NEW YORK — Lou Carneseccalongtime St. John’s basketball coach and New York sports icon, has died at age 99.
He was a beloved coach who made St. John’s basketball a national treasure.
Carnesecca’s impact on St. John’s basketball
In New York, legends are often larger than life, but every once in a while, one comes along whose impact is quieter but deeper.
Growing up in Queens, Carnesecca never strayed far from home, dedicating his life to coaching his alma mater.
For nearly three decades, Carnesecca stood on the sidelines in his famous sweaters, coaching not only the game but also a philosophy: hard work, humility and heart.
From his first day as St. John’s head coach in 1965, his influence extended beyond the hardwood. Under his leadership, St. John’s basketball was more than just a team, they were a symbol of New York pride.
He was never the tallest man in the room, but he was a giant. His teams were like their coach: scrappy, disciplined winners.
Carnesecca’s career was filled with more than 500 victories. He is a Hall of Fame coach who took St. John’s to the final four and in his 24 years there, he never had a losing season.
He was still active in St. John’s until 2023 at Introducing Rick Pitino as New Head Coach. The school dedicated a statue to him, and in 2004, the St. John’s campus arena was renamed Carnesecca Arena.
St. John’s has not released a statement at this time.
Carnesecca died just over a month before what would have been his 100th birthday.
Steve Overmyer
