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Rick Pitino is back in Sweet 16: Examining St. John's coach's secret sauce to success
- Story by
- Rick Pitino is back in Sweet 16: Examining St. John's coach's secret sauce to success
SAN DIEGO – Before he had even turned 45 years old, coach Rick Pitino published a book in 1997 that included his advice about aging.
"The older we get, the more we must change," said the book entitled Success is a Choice . "Change is what keeps us fresh and innovative. Change is what keeps us from getting stale and stuck in a rut. Change is what keeps us young."
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Nearly 30 years later, we can see what he means. Pitino, now 73, is taking St. John's to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA men's basketball tournament on Friday against No. 1-seed Duke. It's the fourth school he's taken to the Sweet 16 . It's also the fifth decade he's taken a team this far.
RE-SEEDING THE SWEET16: Separating the contenders from pretenders
So how does he do it?
Part of it relates to that advice in his book. But there's more. And much of it was on display in San Diego recently, when his team won two NCAA Tournament games. Here are five traits that set him apart, backed by evidence and anecdotes from the past weekend:
Rick Pitino celebrates a Providence win in the 1987 NCAA Tournament.
(Kathy Borchers, The Providence Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
Head coach Rick Pitino of the New York Knicks receives a technical foul from the referee during a Knicks versus Los Angeles Lakers game at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, Calif. in 1987.
(Mike Powell, Getty Images)
Kentucky Wildcats head coach Rick Pitino yells during a game against the Syracuse Orangemen. Syracuse won the game, 93-85 on Feb. 12, 1994.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)
Kentucky's Walter McCarty hugs coach Rick Pitino in the last few minutes of a victory over Wake Forest on March 23, 1996 in the NCAA Midwest Championship.
(Anne Ryan, USA TODAY)
Kentucky coach Rick Pitino directs his team against South Carolina at Rupp Arena on March 2, 1997.
(Porter Binks, USA TODAY)
Kentucky Coach Rick Pitino instructs his players on the bench during a first half time out in the NCAA Final Four semifinal game with Minnesota on March 29, 1997 in Indianapolis.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
Boston Celtics' forward Antoine Walker tries to calm Celtics' head coach Rick Pitino after he became upset with an officialÕs call during the second period against the Orlando Magic at the TD Waterhouse Centre on March 28, 2000 in Orlando, Fla
(TONY RANZE, AFP via Getty Images)
Boston Celtics' head coach Rick Pitino (R) talks to players (L-R) Bryant Stith, Paul Pierce, Antoine Walker, and Vitaly Potapenko, during a second quarter time out in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 28, 2000 at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Boston defeated Cleveland 87-72.
(DAVID MAXWELL, AFP via Getty Images)
Head Coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals gives instructions to his team during the game against the Hartford Hawks at Freedom Hall Nov. 17, 2007 in Louisville, Ky.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Louisville head coach Rick Pitino feels his Final Four dreams coming to an end in the final minute of the game while being beat by Michigan State in Sunday's Midwest Regional Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 29, 2009. The Spartans of Michigan State beat the Louisville Cardinals 64-52.
(Matt Detrich, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Network)
Louisville players celebrates celebrate with coach Rick Pitino after defeating Florida at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional Finals in Phoenix, Ariz. on March 24, 2012.
(Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY Network)
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino has a laugh with CBS' Lesley Visser during practice in New Orleans during the 2012 Final Four.
(Sean Dougherty, USA TODAY)
Rick Pitino yells at his players in the first half during a game on March 31, 2012
(Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal via USA TODAY Network)
(L-R) Chane Behanan #21, head coach Rick Pitino and Russ Smith #2 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrate in the final minute as they won 85-63 against the Duke Blue Devils during the Midwest Regional Final round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 31, 2013 in Indianapolis, Ind.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino holds the trophy with his team after Louisville won the championship game in the 2013 NCAA mens Final Four against the Michigan Wolverines at the Georgia Dome on April 8, 2013.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Head coach Rick Pitino presents President Barack Obama with a Louisville Slugger baseball bat from the Louisville Cardinals, the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions, during an event in the East Room of the White House July 23, 2013 in Washington, DC. The Louisville Cardinals defeated the Michigan Wolverines in the championship game by a score of 82-76.
