St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino didn’t hold back in his criticism of the team’s performance following their recent 68-62 loss to Seton Hall. Pitino expressed his frustration with the team’s lack of athleticism and overall disappointing year during a post-game press conference.
Key Takeaway
Rick Pitino openly criticized the St. John’s basketball team’s performance, highlighting their lack of athleticism and expressing his disappointment with the current season. Despite the challenges, Pitino remains committed to addressing the team’s issues and striving for improvement.
Game Recap
The game started off in St. John’s favor, with the Red Storm holding a 41-29 lead at halftime. However, turnovers and poor shooting allowed Seton Hall to make a comeback in the second half, ultimately securing the win.
Coach’s Critique
Pitino didn’t mince words when addressing the team’s performance, singling out specific players and highlighting their shortcomings. He criticized the team’s lack of speed, quickness, fundamentals, strength, and toughness, attributing these issues to recruiting choices.
He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s overall lack of athleticism and their style of play, emphasizing the need for improvement in various areas.
Facilities and Outlook
Additionally, Pitino addressed the team’s athletic facilities, acknowledging their shortcomings but emphasizing that it should not be an excuse for on-court performance. Despite the challenges, Pitino remains committed to addressing the team’s issues and striving for improvement.
Final Thoughts
As a seasoned coach with decades of experience, Pitino admitted that the current season has been particularly challenging and disappointing for him. Despite the difficulties, he remains focused on guiding the team and working towards a more positive and successful future.