The St. John’s Red Storm are back on one of college basketball’s biggest stages — and Rick Pitino made it clear their next opponent comes with history that still lingers.
Ahead of St. John’s Sweet 16 showdown with the Duke Blue Devils, Pitino acknowledged a moment that has followed him for more than three decades — Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beater that ended his Kentucky team’s season in the 1992 Elite Eight.
“You win some, you lose some,” Pitino said. “And I’m hoping we can get Duke at the buzzer next to make up for that Christian Laettner shot.”
For Pitino, it was a rare admission of a memory that never fully fades — a defining loss that still resonates even as he leads a new program deep into March.
St. John’s Arrives With Momentum
St. John’s didn’t just reach the Sweet 16 — it surged into it.
The Red Storm advanced with one of the most dramatic finishes of the NCAA Tournament, defeating the Kansas Jayhawks on Dylan Darling’s buzzer-beating layup.
Darling’s shot — his only field goal of the game — capped a stunning comeback sequence and sent St. John’s to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 1999.
The moment was vintage March Madness: a struggling player stepping into the spotlight, a coach trusting him in the biggest moment, and a team erupting in celebration.
For Pitino, the play carried a deeper meaning.
“I’ve been on both sides of it — winning and losing at the buzzer,” Pitino said. “For a player today, with all the scrutiny, to want the ball when he’s shooting terrible… it just speaks volumes about what he’s about — confidence.”
A Program Reborn Under Pitino
In just three seasons, Pitino has transformed St. John’s into one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
The Red Storm enter the Sweet 16 having won 21 of their last 22 games, including Big East regular-season and tournament titles.
What once looked like a rebuilding project has quickly become a contender.
Now, they face their toughest challenge yet.
Duke Awaits — and So Does History
Duke enters the matchup as the No. 1 overall seed, carrying expectations of a championship run.
But for Pitino, the game represents more than just a chance to advance.
It’s a rare opportunity to face the program tied to one of the most memorable — and painful — moments of his career.
The parallels are striking.
In 1992, Pitino watched a season end on a buzzer-beater.
In 2026, his team advanced because of one.
Pitino’s Message: Stay Focused
Despite the historical narrative, Pitino emphasized that his team cannot get caught up in the moment.
“We’re going to play Duke with our hearts out and be real proud of what we’ve accomplished,” he said. “But don’t embrace anything that’s happened. Get ready for Duke.”
The message reflects the mindset of a veteran coach focused on preparation over emotion.
Shot at Redemption
For St. John’s, the Sweet 16 represents both a breakthrough and a test.
They arrive with confidence, momentum and belief — fueled by one of the tournament’s most unforgettable finishes.
For Pitino, the opportunity is multi-layered.
It’s a chance to continue a remarkable turnaround.
And perhaps, in some small way, to finally balance a moment that has lingered for more than 30 years.
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