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A Historic Encounter at Madison Square Garden
The evening before the Big East championship showdown, Walter Berry, affectionately known as “The Truth,” navigated his way through a bustling St. John’s locker room in search of RJ Luis. He had something important to convey. Towering over a sea of reporters and guests, Berry gently placed his hands on Luis’ shoulders and said, “I am so happy to finally meet you. Tomorrow, young man, I want you to have this.”
Berry, a legend in his own right, stands alongside greats like Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson, and Malik Sealy. Now at 60, he reflects on his time at St. John’s, two unforgettable seasons during the ’80s under the guidance of Lou Carnesecca. Berry’s teams amassed a remarkable 62-9 record, including a 1985 Final Four appearance. Yet, one game stands out — the euphoric Big East tournament championship win against rival Syracuse at Madison Square Garden in March 1986.
Understanding the significance of such a victory, Berry whispered, “We will talk again soon,” before leaving Luis to the crowd. Their future discussions will likely center around the unique pride of winning at St. John’s, an experience unparalleled in college basketball.
The Unique Magic of St. John’s
Some might scoff, but those who were at Madison Square Garden on that Saturday night, or have witnessed the resurgence of the Johnnies, know the truth. While victories at Duke, Kansas, or Kentucky hold their own prestige, St. John’s is synonymous with New York. The energy, the grandeur, and the sheer power of St. John’s basketball is an entity all its own.
After an electrifying performance, leading St. John’s to a Big East tournament victory over Creighton with a score of 82-66, RJ Luis tried to articulate the indescribable emotions of the week. “This has been,” Luis began, “by far the most emotional, happiest week of my 22 years of existence.”
St. John’s last Big East tournament title was in 2000, a fleeting moment of glory. Now, the feeling is one of boundless joy. The hiring of 70-year-old Rick Pitino two years ago might have seemed like a marriage of convenience, but it quickly became a match made in heaven. St. John’s required cultural significance and a winning team, while Pitino, then coaching at nearby Iona, yearned for one last opportunity to make history without leaving New York.
Rick Pitino’s Return to Glory
Though Pitino’s past is not without controversy, those concerns quickly faded. St. John’s, emerging from years of mediocrity, now boasts perhaps the greatest college coach of this generation, a New Yorker through and through. Pitino is not only a master strategist but also an adept fundraiser, crucial in the NIL era.
As Rev. Brian J. Shanley, St. John’s president, emotionally remarked amid the postgame celebration, “Rick is a New Yorker, through and through, and for him to be able to come back and command the big stage that is New York City, there was no other coach that could pull it off, in my opinion, what Rick pulled off here.” The hunger for success among fans, spanning four decades, was finally satiated.
All In on St. John’s
Everything about St. John’s feels like a shared secret, a collective experience everyone wants to be part of. The program’s most ardent supporter, billionaire Mike Repole, who grew up idolizing the legendary ’80s teams, is as prominent around the program as the mascot. On Saturday night, Repole humorously stated, “It’s just the beginning. I mean, Rick’s gonna sign an 18-year contract tomorrow. Ninety. He’s gonna stop at 90.” Some donors lack direct ties to St. John’s; they’re just friends of Pitino, eager to join the journey, much like everyone else.
The Team’s Grit and Determination
It’s not just about winning; it’s how these Johnnies play. Their style — characterized by defense, dunks, grit, and resilience — embodies the spirit of New York. Aaron Scott symbolized this toughness, playing through injuries and bleeding lips. “That’s our identity,” Scott remarked. “Nothing stops us from playing: injuries, bloody lips, messed-up thumbs, hamstrings, nothing.”
Deivon Smith, battling a shoulder injury, exemplified mental toughness. Despite limitations, he played crucial minutes, helping the team in pivotal moments. As Pitino acknowledged, “He’s a tough kid, but you’ve got to get over the hump mentally.” On Saturday, Smith was instrumental in a game-turning second-half performance.
As the noise reached a crescendo, Smith marveled, “Never in my life have I heard anything like that. That kind of energy, man, you just get lost in it. Words can’t explain it.” Those present understood — it was indescribable.
A Bright Future Ahead
Just as Berry and Luis share an understanding, so too does Zuby Ejiofor. Transferring from Kansas to St. John’s, Ejiofor came to develop under Pitino’s tutelage. The coach promised Ejiofor that playing in New York would feel like being at the center of the world.
Reflecting on his experiences, after scoring 53 points across the semifinal and final games, Ejiofor was filled with emotion. He said, “You’re talking to a guy who played at Allen Fieldhouse, and that’s probably the only thing that could even compare. But this, man; this is something else. This is New York City. This is MSG. This is different.”
