The top-five St. John’s games to watch in 2024-25 season

The top-five St. John’s games to watch in 2024-25 season

The Post’s Zach Braziller looks at the top five St. John’s games to watch in the 2024-25 season.

Nov. 17 vs. New Mexico

St. John’s Garden opener pits Pitino against Pitino.

Rick’s son, Richard, led New Mexico to the tournament for the first time since 2014, and the Lobos represent the first significant test for the Red Storm in their fourth game of the season.

Richard Pitino will get to coach against his dad. Getty Images

New Mexico was picked second in the Mountain West this year, and returns former Iona star forward Nelly Junior Joseph, who played under Rick at Iona, and high-scoring, playmaking point guard Donovan Dent.

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Nov. 21 vs. Baylor

The first of three games in the Bahamas will start with a showdown against one of the premier teams in the country.

Baylor is ranked eighth in the Associated Press preseason top-25 poll and features two players — Miami transfer Norchad Omier and projected top-10 NBA draft pick V.J. Edgecombe out of Long Island Lutheran — St. John’s recruited heavily.

An opportunity for an early statement win for the Johnnies.

Jan. 4 vs. Butler

The day before Lou Carnesecca turns 100, St. John’s will honor the legendary coach during a game at the aptly named Carnesecca Arena.

Lou Carnesecca, greeting people while attending the press conference where Rick Pitino was introduced as the new head coach of St. Johnâs University men’s basketball team, during a press conference at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

A number of Red Storm luminaries are expected to be in attendance for the afternoon contest.

The first 3,000 fans will receive a replica statue of Carnesecca.

Jan. 18 at Seton Hall

Kadary Richmond returns to Prudential Center for the first time since transferring from Seton Hall to St. John’s.

This will be one of the Big East’s most anticipated matchups, as the two locals meet for a fascinating game that should have high intensity, a full house and plenty of interest.

Richmond will undoubtedly be showered with boos after leaving Seton Hall following three seasons as a Pirate.

The Johnnies have historically struggled in the Newark arena, winning just once in 13 meetings there.

Feb. 23 vs. Connecticut

Here’s hoping the Man in the Red Blazer, longtime Pitino friend Tom O’Grady, is seated behind the UConn bench.

UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with forward Alex Karaban (11) after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. AP

If you recall, he got into it with Huskies coach Dan Hurley in the Big East Tournament semifinal between the two teams, and was nearly ejected.

That would add even more juice to what will already be a must-see event.