Quinn Slazinski knows a thing or two about new St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino. In fact, he knows Pitino very well, having played under the legendary head coach for the past two seasons at Iona.
With Pitino now back in the Big East where his star once rose to prominence, Slazinski has decided to leave Iona and follow his head coach to New York as a graduate transfer. “When I committed to Coach Pitino, you’re signing yourself up for a lifelong friendship that goes far beyond basketball,” Slazinski told On3. “It wouldn’t feel right playing my last year under anyone else.”
For what it’s worth, St. John’s is getting an intriguing and experienced player. The previous experience with Pitino is going to be an extremely valuable asset for the Red Storm. Slazinski will be able to help Pitino quickly implement his system. He is the third former Iona player to join Pitino’s St. John’s team since the head coach’s hiring. Daniss Jenkins and Cruz Davis also chose to follow Pitino.
It sounds like Slazinski will also be able to help the fans get used to a new style of basketball, as well as a new frame of mind surrounding the basketball program.
“My biggest lesson learned is you need to not search for comfort. Playing for him, you will never be comfortable. Always being pushed to the fullest, running sprints all day, playing one on one at 7 am every morning. It’s nonstop, brutal. Just what I need to become the player that coach and I believe I can be,” Slazinski explained.
“Strap in. You are in for something that you will never expect,” he said regarding the fans. “The stories, the crazy games, the comeback victories. Playing for Pitino, you will be able to witness unique experiences that you will remember for a lifetime.”
At 6-foot-9, 215 pounds, Slazinski averaged 11.3 points and 5.7 rebounds last season for Iona and Pitino.
