It’s safe to say that Rick Pitino has not necessarily enjoyed his first season as the head coach of the St. John’s Red Storm, and he was certainly not shy about sharing that displeasure over the weekend.
On Sunday, St. John’s suffered yet another loss, falling to Seton Hall to bring their season record to just 14-12. The team is a long shot to make the NCAA Tournament at this point and has now lost five of their last six games.
After the game, Rick Pitino got brutally honest about his feeling coaching this team so far this season, calling it “the most unenjoyable experience of my lifetime.”
Pitino: “We are so unathletic that we can’t guard anybody without fouling. For me, I’ve always enjoyed the first year, and I’m not gonna lie to you: This is the most unenjoyable experience of my lifetime. This has been so disappointing.” #sjubb
— Jaden Daly (@DalyDoseOfHoops) February 19, 2024
“We are so unathletic that we can’t guard anybody without fouling. For me, I’ve always enjoyed the first year, and I’m not gonna lie to you: This is the most unenjoyable experience of my lifetime. This has been so disappointing,” Pitino said according to independent college basketball reporter and writer Jaden Daly.
Obviously, these words led to a lot of reactions on social media as people gave their thoughts on his comments.
when you tell AJ Storr, David Jones, and Kolby King to walk https://t.co/YMfVkNJYdx
— CBB Content (@CBBcontent) February 19, 2024
rick pitino complaining ab the team he created makes me so happy this is what brings me joy in life https://t.co/hQztfJkywY
— michele (@micheleemcnulty) February 19, 2024
This is what St Johns deserves for hiring this guy. https://t.co/5CZIHa3jYb
— Martin Wall (@bballmwall) February 19, 2024
St. John's is so poverty they might drive Pitino into retirement https://t.co/rfUH0NShT9
— Alex – UConn BACK TO BACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONS (@aburks41) February 19, 2024
This was the absolute best consolation prize to Iona having a mediocre year 😂 https://t.co/JMcE5YdMl0
— Gael Nation Hoops (@GaelNationHoops) February 19, 2024
Not only did Seton Hall win, but sounds like they also broke Rick Pitino. That’s what I call a twofer https://t.co/Hie3tkypEE
— Andrew Muscato (@AJMuscato) February 19, 2024
Rick Pitino should have some harsh words with whoever hand picked the entirety of this roster which can't shoot, guard anybody, or evidently be taught to play competent basketball. https://t.co/wZrI0VLe2N
— Wes Ball-o-suknia (@walkrightier) February 19, 2024
It’s late in the season, so it will be interesting to see whether or not Pitino and St. John’s can turn things around before it’s too late.