is going to get this team to the NCAA Tournament, he is going to need to figure out his defense. He has an extremely talented group of players on his roster. He needs to make them work together.
It is far too early in the season to claim that Rick Pitino — one of the greatest coaches of all-time — is a fraud. There is way too much ball left to count out the Red Storm.
And yet, after watching St. John’s lose again, college basketball fans were quick to point and laugh! Pitino is one of the best “villains” in the sport, so it is to be expected. But.. let’s all pump the breaks…