NCAA Tournament Despite Late Season Surge
Rick Pitino's first season at St. John's ends in disappointment as the team fails to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, despite a strong finish.
- Rick Pitino reflects on the challenges and rewards of his first season coaching St. John's, emphasizing the difficulties faced on and off the court.
- St. John's basketball team, under Pitino's guidance, showed promise with a late-season surge but ultimately missed out on an NCAA Tournament bid.
- The team's reliance on the transfer portal for roster building and struggles with defensive play were highlighted as key factors in the season's outcome.
- Pitino criticizes the NCAA's selection process and the NET rankings, expressing frustration over St. John's exclusion from the tournament.
- Looking ahead, St. John's faces questions about roster changes and strategies for the offseason, with a focus on improving team cohesion and scheduling.