Whereas Rick Pitino acknowledged that “bitterness doesn’t assist” after the NCAA choice committee snubbed St. John’s, the coach was essential of the NCAA Analysis Instrument (NET) rankings that serve a key function in assessing faculty basketball groups.
“I believe all of us ought to most likely by no means point out that phrase (NET) once more as a result of I believe it’s fraudulent,” Pitino instructed SNY on Choice Sunday, after the Purple Storm missed out on the NCAA Event.
St. John’s entered the day on the bubble after dropping to defending nationwide champion and No. 1 general seed UConn by 5 factors within the Large East match semifinal on Friday. The Purple Storm (20-13 general and 11-9 within the Large East) had a NET rating of No. 32, which was second-best amongst groups that missed the match after Indiana State at No. 28.
“I believe that we had power of schedule (in) KenPom (rankings),” Pitino mentioned. “We tried to play a tricky schedule, we tried to do issues the precise approach, and we didn’t get in.”
“I by no means make excuses,” Pitino continued. “I respect the committee for what they do. They offer their time, they offer their vitality to it. They didn’t assume that we measured as much as their requirements and we’ll take it very positively like males and transfer ahead.”
Regardless of six straight wins earlier than its loss to UConn, St. John’s was not one of many first 4 groups to overlook the match. These had been Oklahoma (Web rank: No. 46), Seton Corridor (No. 67), Indiana State and Pittsburgh (No. 40). Pitino mentioned in an announcement Sunday that St. John’s would decline a bid to the NIT.
“Initially, we have now nice respect for the Nationwide Invitation Event and St. John’s storied historical past within the occasion,” the assertion mentioned. “After thorough consideration of all that goes into postseason participation, we consider right now it’s best for our staff and basketball program to organize for subsequent season.
“We stay targeted on constructing a championship-level basketball program right here at St. John’s. I wish to thank all our followers for his or her fantastic help this previous season and sit up for a vibrant future forward for St. John’s basketball.”
The Large East shall be represented by three groups in March Insanity, with UConn (East Area No. 1) Marquette (South Area No. 2) and Creighton (Midwest Area No. 3).
“We’re not gonna gripe, we’re not gonna say we acquired screwed,” Pitino mentioned. “None of that helps. Bitterness doesn’t assist. I’ve had sufficient bitterness in my life to final a lifetime.”
Pitino joined St. John’s final yr after main Iona to an NCAA match look and MAAC match championship. The Basketball Corridor of Fame coach received nationwide titles with Kentucky and Louisville and has made seven Remaining 4 appearances (with Windfall, Kentucky and Louisville).
Pitino’s son, Richard Pitino, is teaching New Mexico, which can seem within the NCAA match because the No. 11 seed within the West Area.
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(Picture: Patrick McDermott / Getty Photos)