The BIG EAST Tournament concluded with two action packed days that got to see St. John’s taking on Creighton to see who would win the Championship Trophy.
It was the Red Storm, much like they have for most of the 2025 Basketball season holding on tight to a 82-66 victory to win the championship for the first time in 25 years.
How tough was the BIG EAST Conference, well they have four other teams represented in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Also representing is Creighton, Marquette, Xavier and UConn all showing the Nation that they are going to be teams to watch for in March Madness.
Working quickly the folks of the NCAA announced that the guys are going to be taking on No. 15 Omaha in Providence, RI on March 20 at the Amica Mutual Pavilion at 9:45 p.m.
St. John’s has themselves a great history when it comes time for playing in the NCAA Tournament as this is going to be the guys 30th overall apperance, and that is tied for 27th most in the Division 1 Men’s Basketball history.
Some of the other impressive stats for the guys compliments of the St. John’s Athletics Deparment include the fact that they have made nine Sweet 16 apperances, along with seven trips to the Elite Eight and two Final Four apperances in 1952 and 1985.
Head Coach Rick Pitino, forward RJ Luis Jr., guard Deivon Smith and Sadiku Ibine Ayo all spoke with members of the media after the selection show and shared thoughts on a wide range of topics including what it is like playing in Providence and more.
Coach Pitino had this to say on going on the road to play agianst Omaha, “I know the players are all excited. The fans are excited. So, it’s a great opening. I’m excited that we’ll start studying as soon as I leave you.”
When it comes time for the team’s return to March Madness Coach had this to say, “It means quite a bit. Last year, I didn’t have a lot of people at the meeting. I wasn’t sure we were going to go. So, this year, we planned the party. It was great. We thought we’d be a two-seed. That was terrific. So, we’re looking forward to all of this.”
As for RJ Luis Jr, Deivon Smith and Sadiku Ibine Ayo they are all getting ready and excited to represent the Red Storm in the NCAA Tournament.
Luis Jr. in the team’s Championship victory against Creighton had 29 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, steal and block in the game.
The forward had this to say on going to be a part of the NCAA Tournament, “I mean, just super blessed. I got to give all the glory to God. I feel like he’s truly just paved the way for all of us and it’s a pretty unique story that he’s created for us. Not only for us, but also for those other families out there that we’re inspiring. So, I think it’s great and I’m psyched. That was my first time experiencing that. Last year was hard because we sat through the whole show thinking, ‘Okay, the next pick, we are going to get in,’ and obviously, we didn’t make the tournament. So that was pretty hard just to see the seniors and what they were trying to do and build. We couldn’t get the job done. But this year, obviously, we took care of business. So, it just feels great. It’s a great opportunity. I’m very excited.”
Deivon Smith had himself a ton of memorable moments during the BIG EAST Tournament as well as during the 2024-25 season, including a season-high 20 points on 4-of-5 (80%) shooting from 3-pointrange in a game played against Delaware on December 28.
Smith had this to say on playing in the NCAA Tournament, “It’s a blessing. It’s a dream come true moment with a special group of guys. I’m just soaking it all in and just going day by day and seeing what’s next.”
Now the anticipation and excitment starts to build as the St. John’s Men’s Basketball team prepares to take on No. 15 Omaha on Thursday, March 20 in the NCAA Tournament.
For more information on the St. John’s Athletics Department fans are encouraged to click on the link seen here:
St. John’s University Athletics – Official Athletics Website