Rick Pitino and Mike Repole | Building Greatness

St. John's University men's basketball coach Rick Pitino sits down with Mike Repole to discuss what it takes to build towards greatness, and how the same principles apply in coaching, and in life.

#NOBULL #MikeRepole #StJohnsBasketball #NCAABasketball #RickPitino

[jackkeane]

A lot of genuine gratitude. We are all appreciative.

[ArielDiaz-eczi]

As a fellow St. John's Alum, this video truly resonated with me. Although I'm not a multimillionaire or famously successful, I'm currently navigating one of life's toughest chapters. At the start of this year, I lost my father to cancer in early January, and now my mother faces a terminal illness. This has required me to temporarily leave my home in California to be by her side during this difficult time.

One profound lesson I've learned—and continue to learn—is that life is shaped by the choices we make. It sounds simple, yet every decision, good or bad, directs our life's path. I vividly recall my graduation ceremony at St. John's, where an alum delivered an inspiring speech that deeply impacted me. It gave me the courage, as a New York Puerto Rican guy, to boldly step out of my comfort zone, leave my home country, and build a life in Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. While these transitions weren't easy, they became meaningful chapters in my journey.

Right now, as I navigate this challenging period, I'm reminded that no matter the accolades we achieve, we ultimately share the same fate. What's truly important is how we choose to live and the legacy we leave behind. Last night, when St. John's won the Big East Championship against Creighton, I couldn't finish watching the game live because I was attending to my mother. But upon receiving the news, I whispered the victory to her, and with the little energy she had left, she joyfully began clapping. Moments like these mean the world to me.

Having just turned 45, and despite the emotional rollercoaster I'm experiencing, I know one thing for certain: giving up is not an option, even when it feels easier to do so. Thank you for this powerful talk—it truly stands out. No bull.

[BobArmstrong]

Very uplifting and inspiring men! Thank you! More of these talks please!

[MikeAylmer]

WOW, that was an awesome conversation!!

[Henry]

Absolutely respect this guy. One of the few greatest college coaches EVER.

[joemaher]

Mike repole is a legend. What a great interview.

[bobbyw]

Love this interview! They both want to make each other happy what a great working relationship! Wish we had Rick sooner. Whomever was the previous sj prez they did a bad job of hiring and not engaging Mike.

[twally]

I was raised by dad in Kentucky. My dad was a business guy, I’ve had Pitino in my life since I was a toddler. Coach is P is my favorite coach but also my favorite motivator. My dad met him in 96 and got his autograph. I have that now my dad died in 2020, I don’t know if anyone I want to meet more than Coach P.

[fritzytv]

Rick does it for the love of it & the kids. Hes a good man. Nobody is perfect

[MrDbest]

So thankful for these two, amazing people ❤

[michaelvance]

Living legend. All love from a Louisville native who watch Louisville win a championship at 14 years old.

[masonrevelette]

This is so good for business and life.

[igorlobkovenko]

As a Kansas fan I am very happy for Zuby. It doesn't surprise me. I never wanted him or Udeh to transfer.

[vincentjaccardi]

No one picks up the phone or returns a call. They send an email or text.