NEW YORK (AP) — Following the NCAA selection committee’s decision to overlook St. John’s for the tournament, Coach Rick Pitino expressed his dissatisfaction with the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings used to evaluate college basketball teams. Pitino labeled the NET rankings as “fraudulent,” emphasizing the disappointment felt by the Red Storm after failing to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Despite a strong showing in the Big East tournament, where St. John’s fell to top seed UConn, the team’s overall performance and NET ranking of No. 32 left them on the outside looking in. Pitino defended St. John’s tough schedule and efforts to play competitively, highlighting the team’s strengths while acknowledging the committee’s decision.
While St. John’s enjoyed a six-game winning streak leading up to their loss, they were ultimately excluded from the tournament, with teams like Oklahoma, Seton Hall, Indiana State, and Pittsburgh securing spots over them. In a statement, Pitino announced the team’s decision to decline an invitation to the NIT, opting to focus on preparing for the next season and building a championship-level program at St. John’s.
With the Big East conference being represented by three teams in March Madness, including UConn, Marquette, and Creighton, Pitino remained gracious despite the disappointment, avoiding bitterness and expressing gratitude for the team’s supporters. Pitino’s experience and success in NCAA basketball, coupled with his son’s coaching role at New Mexico in the upcoming tournament, adds further depth to the narrative of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
As St. John’s looks ahead to future seasons, Pitino’s leadership and commitment to excellence provide a strong foundation for the team’s continued growth and success in collegiate basketball. The decision to forego the NIT in favor of strategic planning reflects a long-term vision for the program, setting the stage for potential achievements on the court in the years to come.