St. John's University Athletics
Red Storm Hosts Record-Setting “An Evening with St. John’s Basketball”
9/29/2023 3:41:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Red White Club
Annual fundraiser supporting the men’s basketball program generated over $540,000
QUEENS, N.Y. – Supporters of the Red Storm joined together at 583 PARK AVENUE for the annual "An Evening with St. John's Basketball" dinner, which set attendance and fundraising records while generating excitement for St. John's Basketball on Thursday.
With nearly 350 fans and supporters in attendance, the Red Storm generated $540,000 with all proceeds directly supporting the St. John's men's basketball program.
Following a cocktail reception, the event emcee Vin Parise of FOX College Hoops welcomed St. John's University President Rev. Brian J Shanley, O.P. and Director of Athletics Mike Cragg for opening remarks before dinner, each giving thanks and praise to the crowd for their loyal support of the Red Storm while expressing their support in Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino.
"We've hit a home run in hiring Rick," Shanley said. "This season, I share the excitement and we're grateful for all the support."
"This event is my sixth [An Evening with St. John's Basketball] dinner and it has been the most spectacular one I have been to," Cragg added. "I've been around a lot of basketball and we have the very best here in the greatest city in the world."
After dinner, special guest and St. John's Hall of Famer Mark Jackson spoke, giving insight into his time in the NBA while expressing gratitude to St. John's and his former coaches, including Pitino and fellow Hall of Famer Lou Carnesecca. Jackson, one of the most prolific guards in basketball history, then welcomed Pitino to the stage. The 22nd head coach in St. John's Basketball history offered his appreciation to all in attendance and formally introduced each member of the 2023-24 men's basketball team.
"The power of getting people to buy in and believe is incredible," Jackson said. "If you want to give me credit, any credit, then you have to give Coach Pitino credit. All I did was [become] somebody that believed that they were better than they actually were, and then [Coach Pitino] got behind them and cheered them on. It's absolutely incredible when you can do that."
"Right now, every single day, all I want in life is to make these 14 guys develop a high motor, high character, and to become examples for their children what hard work is all about," Pitino said. "If we accomplish that, we are going to accomplish great things this year. There is no doubt in my mind. We have the talent, we have the ability, now we have to create high motors. … We are very blessed at St. John's and I'm blessed to be your coach. Right now, I don't want a whole lot out of life other than a national championship that says St. John's on it."
Pitino and Jackson ended the night with a Q&A session moderated by Parise, as the two shared stories from their time together with the New York Knicks and their long-standing relationship.
With nearly 350 fans and supporters in attendance, the Red Storm generated $540,000 with all proceeds directly supporting the St. John's men's basketball program.
Following a cocktail reception, the event emcee Vin Parise of FOX College Hoops welcomed St. John's University President Rev. Brian J Shanley, O.P. and Director of Athletics Mike Cragg for opening remarks before dinner, each giving thanks and praise to the crowd for their loyal support of the Red Storm while expressing their support in Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino.
"We've hit a home run in hiring Rick," Shanley said. "This season, I share the excitement and we're grateful for all the support."
"This event is my sixth [An Evening with St. John's Basketball] dinner and it has been the most spectacular one I have been to," Cragg added. "I've been around a lot of basketball and we have the very best here in the greatest city in the world."
After dinner, special guest and St. John's Hall of Famer Mark Jackson spoke, giving insight into his time in the NBA while expressing gratitude to St. John's and his former coaches, including Pitino and fellow Hall of Famer Lou Carnesecca. Jackson, one of the most prolific guards in basketball history, then welcomed Pitino to the stage. The 22nd head coach in St. John's Basketball history offered his appreciation to all in attendance and formally introduced each member of the 2023-24 men's basketball team.
"The power of getting people to buy in and believe is incredible," Jackson said. "If you want to give me credit, any credit, then you have to give Coach Pitino credit. All I did was [become] somebody that believed that they were better than they actually were, and then [Coach Pitino] got behind them and cheered them on. It's absolutely incredible when you can do that."
"Right now, every single day, all I want in life is to make these 14 guys develop a high motor, high character, and to become examples for their children what hard work is all about," Pitino said. "If we accomplish that, we are going to accomplish great things this year. There is no doubt in my mind. We have the talent, we have the ability, now we have to create high motors. … We are very blessed at St. John's and I'm blessed to be your coach. Right now, I don't want a whole lot out of life other than a national championship that says St. John's on it."
Pitino and Jackson ended the night with a Q&A session moderated by Parise, as the two shared stories from their time together with the New York Knicks and their long-standing relationship.
Open Practice Press Conference 8.5.2025
Tuesday, August 05
St. John's Basketball Adidas Launch Media Availability7.16.25
Wednesday, July 16
Coach Pitino Press Conference Yankee Stadium 6.4.2025
Wednesday, June 04
Rick Pitino: 2024-25 Coach of the Year in Review
Friday, May 09