Rick Pitino understands that his college basketball coaching career is likely going to end at St. John’s. At 71 years old, the two-time* national champion is excited about being back in New York and plans to revive a program that has not made it past the play-in round of the NCAA Tournament since 2014.
To do so, Rick Pitino plans to spend a lot of money. Rather, he expects that the university will spend a lot of money on the basketball program to get him what he needs to be competitive.
That not only includes things like facility upgrades, which Pitino says is already in the works, it also includes the Name, Image and Likeness element of the modern era. There are two different streams of money necessary to build to and then sustain status as a legitimate competitor in the Big East.
NIL is necessary to get the proper talent on campus and on the roster, and is done through “third-party” collectives. Donations directly to the university help to fund things like locker room and practice gym upgrades, which are necessary to keep the players enrolled at St. John’s once there.
Money and success have a direct correlation in most areas of life, but that is especially true in college hoops. Jim Larrañaga and Miami’s run to the Final Four last year is the perfect example.
Pitino, having been at two high-major programs during his career, understands that intrinsic link. The difference now, though, is that financial packages for players are discussed out in the open— unlike his time at Kentucky and Louisville where things were kept on the down low.
To win is to spend money. To spend money, in most instances, is to win.
Rick Pitino plans to spend money.
The first-year head coach in the easternmost borough declared that a significant, costly upgrade will start in the new year.
They’re gonna build a new, $35 million practice facility. I’m not sure if it’ll be done during my tenure or not, but they’re breaking ground this spring.
— Rick Pitino on Oct. 11
It sounds like that won’t be all!
Pitino spoke with Seth Greenberg during practice. He joked that St. John’s is going to spend so much money that it might kill athletic director Mike Cragg.
But not to worry! If Cragg goes down, someone else will replace him. Pitino isn’t worried.
In fact, he was so nonchalant with his quip that Greenberg promised to cut that portion of the interview. ESPN did not cut that portion of the interview.
Pitino clearly expects that the bankroll will not only be deep, but fluid. Money will be pouring out of Queens.
In addition to the financial conversation, Pitino also spoke with Greenberg about his time at Iona. He said that it was the most pressure he had ever faced in his career — even more than Kentucky or Louisville — because the Gaels are expected to win the MAAC every single year.
The bar may not be quite as high for St. John’s, to where they must win the Big East every year, but there is an expectation for success right away under Pitino. It sounds like he will have the financial backing to get the program where it needs to be!