St. John’s Alum Naclerio Becomes Winningest Coach in NY State History

Photo by: Queens Chronicle

St. John’s Alum Naclerio Becomes Winningest Coach in NY State History

2/3/2026 10:43:00 AM | General

Former St. John’s standout wins 973rd career game at Cardozo High School

QUEENS, N.Y. – Ron Naclerio, a decorated St. John's alumnus and longtime boys basketball coach at Cardozo High School in Bayside, became the winningest coach in New York State history this past weekend.

With a 69-46 victory over Julia Richman High School on Friday, Jan. 30, Naclerio won his 973^rd game as head coach at Cardozo, passing fellow St. John's alumnus and legendary Molloy coach Jack Curran for the most wins in New York State high school history.

Naclerio, who took over as the head coach at Cardozo in 1981, has won two city titles and has mentored four NBA players during his tenure leading the Judges.

Naclerio played three years of baseball at St. John's before being selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 30^th round of the 1979 Major League Baseball draft. He held the Red Storm's career stolen base record (94) for nearly five decades before being passed by Jackson Tucker (109) this past spring. Naclerio still holds the record for three-year letterwinners.