By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo: Thomas Joseph, USA Today Sports
St John’s Red Storm coach Rick Pitino enters his second season as the team’s head coach. It’s his 37th season as D-1 coach.
The Red Storm finished 20-13 (11-9 in the Big East) and runner-up in the tournament last season.
Pitino joined the Big East Media Day to discuss his expectations for the Red Storm in Year 2 of his tenure.
“What challenges me as a coach is the unexpected,” Pitino said. “When you walk into Creighton, UConn, or Marquette, you’re nervous because they’re big teams. But you don’t know what to expect, and every year since I’ve been a coach, with the exception of 1996, I have not known what lies ahead. That is the fun part about the business. You don’t know how good you’re going to be. Right now, I think we’re a good basketball team. But I’m not 100 percent sure of that. That is the good thing.”
The Red Storm are entering the season with a highly-ranked transfer class, including Kadary Richmond, Deivon Smith, Aaron Scott, and Vincent Iwuchukwu.
Richmond is one of the best players in the country, especially in the Big East. He’s an elite passer. Pitino talked about tweaking his shot.
“I think Kadary Richmond looked to change a habit,” Pitino said. “Depending on what psychologist or motivational person you read. To create a habit with a change of habit, it takes anywhere from 35 to 45 days of constant repetition. When I’m in his ear, telling him to get it on the right side of his head, get his elbow down, don’t hitch, and move your head back. He shoots it beautifully.”
Pitino and the Red Storm are seeking their first MCAA tournament win since 2000.
Pitino has posted a 731-303 record, reached 23 NCAA tournament appearances, seven Final Fours, two national titles, and 24 conference titles (10 regular season, 14 tournament).
The Red Storm begin their regular season against Fordham on Nov 4 at Carnesseca Arena.
Miguel Mike Medina is a publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com
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