Rick Pitino

Rick Pitino is the current head coach of the St. John’s Men’s Basketball team. Growing up in Oyster Bay, Long Island, Pitino showcased his basketball talents at St. Dominic High School, where he was a standout guard. His impressive high school career paved the way for his collegiate journey, leading him to the University of Massachusetts. Pitino graduated in 1974 with a degree in Physical Education, having played a significant role as a guard for the Minutemen. 

Pitino’s coaching career began as a graduate assistant at the University of Hawai’i in 1974, where he later served as a full-time assistant coach in the 1975-76 season. His leadership potential was evident even in this early stage, and he soon transitioned to the role of interim head coach for a brief period before moving to Syracuse as an assistant coach from 1976 to 1978. 

In 1978, Pitino took on his first head coaching role at Boston University. Over five seasons, he compiled a 91-51 record and led the Terriers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 24 years. His success at BU earned him the role of head coach at Providence College in 1985. At Providence, Pitino continued to build his reputation, guiding the Friars to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 1986 and a memorable Final Four run in 1987. 

Pitino’s success in collegiate basketball continued to flourish with his appointment as head coach at the University of Kentucky in 1989. His tenure at Kentucky was marked by an extraordinary 219-50 record and culminated in the Wildcats winning the NCAA Championship in 1996. Pitino’s Wildcats reached the national title game again in 1997, demonstrating his ability to sustain excellence. 

In 2001, Pitino began a 16-year stint at the University of Louisville, where he achieved a 416-143 record. Under his leadership, Louisville won the 2013 NCAA Championship, and Pitino’s teams made seven Sweet 16 appearances and three Final Fours. Louisville also set a school record with 35 wins during the 2012-13 season. 

In addition to his collegiate successes, Pitino had notable stints in the NBA. He served as head coach of the Boston Celtics from 1997 to 2001, and prior to that, as head coach of the New York Knicks from 1987 to 1989. During his time with the Knicks, he led the team to 52 wins and a playoff sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1989. 

Following his time at Louisville, Pitino led Iona University to three consecutive postseason appearances, including two NCAA Tournament berths. His tenure at Iona was highlighted by a 64-22 overall record and multiple MAAC Coach of the Year honors. 

Pitino’s coaching expertise extended internationally as he led the Puerto Rico national team in summer competitions in 2015 and coached Panathinaikos B.C. in the EuroLeague from 2018 to 2020. In 2023, Pitino was named the 22nd head coach of St. John’s Men’s Basketball program, continuing his storied career in collegiate basketball. 

Rick Pitino’s coaching legacy is defined by his remarkable achievements, including being the first coach to take three different schools to the Final Four and winning NCAA Championships at two separate institutions. His career is distinguished by a .720 winning percentage in NCAA Tournament games and a record of mentoring 29 NBA players, including seven from his 1996 Kentucky team. 

Pitino was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the sport. 

Contact us for Rick Pitino fees and availability