(Win McNamee, Getty Images)
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino reacts to a call during the game against the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum on March 1, 2014. Memphis defeated Louisville 72-66.
(Nelson Chenault, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino reacts during the second half against the Marshall Thundering Herd at KFC Yum! Center on Nov. 21, 2014 Louisville defeated Marshall 85-67.
(Jamie Rhodes, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino calls out instructions during the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at KFC Yum! Center on Jan. 31, 2015.
(Jamie Rhodes, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino talks with his team in a time out during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at KFC Yum! Center on Feb. 26, 2017. Louisville defeated Syracuse 88-68.
(Jamie Rhodes, Imagn Images)
Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
(Thomas Joseph, Imagn Images)
Louisville head basketball coach Rick Pitino leaves Grawemeyer Hall after having a meeting with interim president Greg Postel on Sept. 27, 2017. His meeting lasted less than 10 minutes. Pitino was suspended and later fired for a pay-for-play scheme for a recruit.
(Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal)
Rick Pitino stays after the livestream show with the Courier Journal to take pictures and sign autographs for the fans at the Omni Hotel on Friday in Louisville, Ky.
on Sept. 14, 2018
(Scott Utterback, Courier Journal via USA TODAY Network)
Coach of Panathinaikos Rick Pitino gives instructions to his players during a Euroleague basketball match between Panathinaikos and Anadolu Efes at The OAKA Stadium in Athens, on February 1, 2019. One of the biggest coaching names in US college basketball, Pitino has not lost a game in the Greek league after being hired just after Christmas 2018.
(ANGELOS TZORTZINIS, AFP via Getty Images)
Iona coach Rick Pitino during game against Coppin State 85-65 at Hynes Athletic Center at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY on Dec. 23, 2020.
(Frank Becerra Jr., The Journal News via USA TODAY Network)
Iona basketball coach Rick Pitino runs a practice with his team at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY on Nov. 4, 2020.
(Frank Becerra Jr., The Journal News via USA TODAY Network)
Iona's coach Rick Pitino instructs Iona's Nelly Junior Joseph during the quarterfinal game of the MAAC Tournament between Iona and Rider played at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.
(Chris LaChall, Courier-Post via USA TODAY NETWORK)
St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino reacts to a play against the Villanova Wildcats during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Jan 17, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino yells out instructions in the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Madison Square Garden on Jan 20, 2026.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino is mobbed by his team after defeating the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on Jan. 24, 2026. The win is the 900th of Pitino’s career.
(Aaron Doster, Imagn Images)
St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino is presented with a jersey for his 900th career win by Director of Athletics Ed Kull at Madison Square Garden on Jan 28, 2026
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
Xavier Musketeers head coach Richard Pitino is greeted by St. John's Red Storm head coach and father, Rick Pitino at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, NY on Feb. 9, 2026.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino celebrates after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena in San Diego on Mar. 22, 2026.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
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Rick Pitino celebrates a Providence win in the 1987 NCAA Tournament.
(Kathy Borchers, The Providence Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
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See Rick Pitino’s long and winding basketball road
Rick Pitino celebrates a Providence win in the 1987 NCAA Tournament.
(Kathy Borchers, The Providence Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK)
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See Rick Pitino’s long and winding basketball road
Head coach Rick Pitino of the New York Knicks receives a technical foul from the referee during a Knicks versus Los Angeles Lakers game at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, Calif. in 1987.
(Mike Powell, Getty Images)
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Kentucky Wildcats head coach Rick Pitino yells during a game against the Syracuse Orangemen. Syracuse won the game, 93-85 on Feb. 12, 1994.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)
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Kentucky's Walter McCarty hugs coach Rick Pitino in the last few minutes of a victory over Wake Forest on March 23, 1996 in the NCAA Midwest Championship.
(Anne Ryan, USA TODAY)
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Kentucky coach Rick Pitino directs his team against South Carolina at Rupp Arena on March 2, 1997.
(Porter Binks, USA TODAY)
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See Rick Pitino’s long and winding basketball road
Kentucky Coach Rick Pitino instructs his players on the bench during a first half time out in the NCAA Final Four semifinal game with Minnesota on March 29, 1997 in Indianapolis.
(Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY)
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Boston Celtics' forward Antoine Walker tries to calm Celtics' head coach Rick Pitino after he became upset with an officialÕs call during the second period against the Orlando Magic at the TD Waterhouse Centre on March 28, 2000 in Orlando, Fla
(TONY RANZE, AFP via Getty Images)
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Boston Celtics' head coach Rick Pitino (R) talks to players (L-R) Bryant Stith, Paul Pierce, Antoine Walker, and Vitaly Potapenko, during a second quarter time out in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 28, 2000 at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. Boston defeated Cleveland 87-72.
(DAVID MAXWELL, AFP via Getty Images)
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Head Coach Rick Pitino of the Louisville Cardinals gives instructions to his team during the game against the Hartford Hawks at Freedom Hall Nov. 17, 2007 in Louisville, Ky.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Louisville head coach Rick Pitino feels his Final Four dreams coming to an end in the final minute of the game while being beat by Michigan State in Sunday's Midwest Regional Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 29, 2009. The Spartans of Michigan State beat the Louisville Cardinals 64-52.
(Matt Detrich, The Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Network)
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Louisville players celebrates celebrate with coach Rick Pitino after defeating Florida at the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional Finals in Phoenix, Ariz. on March 24, 2012.
(Rob Schumacher, The Republic via USA TODAY Network)
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Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino has a laugh with CBS' Lesley Visser during practice in New Orleans during the 2012 Final Four.
(Sean Dougherty, USA TODAY)
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Rick Pitino yells at his players in the first half during a game on March 31, 2012
(Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal via USA TODAY Network)
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(L-R) Chane Behanan #21, head coach Rick Pitino and Russ Smith #2 of the Louisville Cardinals celebrate in the final minute as they won 85-63 against the Duke Blue Devils during the Midwest Regional Final round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 31, 2013 in Indianapolis, Ind.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino holds the trophy with his team after Louisville won the championship game in the 2013 NCAA mens Final Four against the Michigan Wolverines at the Georgia Dome on April 8, 2013.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Head coach Rick Pitino presents President Barack Obama with a Louisville Slugger baseball bat from the Louisville Cardinals, the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Champions, during an event in the East Room of the White House July 23, 2013 in Washington, DC. The Louisville Cardinals defeated the Michigan Wolverines in the championship game by a score of 82-76.
(Win McNamee, Getty Images)
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Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino reacts to a call during the game against the Memphis Tigers at FedExForum on March 1, 2014. Memphis defeated Louisville 72-66.
(Nelson Chenault, Imagn Images)
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Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino reacts during the second half against the Marshall Thundering Herd at KFC Yum! Center on Nov. 21, 2014 Louisville defeated Marshall 85-67.
(Jamie Rhodes, Imagn Images)
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Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino calls out instructions during the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at KFC Yum! Center on Jan. 31, 2015.
(Jamie Rhodes, Imagn Images)
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Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino talks with his team in a time out during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at KFC Yum! Center on Feb. 26, 2017. Louisville defeated Syracuse 88-68.
(Jamie Rhodes, Imagn Images)
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Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino reacts against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
(Thomas Joseph, Imagn Images)
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Louisville head basketball coach Rick Pitino leaves Grawemeyer Hall after having a meeting with interim president Greg Postel on Sept. 27, 2017. His meeting lasted less than 10 minutes. Pitino was suspended and later fired for a pay-for-play scheme for a recruit.
(Michael Clevenger, The Courier-Journal)
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Rick Pitino stays after the livestream show with the Courier Journal to take pictures and sign autographs for the fans at the Omni Hotel on Friday in Louisville, Ky.
on Sept. 14, 2018
(Scott Utterback, Courier Journal via USA TODAY Network)
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Coach of Panathinaikos Rick Pitino gives instructions to his players during a Euroleague basketball match between Panathinaikos and Anadolu Efes at The OAKA Stadium in Athens, on February 1, 2019. One of the biggest coaching names in US college basketball, Pitino has not lost a game in the Greek league after being hired just after Christmas 2018.
(ANGELOS TZORTZINIS, AFP via Getty Images)
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Iona coach Rick Pitino during game against Coppin State 85-65 at Hynes Athletic Center at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY on Dec. 23, 2020.
(Frank Becerra Jr., The Journal News via USA TODAY Network)
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Iona basketball coach Rick Pitino runs a practice with his team at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY on Nov. 4, 2020.
