NEW YORK, NY – St. John’s University had a victorious evening on Wednesday, breaking a three-game losing streak with a 90-85 win over Georgetown. This win came after their Hall of Fame coach, Rick Pitino, publicly criticized the team’s performance in a game against Seton Hall over the weekend.
In a surprising turn of events, Pitino apologized for his harsh remarks, admitting that he had failed the team in terms of coaching fundamentals. Previously, he publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, stating that they were not athletic enough to effectively defend their opponents.
Following the win over Georgetown, Pitino retracted his previous comments, expressing his love for the team and acknowledging his responsibility for recruiting the players. He also offered an apology to St. John’s fans, acknowledging their support.
Despite Pitino’s criticism, the players, including senior transfer Jordan Dingle, expressed their ongoing support for the coach and their belief that he genuinely cares about their success. Former players also spoke out in defense of Pitino, citing his tough coaching style and his track record of success in leading teams to the Final Four and winning national championships.
While Pitino’s remarks may have been tough to hear, there is a sense of resilience and unity within the St. John’s basketball program. The team’s victory over Georgetown and Pitino’s public reconciliation with the players demonstrate a potential turning point in their season, as they continue to strive towards success in the Big East conference.