Rick Pitino, the man who led Kentucky and Louisville to NCAA championships (before those pesky scandals), is back. This time, he’s attempting to resurrect the St. John’s Red Storm, a team that hasn’t tasted March Madness victory in over two decades. Vice TV’s Pitino: Red Storm Rising chronicles this comeback attempt, and episode three, “The Grind,” airing Tuesday, February 25 at 10:00 PM ET, focuses on the nitty-gritty of conference play.
“The Grind” finds Pitino reflecting on his past triumphs while trying to instill that same fire in his current squad. Can he recapture the lightning in a bottle that defined his earlier career? Or is this just a nostalgic retread? The episode also features a tribute to a St. John’s legend, adding a touch of sentimentality to the high-stakes world of college basketball.
The series follows Pitino’s 50th year of coaching. It’s a story of second chances, redemption arcs, and the relentless pursuit of victory. But let’s be frank – it’s also about whether a coach with a checkered past can find glory again.
Tune in Tuesday to see if Pitino’s Red Storm can withstand the pressure cooker of conference play. Will “The Grind” pave the way to the NCAA Tournament?