Rick Pitino has just completed an outstanding stint with the St. John's Red Storm.
His teams posted a record of 31-5 and claimed both the Big East regular season title and the Big East conference tournament championship.
As a No. 2 seed, the Red Storm went into the NCAA Tournament with huge expectations. They easily defeated Omaha in the first round but surprisingly lost to John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks in the second round.
In the end, that disappointing defeat left a bitter feeling for St. John's, yet this is unquestionably a program ascending under the guidance of Coach Pitino.
And indeed, this holds true even though he is 72 years old and has been coaching since 1975.
Can he call it quits? Absolutely, his career has been legendary. Even so, because of his age, Pitino remains passionate about coaching.
"I'm enjoying this more than I ever have in my life," Pitino said. told On Wednesday, SNY stated, "Since it’s New York, the place where I began my journey, I am returning home again. Even at 73 years old, despite feeling as energetic as someone half my age, I recognize that I only have perhaps three to five more productive years ahead. Hence, let me knock on some wood for good luck. With this in mind, why not make the most of it? Why not fully embrace every moment with joy? Moreover, why not strive to excel beyond what I’ve achieved so far? Therefore, I feel an unprecedented level of enthusiasm, eagerness, and determination."
If Pitino remains with St. John's for another five years, he will almost certainly keep the team competitive for a national championship throughout that entire period.
Certainly, another institution might coach him instead, yet considering his emphasis, appearing for New York appears significant to him.
To put things into perspective, Mike Krzyzewski stepped down at the age of 74. On the other hand, Tom Izzo recently celebrated his 70th birthday and continues to be energetic and competitive as ever at Michigan State.
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