Eye On College Basketball: After Winning the Big East, Rick Pitino & St. John's are Primed for Encore | Summer Shootaround '25

Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of CBS Sports' official Eye On College Basketball podcast, hosts Gary Parrish and John Fanta delve into the resurgence of St. John's University basketball under the leadership of legendary coach Rick Pitino. As part of their Summer Shootaround series, they explore the team's triumphant Big East Championship run and their strategies for maintaining momentum into the upcoming season.

Season Recap

Gary Parrish opens the discussion by highlighting St. John's remarkable turnaround during the 2024-2025 season:

• Record: Finished with an impressive 31-5 overall record.
• Conference Success: Secured the Big East Championship outright, defeating Butler, Marquette, and Creighton at Madison Square Garden.
• NCAA Tournament: Earned a #2 seed but faced an early upset by Arkansas in the second round.

Notable Quote:

"It was my favorite story of the 2024-25 college basketball season, the reemergence of St. John's... it was tremendous for people who maybe didn't follow it so closely."
— Gary Parrish [07:53]

Roster Changes & Transfer Portal Success

Despite the early exit from the NCAA tournament, Rick Pitino efficiently utilized the transfer portal to bolster the roster:

• Key Additions:
  • Ian Jackson from North Carolina
  • Oziah Sellers from Stanford
  • Josan Sanin from Arizona State
  • Bryce Hopkins from Providence

Gary emphasizes the depth and quality of the new additions, leading him to rank St. John's as the number one team in his top 25.

Notable Quote:

"The strength of that class is why I have St. John's ranked number one in my top 25 and one."
— Gary Parrish [09:00]

Coaching Insights: Rick Pitino's Mastery

John Fanta commends Rick Pitino's strategic acumen and his ability to rejuvenate the St. John's program:

• Leadership: Pitino's charisma and "New York charm" resonate well with both players and fans.
• Work Ethic: Despite being 72 years old, Pitino maintains rigorous daily routines, including early morning workouts and intensive training sessions with the team.

Notable Quotes:

"Rick Pitino is one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time... he's got that New York charm, he's got that style and it resonates."
— Gary Parrish [07:53]

"The day Rick Pitino stops coaching college basketball will be the day where he doesn't feel like he can do it anymore."
— Gary Parrish [30:30]

Player Spotlight

Ian Jackson

• Background: A Bronx native from North Carolina, Jackson brings both talent and a deep connection to New York City.
• Role: Expected to be the team's primary point guard, Jackson's versatility and scoring ability make him a central figure in Pitino's game plan.

Notable Quote:

"Ian Jackson wants to be part of that... He's our point guard and I don't doubt they'll start that way and try it and it might go perfectly."
— John Fanta [10:07]

Bryce Hopkins

• Injury Comeback: After tearing his ACL and a challenging recovery period, Hopkins is anticipated to return as a double-digit scorer.
• Expectations: While his shooting consistency remains a question, Hopkins is expected to contribute significantly, especially in rebounding.

Notable Quote:

"My honest expectations are he's going to be a double figure scorer and a guy who has seven to nine rebounds per game."
— John Fanta [32:59]

Expectations for the Upcoming Season

Both hosts express optimism about St. John's prospects:

• Championship Potential: With a revamped roster and Pitino's leadership, they project St. John's as a serious contender for the Final Four.
• Challenges: The rigorous non-conference schedule, including matchups against SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Ole Miss, and Kentucky, presents significant testing ground for the team's resilience and depth.

Notable Quote:

"There's a couple of teams that need a certain guy to be that good and sometimes those teams end up winning with winning at very high level of games because that guy is that special."
— John Fanta [10:07]

Conclusion

Gary Parrish and John Fanta conclude the episode by reaffirming their belief in St. John's bright future under Rick Pitino. They acknowledge the challenges ahead but remain confident in the team's ability to navigate a tough schedule and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Notable Quote:

"They have an embarrassment of riches and I believe the best college basketball roster in the country."
— Gary Parrish [13:40]

Stay tuned to Eye On College Basketball as Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander continue to bring you in-depth analysis and insider insights throughout the college basketball season.