The St. John’s community has always been supportive of each other, and it has been on full display at Bethpage Black this week as the Ryder Cup is set to begin on Friday morning.
Red Storm alum, Keegan Bradley, is looking to win the cup back for the United States of America as the captain of the team on a golf course that he learned so well during his career in Queens and he will have the Johnnies behind him.
Bradley has given multiple shoutouts to St. John’s since being named as the USA captain nearly 18 months ago, including during his speech at the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday afternoon, but he will have two of the biggest men’s basketball faces in his corner this week.
The 39-year old told the Golf Channel on Thursday afternoon that both Rick Pitino and Chris Mullin reached out to him to wish the team well this week against the Europeans.
“I heard from [Rick] Pitino, the basketball team looks good this year,” he joked.
“I’m hearing a lot of St. John’s fans out [on the course]. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been walking down the fairway and I see [Team USA] walking down and I picture me and my [St. John’s] team doing the same thing. It just warms my heart.”
It’s all Johnnies all the time at Bethpage! So much love for the Red Storm. Such a great look for the University. No one better than Captain Keegan! #sjubb pic.twitter.com/EtuzkbvU3U
— Dave (@SJUDave) September 25, 2025
Bradley donated over 100 tickets to St. John’s golf alumni for the Ryder Cup and personally invited the men’s and women’s golf teams to sit on the first tee on Friday morning as the event begins.
Pitino and his current roster sent a video of support and encouragement to Keegan Bradley and Team USA.
“The greatest gift an athlete can have – the greatest gift a coach can have – being under the influence of pressure. It allows you to rise to a level that you never thought you’d be able to get to,” the St. John’s basketball head coach said.
A message to the @RyderCupUSA team from Coach Pitino.
— St. John's Men’s Basketball (@StJohnsBBall) September 25, 2025
Rooting for Captain @Keegan_Bradley and Team USA! 🇺🇸#RyderCup #GoUSA #RedStorm pic.twitter.com/1PBZQF4NiB
“Because without fun and without the enjoyment of being part of a team, it’s actually not worth playing,” he added.
The Ryder Cup begins at 7:00 a.m. ET (USA Network) with the Foursomes morning session followed by Four-Ball at 12:25 p.m. ET (USA Network) on Friday afternoon.