Rick Pitino, St. John’s Reject Possible NIT Bid After NCAA Tournament Snub

The St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball team failed to receive an invitation to the Big Dance despite a strong finish to the season.

The St. John’s men’s basketball team will sit out the 2024 postseason.

Although the Red Storm won six of their last seven games this season to reach the 20-victory plateau in their first season under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, they were snubbed by the NCAA tournament selection committee. Pitino pre-emptively turned down a likely bid to the NIT, meaning the Red Storm will be staying home this postseason.

St. John’s (20–13) entered Selection Sunday firmly on the bubble, having narrowly lost to defending national champion UConn in the Big East tournament semifinals Friday in New York.

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— St. John's Men’s Basketball (@StJohnsBBall) March 17, 2024

“First and foremost, we have great respect for the National Invitation Tournament and St. John’s storied history in the event,” Pitino said in a statement. “After thorough consideration of all that goes into postseason participation, we believe at this time it is best for our team and basketball program to prepare for next season. We remain focused on building a championship-level program here at St. John’s. I would like to thank all our fans and look forward to the bright future ahead for St. John’s basketball.”

Rick Pitino guided St. John’s to a 20–12 record in his first season as head coach of the Red Storm :: Brad Penner / USA TODAY Sports

Pitino was hired by St. John’s last year after guiding Iona to an NCAA tournament appearance as the MAAC champion. The coaching great previously won national championships at Kentucky and Louisville and also guided Providence to a Final Four appearance.

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Pitino’s son, Richard Pitino, guided New Mexico into the field of this year’s NCAA tournament as the Mountain West Conference champion.