(Frank Becerra Jr., The Journal News via USA TODAY Network)
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Iona's coach Rick Pitino instructs Iona's Nelly Junior Joseph during the quarterfinal game of the MAAC Tournament between Iona and Rider played at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.
(Chris LaChall, Courier-Post via USA TODAY NETWORK)
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St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino reacts to a play against the Villanova Wildcats during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Jan 17, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
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St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino yells out instructions in the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Madison Square Garden on Jan 20, 2026.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino is mobbed by his team after defeating the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on Jan. 24, 2026. The win is the 900th of Pitino’s career.
(Aaron Doster, Imagn Images)
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St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino is presented with a jersey for his 900th career win by Director of Athletics Ed Kull at Madison Square Garden on Jan 28, 2026
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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Xavier Musketeers head coach Richard Pitino is greeted by St. John's Red Storm head coach and father, Rick Pitino at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, NY on Feb. 9, 2026.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino celebrates after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena in San Diego on Mar. 22, 2026.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
1. Rick Pitino adapts and adapts again
Fellow Hall of Fame coach Bill Self of Kansas made an observation about Pitino the day before his team lost to St. John's in the second round March 22. He said he was especially impressed by coaches who evolved to master changes in the game , including the introduction of the shot clock (1985) and 3-point shot (1986). Pitino was hired at Providence before either and then took Providence to the Final Four in 1987.
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"I think that he's done that as well as anybody maybe ever has," Self said.
More recently, the NCAA allowed unlimited annual player transfers in 2024 after decades of restrictions. Pitino has built his St. John's team around transfer players and had the No. 1 transfer class in the nation for 2025, according to 247Sports.
2. Rick Pitino reinvents and rehabilitates himself
He was the head coach at Kentucky and Louisville, two archrivals. He was the head coach of Boston University and the Boston Celtics . Now he's the head coach of St. John's University of New York after previously serving as head coach of the New York Knicks .
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It takes some personal reinvention to take on such starkly different jobs in the same cities or regions. It also took some self-awareness to put himself in exile and rehabilitate his image after a rash of scandals at Louisville , where he was fired in 2017 .
He left the country to coach in Greece until 2020 and then came back to the U.S. to coach at Iona . He won enough at both places to put the scandals in his distant past and get hired at St. John's in 2023.
He wasn't even asked about those controversies in four news conferences while his team was in San Diego.
Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images)
The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
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Iowa State Cyclones fans cheer against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 22, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri.
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Kansas Jayhawks cheerleaders perform before a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the St. John's Red Storm at Viejas Arena on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, Calif.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska's Berke Buyuktuncel celebrates with fans following a second-round game in the NCAA men's basketball tournament between Nebraska Cornhuskers and Vanderbilt Commodores at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on March 21, 2026.
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Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleaders in the second half against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
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VCU Rams fans react after a 3-pointer by Terrence Hill Jr. #6 of the VCU Rams in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Howard Bison cheerleaders perform during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Keybank Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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BYU Cougars cheerleader in the second half against the Texas Longhorns during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland, Ore.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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Former North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams is seen in the crowd against the VCU Rams in the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Mar 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
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Texas A&M Aggies cheerleaders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
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Texas Longhorns band in the first half against the BYU Cougars during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center on Mar 19, 2026 in Portland.
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St. John's Red Storm mascot Johnny Thunder mixes with players prior to taking the court during practice day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 19, 2026 in San Diego, California.
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A Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleader practices before the game during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
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The High Point Panthers fans cheer during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers cheerleaders react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images)
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The North Dakota State Bison mascot and cheerleaders pose for a photo before the game against the Michigan State Spartans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers fans cheer after defeating the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
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The Wisconsin Badgers mascot performs during a time out during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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A view of Buddy the Street Dog as Queens University of Charlotte Royals guard Yoav Berman talks to the media during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center in St. Louis on March 19, 2026.
(Jeff Le, Imagn Images)
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The High Point Panthers band performs prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
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High Point Panthers fans cheer prior to a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the Wisconsin Badgers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders preform during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The South Florida Bulls mascot performs during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center on March 19, 2026 in Buffalo, NY.
