In the 2024-25 season, St. John's basketball achieved a remarkable 31-5 record, winning both the Big East regular-season title and tournament, which marked their first NCAA Tournament appearance in six years without needing to play in the First Four.

Rick Pitino has successfully transformed St. John's basketball program from being outside the NCAA Tournament conversation to securing a No. 2 seed in just two seasons.

For his outstanding performance, Pitino received the prestigious 2024-25 Naismith, AP, and Big East Coach of the Year awards.

The program has effectively utilized the transfer portal, bringing in notable players such as Ian Jackson, Joson Sanon, and Bryce Hopkins, resulting in the top-ranked transfer class in men's college basketball according to 247Sports.

Despite a largely new roster, senior standout Zuby Ejiofor returns for the upcoming season, which will feature challenging matchups against teams like Alabama and Kentucky.

Pitino's coaching methodology emphasizes daily player development sessions aimed at addressing individual weaknesses, a strategy he successfully employed with NBA players like Donovan Mitchell.

Under Pitino's guidance, St. John's practices are designed to be intense yet concise, lasting no more than two hours, with a strong focus on conditioning and quick corrections during drills.

Pitino stresses the importance of adapting to the realities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, asserting that complaining about these changes is counterproductive.

To maximize the program's potential, Pitino prioritizes recruiting older players over primarily focusing on high school talent, thereby enhancing their chances of success.