Coach Rick Pitino admitted “bitterness doesn’t help” after NCAA selection committee disparaged St. John’s University, but the coach still plays an important role in evaluating college basketball teams He was critical of the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings.
“I think this word (NET) is deceptive and I think it should probably never be said again,” Pitino told SNY on Selection Sunday after the Red Storm missed the NCAA Tournament. .
St. John’s entered the day in the bubble after losing by five points to defending national champion and No. 1 overall seed UConn in the Big East Tournament semifinals on Friday. The Red Storm (20-13 overall, 11-9 Big East) were ranked 32nd in the NET, second only to No. 28 Indiana State among teams that missed the tournament.
“I think we had a strong enough schedule in KenPom (rankings),” Pitino said. “We played a tough schedule and tried to do things the right way, but we just didn’t get the results.”
“I never make excuses,” Pitino continued. “I respect the work of the committee. They dedicate their time and put their energy into it. So we take that very positively and move forward.”
St. John’s did not make the first four teams despite winning six straight games before losing to UW. absent from tournament. They were Oklahoma State (net rank: 46th), Seton Hall (67th), Indiana State and Pittsburgh (40th). Pitino said in a statement Sunday that St. John’s University is declining its NIT bid.
“First and foremost, we have tremendous respect for the National Invitational Tournament and St. John’s storied history in this event,” the statement said. “After thoroughly considering everything necessary to participate in the postseason, we believe it is in the best interest of our team and basketball program at this time to prepare for next season.
“We remain focused on building a championship-level basketball program here at St. John’s. We would like to thank our fans for their outstanding support last season and look forward to a bright future for St. John’s Basketball.” ”
The Big East will be represented in March Madness by three teams: UConn (1st place in the East Region), Marquette (2nd place in the South Region), and Creighton (3rd place in the Midwest Region).
“We’re not going to complain and we’re not going to say we failed,” Pitino said. “None of it helps. Bitterness doesn’t help. I’ve had enough bitter experiences in my life to last a lifetime.”
Pitino joined St. John’s last year after leading Iona to an NCAA Tournament appearance and MAAC Tournament championship. The Basketball Hall of Fame coach won national titles with Kentucky and Louisville and has made seven Final Four appearances (with Providence, Kentucky and Louisville).
Pitino’s son, Richard Pitino, coaches New Mexico, which enters the NCAA Tournament as the No. 11 seed in the West Region.
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