In a touching tribute to legendary St. John’s basketball coach Lou Carnesecca, Rick Pitino, the current head coach of Iona University, donned a special “Looie sweater” during his team’s season opener. The gesture came just days after Carnesecca’s passing at the age of 91.
Pitino, who coached against Carnesecca during his time at Providence college, spoke fondly of the Hall of Famer, saying, “He was a mentor to me. He was a great coach, a great person, and a great friend.”
The “Looie Sweater,” a red cardigan reminiscent of the one Carnesecca famously wore on the sidelines, was a symbol of respect and admiration for the coaching icon. Pitino’s team went on to win their first game of the season, adding a fitting victory to the emotional tribute.
Carnesecca’s legacy at St. John’s is undeniable. He led the Red Storm to the 1985 Final Four and amassed over 500 wins during his illustrious career. His impact on the game extended beyond wins and losses, as he was known for his sportsmanship, integrity, and dedication to his players.
Pitino’s gesture serves as a reminder of the profound influence Carnesecca had on the basketball world. The “Looie Sweater” will undoubtedly become a cherished symbol of his enduring legacy.
The St. John’s University basketball community came together this week to honor the legacy of legendary coach Lou Carnesecca, who passed away at the age of 91. Carnesecca, who led the Red Storm to the 1985 Final Four and a national championship game appearance in 1985, left an indelible mark on the program and the sport.
current St.John’s coach Rick Pitino paid tribute to Carnesecca by sporting a vintage look reminiscent of the coach’s iconic sideline attire during a recent game. Pitino, known for his sharp suits, donned a red sweater vest and a tie, a nod to Carnesecca’s signature style. “I wanted to honor Coach Carnesecca in a way that felt fitting,” Pitino said. “He was a true legend,and his impact on this program is immeasurable.”
Carnesecca’s funeral was a poignant affair, bringing together generations of St. john’s players, coaches, and fans to celebrate his life and legacy. “He was more than just a coach; he was a mentor and a friend,” said former St. John’s star Chris Mullin. “He taught us about basketball, but more importantly, he taught us about life.”
The university announced that all St. John’s basketball teams will honor Carnesecca throughout the season by wearing a commemorative patch on their uniforms. The patch will feature Carnesecca’s initials and the years he coached the Red Storm.
Carnesecca’s legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. He was a beloved figure in the new York City community,known for his warmth,humor,and dedication to his players. His passing is a meaningful loss for the St. John’s family and the world of college basketball.
“Lou Carnesecca was a giant in our sport,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “His contributions to college basketball are immeasurable,and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”
## Remembering a Legend: Rick Pitino Honors Lou Carnesecca
**By [Your Name], Senior Editor, World-Today-News.com**
the world of college basketball mourned the loss of legendary st. John’s coach Lou Carnesecca last week. At 91 years old,Carnesecca left behind a legacy synonymous with passion,wisdom,and a certain red cardigan sweater. A tribute to “Looie’s” lasting impact rippled through the sport when Iona University coach Rick Pitino donned a replica “Looie sweater” during his team’s season opener, a gesture developed into an emotional conversation about the Hall of Famer’s influence.
**World-Today-News.com:** Coach Pitino, your tribute to Coach Carnesecca through the “Looie Sweater” was incredibly touching.
What made you decide to honor him this way,especially at the season opener?
**Rick Pitino:** Lou was more than just a coaching opponent; he was genuinely a mentor to me. When I was at Providence, he gave me invaluable advice, always welcoming me with open arms and helping me navigate the early years of my career. Seeing John Thompson wear a woolie hat after his death made me think about how to honor Lou. I thought this would be a fitting way to pay tribute to him on opening night, reminding everyone of his greatness.
**World-Today-News.com:** Coach Carnesecca was known for his iconic red cardigan. Do you have any favorite memories related to that piece of clothing or to his style on the sidelines?
**Rick Pitino:** Oh, absolutely. That sweater was practically a part of him.I remember him pacing the sidelines,that red cardigan almost flapping in the wind as he barked out instructions. It became a symbol of St. John’s basketball, just like Coach Carnesecca himself.He had such a distinct presence, and that sweater was a part of it.
**World-Today-News.com:** Beyond the iconic fashion, what characteristics of Coach Carnesecca’s coaching style do you think leaving a lasting impact on the game and on younger coaches like you?
**Rick Pitino:** He was a master motivator, demanding excellence from his players but always with their best interests at heart. He understood the game deeply and was a true innovator in his time. But even more importantly,he was a good man,a good mentor,and a good friend. Those qualities transcend the game itself.
**World-Today-News.com:** Thanks for sharing those memories, Coach. Do you think that legacy of dedication and mentorship continues on today in college basketball?
**Rick Pitino:** Absolutely. I see it in coaches across the country. We learned from the greats like Lou, and we try to pass on that knowledge to the next generation. The love of the game, the commitment to your players, these are the things that make this sport so special, and that’s what Lou embodied.
**World-Today-News.com:**
Thank you, Coach Pitino, for your time and for sharing your memories of Coach Carnesecca. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
