St. John's looked the part of at least a team that needs to be prepared for last night.  Many of the same "Pitino" concepts from his Providence, UK, and UL years were on full display for the Johnnies.  I am not saying this to elicit a bunch of "anti Pitino" comments as I met him years ago when he first came to Lexington and worked his basketball camps for several years and I do think he has a ton of ability and is a pretty good person (yes he has his faults but don't we all?).   My comment on him is this.  I thought the last few years he looked tired and beaten down.  Last night he looked much more rejuvenated and healthy.  I hope he can breathe life back into this program as it is very historic and have not been past the second round of the NCAA tournament since 1998-99 season.

Always have thought Pitino was the best basketball coach in the land.

The Louisville stuff (obviously) and I think also the overseas stint took a lot out of him. I agree, he has looked much better lately and I'm happy for him. I'm rooting for the Johnnies.