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Rick Pitino has his St. John’s basketball team on the NCAA Tournament bubble after a 20-13 season. The Red Storm ended the regular season on an absolute tear, winning each of their last five games.
That run boosted the team into Big Dance contention, with a subsequent upset of Seton Hall in the Big East tournament adding to their chances. Unfortunately, the streak came to an end after a five-point loss to UCONN. Now, the Red Storm will sit and await their fate.
At the time of this writing, St. John’s is projected by bracketologist Joe Lunardi to be the “First Team OUT” in the March Madness field.
CBS Sports’ Jerry Palm, meanwhile, has the Red Strom in a play-in matchup against Texas A&M.
They really are on the bubble!
Unfortunately for Rick Pitino’s bunch, it’s been a year of bubbles bursting thanks to bid stealers. Conference tournaments have been filled with upsets – most notably seeing 10-seed NC State rip off five straight wins to land an ACC title.
That’s provided uncertainty for St. John’s on Selection Sunday, and an interesting decision from its head coach has fans feeling like they’ll be on the outside looking in when all is said and done.
Media and cameras won’t be allowed at the watch party, broadcaster Kevin Connelly reports.
There will not be any media in the room (maybe a CBS camera) when the bracket is announced
Rick Pitino will speak on Zoom with reporters after the Selection Show #SJUBB https://t.co/0qePqWy1Jb
— Kevin Connelly (@KevinConnelly24) March 17, 2024
Bracing for an undesired selection day result? Many believe so.
A number of St. John’s basketball supporters replied to the post online. They already have a bad feeling about how the process is going to unfold.
“That’s probably not a good sign.”
“Also considering he thanked the media for the coverage all year. He knows it’s done.”
“Feels like a terrible sign.”
“Team had a nice run to end the season. Unfortunately, it’s probably not enough.”
“Yeah, we’re out.”
We’ve certainly seen these watch party events backfire in the past. Look at how dejected Florida State football players reacted last playoff season after learning they wouldn’t be playing for a national championship despite going 13-0.
Is Rick Pitino shielding his St. John’s basketball team from the same potential letdown or does he just want to keep the special moment reserved for his program?
Whatever the case, the Red Storm will soon learn its fate.