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Knicks, MSG hold moment of silence for St. John's basketball icon Lou Carnesecca

The World's Most Famous Arena paid tribute to the Johnnie legend on Sunday night

ByKevin Connelly|
Dec 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA; A graphic in memory of former New York Nets and St. John’s head coach Lou Carnesecca is displayed during a moment of silence prior to the start of the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Dec 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA; A graphic in memory of former New York Nets and St. John’s head coach Lou Carnesecca is displayed during a moment of silence prior to the start of the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York City is still mourning the loss of St. John's basketball legend Lou Carnesecca after his death on Saturday night but celebrating his life in the way that only 'Looie' would appreciate.

The New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden held a moment of silence for Carnesecca prior to tipoff on Sunday evening.

"Last night, Madison Square Garden and the basketball community lost a true legend, longtime St. John's University head coach Lou Carnesecca," was read over the public address system.

"His mark on St. John's, Madison Square Garden, and the basketball community will forever be felt."

Carnesecca won 526 games with St. John's, bring the program to its only Final Four in 1985, and would have turned 100 years old on January 5.

“We lost an iconic St. John’s man," Rick Pitino said in a statement. "His coaching expertise was as good as anyone in basketball but the man he was surpassed that. Rest in peace Looie. We will miss you so much.”

Spending 24 years as the head coach of the Johnnies, Carnesecca never has a losing season and reached a postseason tournament each year. His devotion to his players, personality, and quick humor made him as well known of a figure in the city as anyone.

"This arena is the greatest arena in the world," Carnesecca once said while addressing the crowd at Madison Square Garden.

"It's in the greatest city in the world. And it has the greatest fans in the world."

St. John's will remember the life and legacy of Lou Carnesecca prior to its next game, Saturday December 7, against Kansas State inside Carnesecca Arena in Queens. The Red Storm also planned 'Lou Carnesecca Day' to celebrate his 100th birthday on January 4 against Butler where the first 3,00 fans will recieve a bobblehead of the icon.

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