Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino has made a direct appeal to supporters of the St. John’s Red Storm, urging them to turn out in force at Madison Square Garden for Tuesday’s senior night fixture.
With just over 13,000 tickets currently distributed for the game against the Georgetown Hoyas, Pitino warned that the crowd projection does not reflect what the departing players have given to the programme.
The call comes as St John’s sits at 23-6 and pushes towards postseason basketball, where momentum and atmosphere can make a real difference.
Why is Rick Pitino urging a bigger crowd for senior night?
Pitino spoke plainly when asked about the expected turnout. “People have to come out for Zuby and what he’s given to the university. If you’re a real fan, come out and honour the seniors,” he said.
The veteran coach set a clear benchmark. He wants to see 19,500 inside the arena, close to full capacity for basketball. “It’s senior night. That’s always special,” he said.
At present, several thousand seats remain unsold. For a team enjoying one of its strongest campaigns in recent years, that shortfall stands out.
How have attendances compared this season?
While weekday fixtures have struggled, weekend games have drawn strong numbers.
Here’s how recent crowds stack up:
| Opponent | Day | Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| Villanova Wildcats | Saturday | Sellout (approx. 19,800+) |
| Creighton Bluejays | Saturday | 19,328 |
| Xavier Musketeers | Weekday (9 Feb) | 14,512 |
| Georgetown (upcoming) | Weekday | Just over 13,000 (current) |
The contrast is clear. Saturday games regularly approach capacity, while midweek clashes draw noticeably fewer supporters.
UK fans will recognise the pattern. Championship football clubs often report similar dips when matches fall on Tuesday evenings rather than weekends.
Pitino, however, refused to point to scheduling. “No excuses,” he said.
Which seniors will St John’s honour?
Five players will take part in the pre-game ceremony:
- Zuby Ejiofor
- Oziyah Sellers
- Bryce Hopkins
- Dillon Mitchell
- Handje Tamba
Ejiofor admitted the occasion could be emotional. “If you ask all the guys in the locker room, they’re saying I’ll cry.
So now I’m definitely not crying. I know it’s going to be emotional. My family will be there. It’s a special moment,” he joked.
Senior night traditionally marks a player’s final regular-season appearance at home. In US college basketball, the ceremony carries strong sentimental value, comparable to a testimonial or final home send-off in British sport.
Mitchell missed practice on Monday due to illness but remains likely to feature, according to Pitino.
Does the latest ranking shift increase the stakes?
St John’s recently dropped from No. 15 to No. 18 in the poll compiled by the Associated Press. The slide followed a heavy defeat to the No. 4-ranked UConn Huskies, before the team responded with an emphatic win over Villanova.
While the fall is minor, rankings shape perception heading into the March tournament season. Coaches often stress momentum at this stage, and a strong home atmosphere can lift performance levels.
With a road game at Seton Hall to follow, St John’s will want to close their home schedule on a high note.
