Red Storm Rising is more than just a documentary—it’s a front-row seat to one of the most fascinating stories in college basketball
Rick Pitino’s influence has transformed St. John’s into a powerhouse, and the raw, unfiltered moments captured in the series have only added to the intrigue.
With St. John’s now a top-10 team, the stakes are higher than ever. Whether they continue their remarkable run or face unexpected challenges, one thing is certain: Red Storm Rising will be must-watch television for college basketball fans.
Rick Pitino’s career has been filled with highs and lows, but his impact on basketball is undeniable.
Whether leading blue-blood programs like Kentucky and Louisville, struggling in the NBA, or rebuilding smaller schools like Iona and St. John’s, Pitino has always found a way to succeed.
At 72 years old, he continues to coach with the same passion and energy that made him a legend. His journey is one of resilience, and while his legacy is complicated, his influence on the game will be remembered for generations.
Also Read: Rick Pitino: Louisville Scandal, Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Net Worth 2023, Awards and More
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Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Rebuild in “Red Storm Rising”
College basketball is a sport of highs and lows, where the pressure to win can push players and coaches to their limits.1
In the ongoing docuseries Red Storm Rising, viewers get an unfiltered look at the St. John’s basketball program under legendary coach Rick Pitino.
The series, currently airing on Vice TV, provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at a season that has exceeded expectations.
A recent trailer featuring assistant coach Taliek Brown’s passionate outburst has further intensified the drama surrounding the team.
In this article, we will explore the significance of Red Storm Rising, the impact of Pitino on St. John’s, and how the team’s remarkable rise in the AP Top 10 has added to the intrigue.
The Premise of “Red Storm Rising”
Vice TV’s Red Storm Rising is not just another sports documentary—it’s a deep dive into the process of rebuilding a storied college basketball program.
The series follows Pitino’s first full season with St. John’s, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and behind-the-scenes moments that most fans never get to see.
From recruiting battles to grueling practices and emotional locker room speeches, the show gives an unfiltered look at what it takes to turn a team into a contender.
The rawness of the footage, including assistant coach Taliek Brown’s fiery words, highlights the intensity of the season.
Taliek Brown’s Emotional Outburst
One of the most talked-about moments from Red Storm Rising is the passionate rant by assistant coach Taliek Brown. In a trailer uploaded to X (formerly Twitter), Brown let his frustrations boil over, telling his players:
“What the f— is wrong with y’all, man? All y’all motherf—ers. I’m tired of all y’all motherf—ers. … We’re here for one f—ing goal and that’s to win.”
This kind of behind-the-scenes moment is rare in college basketball coverage. Coaches often shield their players from public criticism, but Red Storm Rising gives fans an unfiltered look at the emotions behind the game.
Brown’s words reflect the high stakes and relentless expectations within the St. John’s program.
Rick Pitino’s Influence on St. John’s Basketball
Rick Pitino is one of the most successful and controversial coaches in college basketball history.2
His arrival at St. John’s in 2023 signaled a new era for the program. With a history of turning struggling teams into contenders, Pitino brought his signature intensity, discipline, and basketball IQ to the Red Storm.
His impact was immediate:
- Recruiting Excellence – Pitino attracted top-tier talent, bringing in experienced transfers and highly rated recruits.
- Tactical Adjustments – St. John’s shifted to a fast-paced, aggressive defensive style that overwhelmed opponents.
- Mental Toughness – Pitino’s demanding approach instilled resilience in his players, preparing them for the rigors of high-stakes basketball.
The result? A St. John’s team that has defied expectations and cracked the AP Top 10 in the 2024-25 season.
To my friends in Greece, Lefteris Liotopoulos is developing into a solid Big East player. Has great upside and is a top 3 shooter on our team.
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) February 25, 2025
The Unexpected Rise to the AP Top 10
When the season began, St. John’s was projected as a solid but not spectacular team.
However, under Pitino’s leadership, the Red Storm have soared up the rankings, currently sitting at No. 7 in the AP poll.
Their success can be attributed to several key factors:
- Strong Leadership – Pitino’s experience has helped the team navigate tough matchups.
- Elite Defense – St. John’s has become one of the most disruptive defensive teams in college basketball.
- Balanced Scoring – Multiple players have stepped up, preventing opponents from focusing on just one star.
This rapid rise has made St. John’s one of the biggest stories in college basketball and has given Red Storm Rising even greater significance.
What Makes “Red Storm Rising” Special?
Unlike traditional sports documentaries, Red Storm Rising provides:
- Unparalleled Access – Viewers see what happens behind closed doors, from team meetings to heated moments like Brown’s outburst.
- Raw Emotion – The series captures the highs and lows of the season, making it a compelling watch.
- Pitino’s Unfiltered Coaching – Pitino is known for his no-nonsense approach, and the series showcases his demanding yet brilliant coaching style.
For college basketball fans, this level of access is rare, making Red Storm Rising a must-watch.
Rick Pitino’s History: Legendary Basketball Journey
Rick Pitino is one of the most accomplished and polarizing figures in basketball history.3
A Hall of Famer with over four decades of coaching experience, Pitino’s career has been filled with triumphs, controversies, and resilience.
From coaching powerhouse college programs to the NBA and back, Pitino has left an undeniable mark on the game.
Born on September 18, 1952, in New York City, Rick Pitino grew up in a basketball-rich environment. He attended St. Dominic High School in Oyster Bay, New York, where he developed his skills and earned a reputation as a promising young player.
