Rick Pitino’s three-year tenure at Iona, where he coached from 2020 to 2023, was significant for his return to NCAA basketball after being fired from Louisville due to a scandal. He led Iona to two NCAA appearances before moving to St. John’s, where they will face Iona for the first time since his departure. Despite Iona’s struggles under new coach Dan Geriot, Pitino respects their offensive capabilities, particularly senior guard C.J. Anthony. In a lineup change, sophomore Ian Jackson will start at point guard for St. John’s, marking an important moment in his development as a player.
