Go ahead, St. John’s: Dream the impossible March Madness dream SAN DIEGO — The St. John’s team erupted with laughter and excitement in the hallway before their March Madness practice, bouncing off walls as they prepared to take the Viejas Arena court. A red “SJ” logo dominated the overhead scoreboard, with a blue “March Madness” banner beneath it. The 27-member St. John’s band performed, followed by the six cheerleaders and six dance team members entering the space. Johnny, the team’s mascot, joined in with energetic dance moves. The team’s journey to the tournament had been a long and challenging path, marked by the “Survive and Advance” format that requires teams to win each round to keep their hopes alive. Rick Pitino, the head coach, had gathered the team for their first practice after the tournament began, igniting their spirits with a vision of the national championship. The coach’s words resonated deeply with the players, as he emphasized the importance of dreaming big despite the odds. Outside the locker room, before joining his team, Pitino was seen in a white sweatsuit. When asked why he mentioned the national championship to his players, the Hall of Fame coach shared his perspective. “I said, ‘I’m not gonna be coaching forever, so I’m gonna dream. If you want to join my dream, get after it,’” he told The Post. His message underscored the blend of ambition and determination that defines March Madness, where every game is a step closer to the ultimate goal. The team’s journey reflects the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the tournament, where underdog stories and unexpected victories often take center stage. For St. John’s, the path to the championship is fraught with challenges, but the coach’s vision has galvanized the players to push beyond their limits.#rick_pitino #st_john_s #march_madness #viejas_arena #northern_iowa
