Iconic St. John’s Figure Lou Carnesecca Dies at 99

The Hall of Fame coach led the Red Storm to 526 wins during his tenure.

Olivia Seaman and Kyler Fox • December 1, 2024

Former Men’s basketball head coach Chris Mullin talks to former men’s coach Lou Carnesecca during the unveiling of a statue honoring Joe Lapchick. Torch Photo / Nick Bello

Lou Carnesecca, legendary St. John’s Basketball head coach, died on Nov. 30 at 99, according to Red Storm Sports. The release said he passed peacefully surrounded by family.

The University remembers Carnesecca’s “endear[ing] himself to generations of New Yorkers with his wit and warmth.”

In 24 years, the Hall of Famer amassed 526 wins, making him the winningest coach in St. John’s Basketball history. Nicknamed “Looie,” the iconic figure was named National Coach of the Year twice, along with multiple Big East and Metropolitan Coach of the Year awards. Carnesecca also led the Red Storm to 18 NCAA Tournament berths, with a 1985 Final Four and Elite Eight appearances in 1979 and 1991.

Lou Carnesecca coached the 1985 St. John’s men’s basketball team to the Final Four. (Athletic Communications)

The news generated widespread reaction from the St. John’s and Big East community.

Former NBA player Mark Jackson, who played from 1983-1987, posted a tribute to his former coach on X.

“My Coach! Praying for your family! What a life! What a Game Changer! Thank you for Everything! I Love You! I’m 4ever Grateful!”

Big East commentator John Fanta honored Carnesecca in an article for Fox Sports.

“‘Looie’ was passion personified, and creative at that, known for his colorful sweaters that painted the picture of the love he had for St. John’s, the love he had for the Big East, the love he had for New York City. And he was loved a thousand times back in return. Carnesecca was one of one, and a defining coaching figure in basketball history.”

On Dec. 1, Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman posted a statement on Instagram extending her condolences to the Carnesecca family.

“Coach Carnesecca’s impact extended far beyond the basketball court. He was tough, fiery and resilient, qualities he shared with the conference he helped launch, build and define. His successes propelled the Big East in its early years to the top of the college sports world, and his belief in the power of basketball to define Universities remains at the heart of our DNA,” she wrote.

The University has yet to announce the date for memorial services but indicated one is planned.

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About the Contributors

Olivia Seaman, Editor-in-Chief

Olivia is a senior journalism student currently serving as The Torch’s Editor-in-Chief. She previously served as Managing Editor for two years. She's also written for amNewYork, Bronx Times, the Long Island Times and QNS. Outside of The Torch, she is a student ambassador and an undergraduate writing consultant at the University Writing Center. She loves to watch St. John's Basketball, exploring New York City and matcha lattes!

Olivia can be reached at [email protected]

Kyler Fox, Managing Editor

Kyler is a senior journalism student in his second year with The Torch serving as Managing Editor. Outside of The Torch, he is a contributor for Brooklyn Nets on SI and A Daly Dose of Hoops. When Kyler isn’t writing, you can find him catching up on developing stories, playing basketball with his friends or checking out the latest sneaker drops. Kyler can be reached at [email protected].

Nick Bello, Photo Editor

Nick Bello is a senior who has been with the Torch since his freshman year as Assistant Photo Editor, Social Media Manager, Sports Editor, and now Photo Editor. Nick has had the opportunity to intern with the St. John’s Athletics Department the past two years as a photographer, where he has shot countless games and events. His work has been featured on numerous websites and social media accounts, as well as the Providence Journal. Nick has a strong passion for photography and is excited to display that passion in the Torch every week. You can reach Nick at [email protected].