Rick Pitino's reputation for despising defeat has made its presence felt at St. John's, sending a clear message to opponents: be prepared for an intense battle.
The coach's infamous tantrums are well-documented, with some claiming he'd even take drastic measures like diving into a snowbank to escape the pain of losing. Even his own son, Xavier head coach Richard Pitino, has spoken out about how difficult it is to communicate with him after a defeat – so severe that it would keep them apart for at least 24 hours.
Now, under Pitino's guidance, St. John's appears to be bracing itself for the emotional rollercoaster ahead. Key reserve Dylan Darling noted that the mood around the team has changed significantly compared to a month ago, as if the entire atmosphere had shifted once the new coach took the reins.
Darling observed, "Of course it is." This candid acknowledgment hints at the profound impact Pitino's presence has on the team's dynamics. The St. John's players seem more attuned to their surroundings now, with Darling even jokingly remarking that they'd be devastated if someone harmed Coach P's dog – a telling sign of how much Pitino's emotions have become intertwined with the team's collective psyche.
As the No. 22 Johnnies prepare to face DePaul on Tuesday, it's clear that opponents will need to be at their best to contend with the intense focus and motivation that Rick Pitino brings to every game – a winning mentality tempered by an unyielding disdain for defeat.
The coach's infamous tantrums are well-documented, with some claiming he'd even take drastic measures like diving into a snowbank to escape the pain of losing. Even his own son, Xavier head coach Richard Pitino, has spoken out about how difficult it is to communicate with him after a defeat – so severe that it would keep them apart for at least 24 hours.
Now, under Pitino's guidance, St. John's appears to be bracing itself for the emotional rollercoaster ahead. Key reserve Dylan Darling noted that the mood around the team has changed significantly compared to a month ago, as if the entire atmosphere had shifted once the new coach took the reins.
Darling observed, "Of course it is." This candid acknowledgment hints at the profound impact Pitino's presence has on the team's dynamics. The St. John's players seem more attuned to their surroundings now, with Darling even jokingly remarking that they'd be devastated if someone harmed Coach P's dog – a telling sign of how much Pitino's emotions have become intertwined with the team's collective psyche.
As the No. 22 Johnnies prepare to face DePaul on Tuesday, it's clear that opponents will need to be at their best to contend with the intense focus and motivation that Rick Pitino brings to every game – a winning mentality tempered by an unyielding disdain for defeat.
I'm curious how this would affect my kid if they were part of the team... I mean, I get it, losing is tough, but can't they just learn from their mistakes instead of getting so worked up? 
And what's with all the drama around Coach Pitino? My kid needs to know that winning isn't everything and that mistakes happen. Can't we teach them how to handle losses like adults?! 
I think Pitino's vibe is pretty contagious, you know? 
His intensity can either fuel the team's success or create major drama 
. Players are tuning in to his energy, for better or worse 
️, but when he's down, it's game over 
. I'm curious to see how DePaul will match up against that level of motivation 
.
. When he says "Of course it is" after acknowledging the profound impact Pitino has on the team, I'm reminded that sometimes, less talking can be just as powerful 
. The fact that they'd be devastated if someone harmed Coach P's dog? That's some next-level teamwork right there! 
. As for the team, I'm confident they'll continue to ride this emotional rollercoaster all the way to victory 
. One thing's for sure - Rick Pitino is not messing around 
!
the fact that his own son avoids talking to him after a loss is wild lol its like he's still got that fire burning 
it's soooo weird. anyway, did u see the latest mclaren 720s review? seems like they really improved on that handling system. st john's must be super intense to deal with coach pitinos emotional rollercoaster though... gotta feel for the players 
.
right now! I mean, who knew being on the losing side of things could be so intense? 
, but also super focused on winning (no surprise there!). The fact that his son has to deal with him being in a 'dark place' after losses is just wild 
. Anyway, I'm guessing DePaul's gonna have their hands full trying to keep up with the Red Storm's intensity 
I'm literally so hyped about St Johns this season under Coach Pitinos leadership 
his reputation is for real and its like the team feeds off his energy 
Dylan Darling being all casual about how intense the vibe is around the team now is just too funny 
sending his own son away for 24 hours because he lost? 
that's some serious drama fam 
.