Pitino went on to play college basketball at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) from 1970 to 1974. While at UMass, he played alongside future NBA legend Julius Erving.
Although Pitino wasn’t a star player, he demonstrated a deep understanding of the game, which foreshadowed his future success as a coach.
Early Coaching Years: Assistant and First Head Coaching Job
- After graduating from UMass, Pitino began his coaching career as an assistant at Hawaii in 1974.
- Just two years later, he took on an interim head coaching role for the team when head coach Bruce O’Neil was fired. This brief stint gave him a taste of head coaching responsibilities.
- In 1978, Pitino got his first full-time head coaching job at Boston University.
- He turned around the struggling program and led the team to the NCAA Tournament in 1983, their first appearance in 24 years.
- This early success caught the attention of higher-profile programs.
- Pitino’s next big opportunity came in 1985 when he became the head coach at Providence College.
- At the time, the Friars were not a national powerhouse, but Pitino’s arrival changed that.
- In just his second season (1986-87), Pitino led Providence to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, an incredible achievement for a mid-major program.
- This run catapulted his reputation as one of the best young coaches in the country.
- His up-tempo, three-point-heavy offensive system was revolutionary at the time, and it became a trademark of his coaching style.
Also Read: The Fall of Rick Pitino: Inside the Louisville Scandal That Rocked College Basketball
Rick Pitino: NBA Stint with the New York Knicks
Following his success at Providence, Pitino made the jump to the NBA in 1987, becoming the head coach of the New York Knicks.
He inherited a rebuilding team and immediately implemented his fast-paced playing style.
Under Pitino, the Knicks made back-to-back playoff appearances, including a 52-win season in 1988-89.
However, his stay in New York was short-lived. After just two seasons, he decided to return to college basketball, taking one of the most prestigious jobs in the sport.
Dominance at Kentucky: The Wildcats’ Resurgence
In 1989, Pitino took over as the head coach at the University of Kentucky, a program recovering from NCAA sanctions. The Wildcats were in rough shape, but Pitino quickly restored them to national prominence.
By 1993, he had led Kentucky to the Final Four, marking the school’s return to the elite ranks of college basketball.
Three years later, in 1996, Pitino achieved his greatest success by leading Kentucky to an NCAA championship. The Wildcats finished the season with a 34-2 record and are regarded as one of the best college teams of all time.
Pitino guided Kentucky to another Final Four in 1997, but shortly afterward, he made another attempt at coaching in the NBA.
Struggles in the NBA with the Boston Celtics
After his remarkable success at Kentucky, Pitino was hired as both the head coach and team president of the Boston Celtics in 1997. His tenure in Boston was far from successful.
Despite having full control over roster decisions, Pitino struggled to turn the Celtics into contenders. His aggressive style, which worked so well in college, did not translate as effectively to the NBA.
Boston failed to make the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, and in 2001, Pitino resigned with a record of 102-146.
Redemption at Louisville: A Second Championship
Following his NBA struggles, Pitino returned to college basketball in 2001 as the head coach of Louisville. This move was controversial, as Louisville was a longtime rival of Kentucky, but Pitino quickly won over the Cardinals’ fanbase.
Under Pitino, Louisville became a powerhouse once again. In 2005, he led the Cardinals to the Final Four, and in 2013, he won his second NCAA championship.
Louisville’s 2013 team was known for its relentless defense and fast-paced offense, hallmarks of Pitino’s coaching philosophy.
However, controversy soon followed, as the NCAA later vacated the title due to a recruiting scandal involving improper benefits to players. Despite this setback, Pitino remained one of the most respected coaches in the game.
Rick Pitino: Scandals and Departure from Louisville
Pitino’s career took a major hit in 2017 when the FBI investigated a bribery scheme involving several college basketball programs, including Louisville.
The investigation uncovered illegal payments to recruits, and Louisville fired Pitino as a result.
While Pitino denied any direct involvement, the scandal severely damaged his legacy. It appeared that his coaching career at the highest level was over.
After a brief hiatus, Pitino returned to coaching in 2020, taking over the Iona Gaels, a small Division I program in New York. Despite being at a mid-major school, Pitino’s impact was immediate.
He led Iona to two NCAA Tournament appearances in three seasons, proving that he still had the ability to win at any level.
His success at Iona once again put him on the radar of bigger programs. In 2023, he accepted the head coaching job at St. John’s, bringing him back to his roots in New York City.
Return to St. John’s: A Full-Circle Moment
Pitino’s move to St. John’s was seen as a chance for redemption and a way to reestablish the program as a national contender. The Red Storm had struggled for years, but with Pitino at the helm, expectations were high.
His impact was immediate, as St. John’s landed several high-profile transfers and quickly became competitive in the Big East Conference. Pitino’s ability to recruit and develop talent remained as strong as ever.
Rick Pitino’s legacy is one of success, innovation, and controversy. Despite the scandals, he is undeniably one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. His ability to rebuild programs, develop players, and adapt to the evolving game has been remarkable.
Pitino’s influence extends beyond his own teams, as many successful coaches have learned under him. His coaching tree includes:
- Billy Donovan – Two-time NCAA champion at Florida and current NBA coach
- Tubby Smith – 1998 NCAA champion at Kentucky
- Mick Cronin – UCLA head coach and Final Four participant
- Mark Pope – Current Kentucky head coach
Additionally, his son, Richard Pitino, is a successful college coach at New Mexico.
Also Read: The Fall of Rick Pitino: Inside the Louisville Scandal That Rocked College Basketball