(Mark Konezny, Imagn Images)
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The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs cheerleaders perform in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
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The Troy Trojans mascot dances on the floor during the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, William Purnell-Imagn Images)
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The UCF Knights band performs during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 19, 2026 in Philadelphia.
(Bill Streicher, Imagn Images)
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Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders perform during the second half against the Troy Trojans during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center on March 19, 2026 in Oklahoma City.
(William Purnell, Imagn Images)
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A Wisconsin Badgers cheerleader performs during the first half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center on March 19, 2026 in Portland, Or.
(Craig Strobeck, Imagn Images)
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The Ohio State Buckeyes cheerleaders perform in the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, SC.
(Bob Donnan, Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips fans in the first half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Texas Tech Red Raiders cheerleaders in the first half against the Akron Zips during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck, Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
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Santa Clara Broncos fans react to game play against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St. Louis, MO.
(Jeff Le, Jeff Le-Imagn Images)
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Akron Zips cheerleaders and mascot in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Wright State Raiders fans celebrate after a Wright State Raiders guard TJ Burch (22) scores during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 20, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA.
(Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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Hofstra Pride cheerleaders in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena on March 20, 2026 in Tampa, Fla.
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Garth Noble of the Louisville pep band is amped at the 2026 NCAA Women's March Madness basketball tournament at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 21, 2026.
(Matt Stone/Courier Journal)
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Michigan head coach Dusty May high-fives players after 95-72 win over Saint Louis at the NCAA Tournament Second Round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
(Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK)
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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish band and spirit squad cheer during the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament against the Fairfield Stags at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus on March 21, 2026.
(Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch)
3. He keeps pulling the lever, encourages players to do same
Like with a slot machine at a casino, you can't win the jackpot if you don't keep pulling the lever. But you also risk big losses if you do. He takes this risk.
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For example, St. John's guard Dylan Darling had played poorly against Kansas on Sunday, missing all four shots he took. Then he had the audacity to ask Pitino for the ball on the final play with the score tied at 65-65 in the final seconds. Pitino let him do it despite Darling's lack of production before then. Darling then won the game with a buzzer-beating layup .
Likewise, Pitino has emphasized 3-point shooting as a big key to success for his team in this tournament so far. If the shots don't fall, he wants the players to keep shooting until they do. In the first half against Kansas, St. John's hit just 7 of 23 3-point attempts.
"I kept telling them… every time out, 'Look, you're going to make five in a row; you're going to make six in a row,'" Pitino said afterward. "They didn't believe a word I was saying, but I was telling them you gotta keep shooting it. It was the only way we were going to win tonight."
St. John's outscored Kansas in 3-point shooting, 33-15.
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4. He's cool and has swagger
In this regard, he's somewhat like Deion Sanders , the football coach at Colorado. Both have been relevant in their sports since the 1980s. Both were innovative enough to pioneer the art of flipping a team roster with transfer players in 2023, when hardly anybody else was doing it. Both have a flair with fashion — Sanders with his sunglasses and jewelry, Pitino with his Armani suits and ties (while other coaches are mostly wearing athleisure gear).
What does any of this matter?
It signals confidence in their craft built over time while still daring to be different.
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A cool head helps, too, avoiding exhaustion in a game of so many ups and downs. Did you see Pitino's reaction to Darling's game-winning layup against Kansas ? Instead of exploding with joy in reaction to it, Pitino looked like his number was just called after waiting in line at the DMV.
5. Rick Pitino hates Christian Laettner
OK, he never said he hated the hated legend from Duke . But on the eve of another game against Duke, the memory is still fresh for Pitino, who was the coach at Kentucky in 1992 when Laettner hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer to beat Kentucky and lift Duke to the Final Four.
The flashback still seems to make him edgy. He said Sunday he was "so sick of commercials with Christian Laettner hitting that shot over and over and over."
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He said friends recently convinced him to watch a show on Hulu called "Paradise" but then learned Laettner's shot is referenced in that, too.
"That's cruel," Pitino said.
He got his own buzzer-beater from Darling Sunday. Now it's on to Duke in Washington, D.C.
"You win some, you lose some," Pitino said. "And I'm hoping we can get Duke at the buzzer next to make up for that Christian Laettner shot."
Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer . Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How St. John's basketball coach Rick Pitino just keeps winning
