“Dreamers are not content with being mediocre.” Some coaches don’t just coach the game — they define it. Think Coach K, Roy Williams, and then there’s Rick Pitino. The dark chapter at Louisville is now a thing of the past, and the coach is back doing what he does best– winning. Earlier this year, he made history by becoming the first coach to lead six different programs to the NCAA tournament– St. John’s first since 2006 — and secured himself the Coach of the Year title. It was a season to remember! But that begs the question– how much longer will college basketball get to witness this miracle man on the sidelines?

“I like correcting problems. It’s a great challenge in my life,” Pitino once famously said. And he’s lived by those words ever since. He took Providence to the Final Four. Then in 1989, he stepped into a scandal-hit Kentucky program. The first two years? No NCAA tournament due to violations before his time. But by Year 3, he led them to the Elite Eight and soon followed it up with 2 Final Fours and a championship.

The program would even go on to induct him into their Hall of Fame. Everywhere Pitino has gone, he’s built winning programs. And now, St. John’s is no exception. Once a forgotten name in college hoops, the Red Storm have roared back under his leadership. But there comes the question. Not only about how long we are going to see him on the sidelines, but what is to become of St. John’s when he leaves?

At 72, retirement might not be too far off. Rob Dauster of the Field of 68: After Dark podcast brought up that very point, wondering if the Red Storm should start preparing for a future without their Hall of Fame head coach. Well, Jeff Goodman didn’t hesitate.

“I think there’ll be an opportunity for whoever follows him. The problem is, the money can dry up quickly if it’s not the right guy. We’ve seen it with other programs–the money can dry up,” he stated. Rightfully so.

Everyone knows how important entrepreneur Mike Repole has been to the Red Storm. Last year, the Johnnies paid close to $3.5 to $4 million to their players–placing them among the top 20 payrolls in the country. The alumnus has contributed nearly 50% of St. John’s NIL funding, and a good reason for that has been Pitino himself.

When a word went about that the program was eyeing to hire the coach in 2023, the entrepreneur was the first to be on board, or rather, push for it, offering good funding support if they managed to lock in on the Hall of Famer. “He’s 70 years old and he’s inspiring me, man,” Repole had said. “He’s happy but not content.” Over a year later, St. John’s was lifting the Big East trophy for the first time since 2000. The Glaceau knew he had done the right thing.

“Rick Pitino is the greatest basketball coach in history,” he’d say in March. Pitino has appreciated the support, too, though he largely stays off the financial matters. But if the program ever needs funding, Repole is only a call away. “If we need more money, I’ll call our guy [St. John’s donor] Mike Repole and say, ‘EWe need more money,'” the coach had revealed.

But will that level of support continue once Pitino steps away?

However, there’s no reason for Red Storm fans to panic. Pitino doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. Rob Dauster even reiterated that Pitino could stick around for another 4-5 seasons, which should ease any concerns. For now, all the focus is on the transfer portal–and the Johnnies have made some serious moves, spending big to land top talent.

Rick Pitino and St John’s spend big

St. John’s went all-in on the transfer portal—and it paid off. According to 247 Sports, the Red Storm landed the first-best transfer class in the nation. They brought in serious firepower with Ian Jackson, Bryce Hopkins, Joson Sanon, Dillion Mitchell, and Oziyah Sellers. Even with RJ Luis Jr. exiting, the backcourt looks far from thin. Pitino has reloaded with top-tier talent, giving fans every reason to stay hyped.

But that wasn’t all. Pitino also locked in four-star wing Kelvin Odih, a top-75 high school prospect known for his elite defense and high ceiling. Add to that the return of Zuby Eliofor, and the roster looks even more stacked.

Will it be enough to spark a deep March Madness run this time around? That’s the big question. From here on out, it’s all about preparation, chemistry, and delivering when it counts. Stay tuned for more as Rick Pitino continues his mission to bring more glory to St. John’s.