Selection Sunday brought disappointment for St. John’s, as the NCAA tournament committee overlooked the Red Storm, leaving them out of March Madness. Despite a strong finish and a respectable NET ranking of 32, St. John’s fell short of the committee’s standards, according to Coach Rick Pitino.
Expressing frustration with the selection process, Pitino criticized the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings, calling them "fraudulent." He emphasized the team's challenging schedule and strong performance, noting that they "tried to do things the right way" but ultimately did not receive a bid.
While acknowledging the committee's difficult task and respecting their decision, Pitino announced that St. John’s would decline an invitation to the NIT, focusing instead on preparing for the next season. The coach emphasized the importance of moving forward positively and thanked fans for their support.
Despite the disappointment, Pitino remained pragmatic, refusing to dwell on bitterness or blame. He emphasized the need to accept the outcome and focus on the future, echoing his belief in taking setbacks like a man.
St. John’s absence from March Madness contrasts with the Big East's representation by UConn, Marquette, and Creighton. Pitino, a seasoned coach with an impressive track record, remains committed to building a championship-level program at St. John’s, looking ahead to a bright future for the team.
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