Rick Pitino, one of the most accomplished and polarizing figures in college basketball history, has once again found himself at the center of speculation surrounding a possible return to the NBA. Currently serving as the head coach of the St. John’s Red Storm, Pitino recently addressed the growing chatter that he might consider leaving the collegiate ranks to coach the New York Knicks, a franchise he once led during the late 1980s.
The buzz surrounding a potential Pitino-Knicks reunion has intensified in recent months, fueled by the Knicks’ playoff performance, coaching uncertainties, and the enduring mystique of Madison Square Garden — a place where Pitino once paced the sidelines before his storied college coaching journey truly took off. But according to Pitino, despite his deep ties to New York and the NBA, his focus remains squarely on building a championship culture at St. John’s.
Speaking candidly during an offseason media availability, Pitino addressed the speculation directly: “I’m flattered any time my name comes up in connection with the Knicks. That franchise means a lot to me. It was my first head coaching job in the NBA, and I have nothing but great memories from my time there. But my heart is with college basketball right now, and more specifically, with St. John’s.”
Pitino returned to the Big East in 2023 with a mission to revive the once-proud St. John’s program. He’s made considerable progress, reshaping the roster with transfers, emphasizing discipline, and instilling his trademark intensity. The Red Storm saw immediate improvement in his first season, falling just short of an NCAA Tournament berth but laying the groundwork for a strong future. Pitino believes that his job at St. John’s is far from finished — and that leaving now would feel like abandoning a mission he’s only begun.
“I came to St. John’s because I wanted to build something that lasts,” Pitino said. “Not just a quick turnaround, but a real program that competes every year. The kids I’ve brought in believe in that vision. I can’t walk away from that. I won’t.”
The Knicks connection is not purely speculative, however. Pitino maintains a long-standing friendship with several figures in New York basketball circles, including key figures in the Knicks’ front office. He also remains a beloved figure among many older fans who remember the excitement he brought during his brief but impactful tenure from 1987 to 1989. Under Pitino, the Knicks made a playoff run and showcased an up-tempo style that energized the fan base. His ability to develop young talent, including a young Patrick Ewing, left a lasting impression.
Still, Pitino is now 72 years old, and his priorities have shifted since his early NBA days. After navigating personal and professional trials — including NCAA sanctions at Louisville and a controversial stint in Greece — he says he’s found peace and purpose back in the college game. His connection with student-athletes, his belief in mentoring young men, and his passion for teaching the game on a daily basis have reignited his love for coaching.
“The NBA is a different world,” Pitino reflected. “You’re dealing with professional athletes, contracts, agents, egos. That’s not a bad thing — it’s just a different challenge. College basketball, for me, is about relationships, growth, and development. I’ve coached in the NBA. I know what it’s about. Right now, I want to be where I can have the biggest impact.”
Pitino also emphasized his loyalty to the St. John’s administration, particularly university president Brian Shanley and athletic director Mike Cragg, who took a chance on him at a time when many programs might have balked. “They believed in me when not everyone did,” he said. “They gave me this opportunity, and I owe it to them and to our fans to see it through.”
While Pitino didn’t completely shut the door on an NBA return in a hypothetical future, he made it clear that any such move would be unlikely. “Never say never — life has a funny way of surprising you — but I’m not looking to leave,” he said. “The Knicks are in good hands. I have my hands full here in Queens.”
For Knicks fans hoping for a nostalgic reunion or a bold coaching move, Pitino’s comments may come as a disappointment. But for college basketball — and especially for St. John’s — his continued presence is a win. In an era of constant coaching turnover, Pitino’s commitment to his current program is a rare show of loyalty and purpose. Whether he leads the Red Storm back to national prominence remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Rick Pitino isn’t done with college basketball just yet.
