30 Facts About Lou Carnesecca

Early Life and Education

Lou Carnesecca's journey began in New York City, where he was born to Italian immigrants. His early years laid the foundation for a remarkable career in basketball.

1. Early Life and Education: Carnesecca grew up in East Harlem, Manhattan, the son of Italian immigrants. He attended St. Ann's Academy (now Archbishop Molloy High School) for his high school education.

2. Military Service: During World War II, Carnesecca served in the U.S. Coast Guard for three years, where he was stationed on a troop transport in the Pacific theater.

3. Coaching Beginnings: After his military service, Carnesecca enrolled at St. John's University, where he graduated in 1950. He began his coaching career at his high school alma mater, St. Ann's Academy.

High School and Professional Coaching

Carnesecca's coaching career took off at the high school level before he made a significant impact in professional basketball.

4. High School Coaching Success: At St. Ann's, Carnesecca achieved significant success, leading the team to several championships. His high school record stands at 205-34 (.858).

5. Professional Coaching Debut: In 1970, Carnesecca transitioned to professional basketball by becoming the head coach and general manager of the New York Nets in the American Basketball Association (ABA).

6. ABA Success: During his three seasons with the New York Nets, Carnesecca led the team to postseason appearances each year. The 1971-72 Nets finished third in the regular season and reached the ABA Finals, where they were defeated by the Indiana Pacers in six games.

7. ABA Finals Appearance: Despite losing in the ABA Finals, the 1972-73 Nets managed to secure the fourth playoff berth in the Eastern Division, showcasing Carnesecca's strategic prowess.

Return to St. John’s and College Coaching Career

Carnesecca's heart always belonged to St. John's University, where he returned to build a legacy in college basketball.

8. Return to St. John’s: In 1973, Carnesecca announced his return to St. John’s University, replacing Frank Mulzoff. He took a significant pay cut, from $22,000 at St. John’s to about $200,000 over seven years with the Nets, but chose to return to his alma mater.

9. College Coaching Career: Over 24 seasons (1965-70 and 1973-92), Carnesecca coached the St. John’s basketball program to 526 wins and 200 losses. He became one of the most successful coaches in St. John’s history.

10. Postseason Appearances: Under Carnesecca's leadership, every St. John’s team he coached reached the postseason. This streak of postseason appearances is a testament to his coaching consistency and excellence.

11. Final Four Appearance: In 1985, Carnesecca led the St. John’s team to the NCAA Final Four, a remarkable achievement that highlighted his ability to prepare teams for the highest level of competition.

Awards and Recognition

Carnesecca's coaching prowess did not go unnoticed, earning him numerous accolades throughout his career.

12. Coach of the Year Awards: Carnesecca was twice named National Coach of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) and once by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

13. Big East Coach of the Year: He was named Big East Coach of the Year three times, demonstrating his dominance in the conference during his tenure.

14. Signature Sweaters: Carnesecca was known for his colorful sweaters, which became a signature part of his coaching style. These sweaters added to his charismatic persona and made him a beloved figure among fans and players alike.

15. Humor and Personality: Known affectionately as "Looie" by fans and media, Carnesecca was widely recognized for his sense of humor and ability to connect with his players on a personal level. His humor often helped to diffuse tension and keep the team's morale high.

Post-Coaching Career and Legacy

Even after retiring from coaching, Carnesecca remained a prominent figure in the basketball world.

16. Announcer Career: After retiring from coaching, Carnesecca continued to be involved in basketball by serving as an announcer for the USA Network's coverage of the NBA drafts in the 1980s.

17. Hall of Fame Induction: In 1992, Carnesecca was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport.

18. New York City Basketball Hall of Fame: He was also inducted into the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, further solidifying his legacy in the city's basketball community.

19. Carnesecca Arena: In 2004, St. John’s University officially dedicated and renamed Alumni Hall to Carnesecca Arena in recognition of his contributions to the university’s basketball program.

Impact on St. John’s and Player Development

Carnesecca's influence extended beyond wins and losses; he shaped the culture and future of St. John's basketball.

20. Legacy at St. John’s: Under Carnesecca's leadership, St. John’s became a perennial powerhouse in college basketball. His teams consistently competed at the highest level, earning respect from opponents and fans nationwide.

21. Player Recruitment: Despite primarily recruiting players from New York City, Carnesecca managed to build a diverse and talented roster that included players from various backgrounds. This approach helped to foster a strong team culture and contributed to his success.

22. Back-to-Back 30-Win Seasons: In 1985 and 1986, Carnesecca led St. John’s to back-to-back 30-win seasons, a remarkable achievement that showcased his ability to sustain high levels of performance over multiple years.

23. Postseason Success: Throughout his career, Carnesecca’s teams consistently performed well in the postseason. His 1979 and 1991 teams competed in NCAA Regional Finals, demonstrating his ability to prepare teams for extended tournament runs.

24. Coaching Philosophy: Carnesecca’s coaching philosophy emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. He believed in building strong relationships with his players and fostering an environment where they could grow both as individuals and as athletes.

Community Involvement and Media Recognition

Carnesecca's impact wasn't limited to the court; he was a beloved figure in the community and the media.

25. Impact on St. John’s Culture: Carnesecca played a significant role in shaping St. John’s University’s basketball culture. His dedication and passion for the sport helped to create a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations of players and coaches.

26. Community Involvement: Beyond his coaching career, Carnesecca was deeply involved in his community. He often participated in local charity events and supported various initiatives aimed at promoting youth sports development.

27. Media Recognition: Throughout his career, Carnesecca received widespread media recognition for his achievements. He was frequently featured in sports publications and television programs, highlighting his impact on the sport.

Player Development and Legacy in New York City

Carnesecca's ability to develop players and his lasting legacy in New York City basketball are testaments to his greatness.

28. Player Development: One of Carnesecca’s greatest strengths as a coach was his ability to develop players. Many of his players went on to successful careers in basketball, both at the collegiate and professional levels, thanks to his mentorship and guidance.

29. Legacy in New York City: In New York City, where basketball is a beloved sport, Carnesecca is remembered as a legend. His contributions to the city’s basketball scene are still celebrated today, with many regarding him as one of the greatest coaches in city history.

30. Final Years and Passing: Luigi P. Carnesecca passed away on November 30, 2024, at the age of 99. His passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from the basketball community, acknowledging his enduring impact on the sport and his beloved St. John’s University.

Lou Carnesecca's Lasting Legacy

Lou Carnesecca's impact on basketball is undeniable. From his early days in East Harlem to his legendary coaching career at St. John's University, he left a mark that won't fade. Known for his colorful sweaters and charismatic personality, Carnesecca led St. John's to numerous victories, including a memorable Final Four appearance in 1985. His dedication to his players and the sport earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. Even after retiring, he stayed connected to basketball, sharing his wisdom as an announcer. Carnesecca's legacy lives on through the countless players he mentored and the fans who admired him. His name, now immortalized in Carnesecca Arena, serves as a reminder of his contributions to the game. Lou Carnesecca will always be remembered as a true basketball legend.