Rick Pitino's Clarification on St. John's Basketball Program

In a bid to clarify misconceptions surrounding the St. John’s basketball program, legendary coach Rick Pitino emphasized that the team’s recent success is not a result of hefty Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Following their impressive 82-66 victory over second-seeded Creighton, which clinched their first Big East Tournament title in 25 years, Pitino was quick to address the narrative circulating about the team’s financial backing.

“First of all, there’s a lot of misrepresentation about NIL,” Pitino asserted. “NIL didn’t get us this team because Zuby [Ejiofor] and RJ [Luis Jr.] are very low-paid players. That’s nonsense about NIL.”

Despite reports indicating that St. John’s boasts an NIL payroll hovering around $4 million, thought to be the highest in the Big East, Pitino insists the success of his squad is rooted in the players’ character and development rather than financial incentives.

While the team benefits from a few players who earn significant sums—three players are reportedly earning mid-six figures—none surpass the million-dollar mark. The influx of promising transfers such as Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith added depth to the roster, but the standout performances of Ejiofor and Luis have been pivotal to their championship run.

Ejiofor made headlines by scoring a record-setting 33 points in the Big East Tournament semifinal against Marquette, while Luis earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player accolade, showcasing his ability to excel when it mattered most. Remarkably, Luis also marked a significant milestone as the first Johnnie to be named Big East Player of the Year in nearly four decades.

Pitino elaborated on the development of these players, noting, “Somebody asked me about Zuby and RJ. You don’t know what you are getting. Zuby didn’t even play at Kansas. RJ was solid at UMass, but you didn’t know what you were getting. So here are two stars, very underpaid.” He humorously speculated that the pair might soon seek better financial deals, but he reassured fans they are committed to St. John's.

The Hall of Fame coach reiterated that the foundation of the team is not financial but rather the character and tenacity of its players. “St. John’s didn’t get built by the NIL. St. John’s got built with the character of the players, and certainly we are excited to have these young men,” he stated.

Reflecting on his coach’s comments, Ejiofor humbly acknowledged his role, stating, “I appreciate him for that, but, man, I’m the type of person that doesn’t really care about that NIL stuff. All I care about is winning and playing for Johnnies Nation and my teammates. These are the moments that I play for. I play for championships and making history.”

As the enthusiasm builds for the St. John's basketball program, the focus remains clear: it’s not just about money—it's about teamwork, dedication, and making a mark in history. With this mindset, St. John’s looks to build on its success as they aim for even greater achievements in the future. Keep an eye on them as they continue to surprise and inspire in the realm of college basketball!