30 Facts About St. John’s Basketball

The Early Days of St. John's Basketball

St. John's University, located in Queens, New York, has a rich basketball history. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this storied program.

1. St. John's basketball team was founded in 1907. The team has been competing for over a century, making it one of the oldest college basketball programs in the United States.

2. The team is known as the Red Storm. Originally called the Redmen, the name was changed in 1994 to be more culturally sensitive.

3. St. John's played its first game against St. Francis College. They won that game 33-17, marking the beginning of a long and successful basketball tradition.

Legendary Coaches

Coaches have played a significant role in shaping St. John's basketball. Here are some notable figures.

4. Joe Lapchick was a legendary coach for St. John's. He coached the team from 1936 to 1947 and again from 1956 to 1965, leading them to numerous victories.

5. Lou Carnesecca is another iconic coach. He coached from 1965 to 1970 and then again from 1973 to 1992. His colorful sweaters became a trademark.

6. Steve Lavin brought a modern touch to the team. Coaching from 2010 to 2015, he led the Red Storm to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.

Memorable Players

St. John's has produced many talented players who have left a mark on the sport.

7. Chris Mullin is perhaps the most famous St. John's player. He played from 1981 to 1985, earning numerous accolades and later returning as head coach.

8. Mark Jackson, another standout, played from 1983 to 1987. He went on to have a successful NBA career and is now a well-known broadcaster.

9. Walter Berry was a dominant force in the mid-1980s. He won the John R. Wooden Award in 1986 as the nation's best player.

Historic Games and Achievements

St. John's has been part of many historic games and has achieved significant milestones.

10. The team reached the Final Four in 1985. This was one of the most successful seasons in the program's history.

11. St. John's has won the NIT Championship six times. Their victories came in 1943, 1944, 1959, 1965, 1989, and 2003.

12. The Red Storm played in the first-ever televised college basketball game. This historic event took place on February 28, 1940, against Pittsburgh.

Rivalries and Conferences

Rivalries and conference play have always been a big part of St. John's basketball.

13. St. John's has a fierce rivalry with Georgetown. These games are always highly anticipated and often have significant implications.

14. The team is a founding member of the Big East Conference. Established in 1979, the Big East has been one of the premier basketball conferences in the country.

15. Madison Square Garden is considered their second home. St. John's frequently plays high-profile games at this iconic venue.

Recent Developments

The program continues to evolve, with recent developments keeping fans excited.

16. Mike Anderson is the current head coach. He took over in 2019 and has brought a new energy to the team.

17. The team has a strong recruiting pipeline. St. John's consistently attracts top talent from New York City and beyond.

18. The Red Storm made the NCAA Tournament in 2019. This marked their first appearance since 2015, signaling a potential resurgence.

Community and Culture

St. John's basketball is more than just a sport; it's a community and a culture.

19. The team is deeply connected to New York City. Many players come from the city's high schools, and the team has a strong local following.

20. St. John's has a dedicated fan base. Known as the "Red Zone," these fans are passionate and loyal, creating an electric atmosphere at games.

21. The program emphasizes academics. St. John's athletes are known for their performance in the classroom as well as on the court.

Notable Moments and Records

St. John's basketball has had its share of unforgettable moments and impressive records.

22. The team has over 1,800 wins. This places them among the top programs in terms of all-time victories.

23. St. John's has produced numerous NBA players. Over 60 former Red Storm players have gone on to play in the NBA.

24. The team has appeared in 30 NCAA Tournaments. This is a testament to their consistent excellence over the years.

Fun Facts

Let's wrap up with some fun and lesser-known facts about St. John's basketball.

25. The team mascot is Johnny Thunderbird. This spirited bird can be seen rallying the crowd at games.

26. St. John's has a unique fight song. "Onward, St. John's" is played at every home game, adding to the festive atmosphere.

27. The team has a strong social media presence. Fans can follow the Red Storm on various platforms for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

28. St. John's basketball has been featured in movies. The team made appearances in films like "He Got Game" and "Finding Forrester."

29. The program has a rich tradition of philanthropy. Players and coaches often participate in community service projects.

30. St. John's basketball alumni remain involved. Many former players return to campus for events and to support the current team.

The Final Buzzer

St. John's Basketball has a rich history filled with legendary players, memorable moments, and impressive achievements. From its early days to its current standing, the team has consistently been a force in college basketball. The Red Storm has produced NBA stars, set numerous records, and maintained a passionate fan base. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, there's always something fascinating about St. John's Basketball. The team's resilience, talent, and dedication make it a staple in the world of college sports. So next time you catch a game or hear about a St. John's player making headlines, you'll know a bit more about the legacy behind the name. Keep these facts in mind, and you'll appreciate the game even more. Here's to many more seasons of thrilling basketball action!