St. John’s Coach Rick Pitino Has One Suggestion for NCAA Tournament Selection Committee

Pitino offered a piece of advice to the March Madness selection committee.

After St. John’s missed out on the NCAA tournament, coach Rick Pitino didn’t hesitate to voice his displeasure with the selection committee and the weight it places on analytics.

Pitino questioned what more the Red Storm could’ve done to get in the tournament given their difficult strength of schedule, and also expressed dismay that Seton Hall, who won 13 games in the Big East, was not included among the field of 68.

On Tuesday, Pitino offered a suggestion that he believes would help enhance the quality of the selection committee. The 71-year-old took to social media to propose that a trio of legendary college basketball coaches join the ranks of the selection committee in order to offer a fresh perspective.

Those coaches were none other than former Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, former Duke boss Mike Krzyzewski and ex-UNC coach Roy Williams. 

Have a great suggestion for Dan Gavitt, who is absolutely the best. I know three guys who are watching games all year n would be a great addition. They won't just look at certain metrics. Jim Boeheim, Roy Williams n Coach K. They need to be part of selection Sunday!!!

— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) March 19, 2024

“I know three guys who are watching games all year n would be a great addition. Jim Boeheim, Roy Williams n Coach K,” wrote Pitino, offering his advice to the NCAA’s senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt. “They need to be part of selection Sunday!” 

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Shortly after the Red Storm learned its fate on Selection Sunday, Pitino expressed his dismay with the NET rankings system, labeling it “fraudulent” and saying that St. John’s “did things the right way” but was still overlooked by the committee.