While Rick Pitino recognized that “bitterness does not help” after the NCAA selection committee snubbed St. John’s, the coach was critical of the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings that serve a key role in assessing college basketball teams.
“I think we all should probably never mention that word (NET) again because I think it’s fraudulent,” Pitino told SNY on Selection Sunday, after the Red Storm missed out on the NCAA Tournament.
St. John’s entered the day on the bubble after losing to defending national champion and No. 1 overall seed UConn by five points in the Big East tournament semifinal on Friday. The Red Storm (20-13 overall and 11-9 in the Big East) had a NET ranking of No. 32, which was second-best among teams that missed the tournament after Indiana State at No. 28.
“I think that we had a good strength of schedule (in) KenPom (rankings),” Pitino said. “We tried to play a tough schedule, we tried to do things the right way, and we didn’t get in.”
“I never make excuses,” Pitino continued. “I respect the committee for what they do. They give their time, they give their energy to it. They didn’t think that we measured up to their standards and we’ll take it very positively like men and move forward.”
Despite six straight wins before its loss to UConn, St. John’s was not one of the first four teams to miss the tournament. Those were Oklahoma (NET rank: No. 46), Seton Hall (No. 67), Indiana State and Pittsburgh (No. 40). Pitino said in a statement Sunday that St. John’s would decline a bid to the NIT.
“First and foremost, we have great respect for the National Invitation Tournament and St. John’s storied history in the event,” the statement said. “After thorough consideration of all that goes into postseason participation, we believe at this time it is best for our team and basketball program to prepare for next season.
“We remain focused on building a championship-level basketball program here at St. John’s. I would like to thank all our fans for their wonderful support this past season and look forward to a bright future ahead for St. John’s basketball.”
The Big East will be represented by three teams in March Madness, with UConn (East Region No. 1) Marquette (South Region No. 2) and Creighton (Midwest Region No. 3).
“We’re not gonna gripe, we’re not gonna say we got screwed,” Pitino said. “None of that helps. Bitterness does not help. I’ve had enough bitterness in my life to last a lifetime.”
Pitino joined St. John’s last year after leading Iona to an NCAA Tournament appearance and MAAC tournament championship. The Basketball Hall of Fame coach won national titles with Kentucky and Louisville and has made seven Final Four appearances (with Providence, Kentucky and Louisville).
Pitino’s son, Richard Pitino, is coaching New Mexico, which will appear in the NCAA Tournament as the No. 11 seed in the West Region.
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