Legendary St John’s coach and basketball Hall of Famer Lou Carnesecca has died just days before his 100th birthday, according to multiple reports.
The two-time Coach of the Year, who was in charge of over 700 games at St John’s and now has the arena named after him, was due to turn 100 on January 5.
News of his death was announced on social media by long-time reporter Peter Vecsey, and tributes quickly poured in for one of the most legendary names in the sport.
Carnesecca was born in 1925 and coached the St John’s basketball program to 526 wins and 200 losses over 27 seasons on the sideline.
‘Looie’, as he was popularly known, reached the postseason in every season he was in charge, and he guided the Red Storm to the Final Four in 1985.
In1992, he was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame just months before retiring, and a year later he also entered the New York City Basketball Hall of Fame.
Lou Carnesecca sits in the arena named after him to watch a game back in October last year
Carnesecca was a legendary St John’s coach famous for his bold sweaters
Speaking shortly before his retirement, he said: ‘It’s going to be very difficult to put the ball down, but the time has come.
‘There are two reasons, really. I have half my marbles and I still have a wonderful taste in my mouth about basketball. It’s a difficult decision, but it’s all mine.’
In the 70s, he also dabbled in the professional game, coaching the then-New York Nets from 1970 to 1973, ending with a 252-114 record.
Carnesecca was known for his colorful sweaters and in 2004 had the historic Alumni Hall named after him when it was changed to ‘Carnesecca Arena’.
More recently, he was seen at the unveiling of Rick Pitino as the St John’s coach.
On social media, fans paid tribute to the legendary coach with memories of his time at St John’s and beyond.
Mets announcer Howie Rose wrote: ‘In early 1973, as a nervous Queens College freshman, I interviewed Lou after a Nets game for the QC radio station.
Carnesecca is hoisted aloft by his players after winning the Big East tournament back in 1983
Carnesecca attended the press conference unveiling new St John’s coach Rick Pitino last year
The iconic coach is interviewed by Billy Packer (1940-2023) after a game against UConn in 1990
‘I referred to Nets guard George Bruns as George Burns. Looie couldn’t have been nicer, soothing my nerves with a reassuring smile. What a dear, sweet man. RIP.’
He added a second anecdote, tweeting: ‘My friend Dave lost both of his parents within a year in the early 1970s. He went to St. John’s and became the basketball team’s manager.
‘Lou essentially adopted Dave and was a surrogate father to him. Lou Carnesecca was a special man beyond the BB court.’
Ed Cooley, head coach of the rival Georgetown Hoyas, wrote: ‘Sending condolences from our Hoya Family to those nearest and dearest to Coach Lou Carnesecca and St. John’s Basketball. One of the pioneers of the BIG EAST Conference – he is synonymous with this great league and will be truly missed by all in the basketball world.’
