Rick Pitino, the head coach of St. John’s Red Storm, is set for a significant reunion season in college basketball. This week, he expressed deep affection for his former team, the Iona Gaels, two years after his departure.
Rick Pitino’s Journey with Iona
Pitino’s connection with Iona began when he was offered the coaching position after being dismissed from Louisville. He led Iona to two NCAA Tournament appearances, showcasing his coaching prowess during his tenure.
Memorable moments from his time at Iona include a striking recollection of a late-night meeting in Madrid. Pitino shared that Iona’s President Seamus Carey and Athletic Director Matthew Glovaski flew to Spain to discuss his potential return to college basketball. They met in an Irish pub for an hour before extending an offer he could not refuse.
“I had literally 48 hours to get out of Greece and get to London, or I would never be able to get back because of COVID; it hit that quick,” recounted Pitino.
Iona’s Current Performance
Since Pitino’s exit in 2023, Iona has seen changes in leadership. Dan Geriot, who previously assisted with the NBA’s Cavaliers and Pelicans, is now at the helm. Geriot’s Gaels have started the season with an 8-3 record, showing promise as they adjust to a new coaching style.
- Current Record: 8-3
- Previous Coach: Rick Pitino
- Current Coach: Dan Geriot
Upcoming St. John’s vs. Iona Matchup
The St. John’s Red Storm is scheduled to play against Iona in an upcoming game, marking their first clash since 2017. The last matchup ended in a 10-point victory for St. John’s. Pitino expressed excitement for this reunion, hoping for a lively crowd at Madison Square Garden.
“I have tremendous affection for Iona, obviously, for a lot of reasons,” said Pitino. “I would love to play you. I’m hoping the crowd is amazing so we can make it a holiday game every year.”
This anticipated game is expected to draw at least 15,000 fans, promising an electrifying atmosphere for both teams.
