By SARA KIERNAN
NEW YORK — Dan Hurley may have feuded through the media with Rick Pitino during the season, but Hurley had nothing but praise for the St. John’s coach ahead of the NCAA Tournament.
On Thursday at Barclays Center, the UConn coach called St. John’s an “NCAA-caliber team” and also said the program is in “great hands” under Pitino, the Naismith Hall of Famer.
Six Big East teams finished with 20 or more wins, yet only three were called out on Selection Sunday to be a part of the Field of 68. Seton Hall (20-12) and St. John’s (20-13 were snubbed, while Providence also won 21 games. Seton Hall and Providence opted to play in the NIT, while St. John’s opted out.
The Johnnies lost to the Huskies by only five points, 95-90, in the Big East Tournament semifinals, with the Huskies going on to win the title and becoming the No. 1 overall seed in the Dance.
Hurley said the entire Big East has to do better in scheduling its non-conference games.
“You’ve got to play some big-time non-conference games,” he said, “and then we’ve got to win them.”
PITINO SAYS VAN MACON WILL BE BACK
St. John’s assistant Van Macon will return next year, Pitino announced on social media.
Follow Sara on Twitterr Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookNot sure where these rumors originate from but all I can say is Van Macon isn't going anywhere and he is a valuable member of our staff at St. John's
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) March 21, 2024
