Rick Pitino. Hall of Fame coach. Controversial figure. And now, the subject of a new Vice TV docuseries chronicling his attempt to resurrect the St. John’s Red Storm basketball program. “Pitino: Red Storm Rising” looks set to give viewers an inside look at the man, the myth, and the methods behind his coaching madness. Can he bring the Red Storm back to glory after their 25-year NCAA Tournament win drought, or will the weight of expectations, combined with the ghosts of past scandals, prove too much? We are about to find out.
The premiere focuses on the early stages of Pitino’s tenure, drawing parallels to his previous rebuild at Kentucky. It’s a clever framing device, allowing the series to highlight both the consistency and the evolution of his coaching philosophy. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that Kentucky comparisons evoke images of championship banners and adoring fans—a stark contrast to St. John’s recent struggles. Expect plenty of dramatic game footage interspersed with Pitino’s own reflections on his career, his successes, and, yes, his failures. It’s the kind of redemption narrative that sports documentaries thrive on.
An early-season game takes center stage in “The Rebuild,” serving as more than just a test of the team’s progress. The episode suggests this particular matchup dredges up some painful memories for Pitino, adding a further dimension to the on-court action.
“The Rebuild” airs Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 10 PM ET/PT on Vice TV.
