St. John’s basketball players from all eras arrived in Queens on Friday morning to say goodbye to their coach, Lou Carnesecca, after his death last Saturday.
The on-campus church, St. Thomas More, quickly reached capacity as many reminisced about the fond memories created by the Red Storm icon until his final days.
“It was more his infectious personality, his warmth, his care, his love, his protection,” Johnnie superstar Chris Mullin said about why so many had a love for Carnesecca.
“Even when he had to discipline obviously, he had to be very serious, but always let you know it was going to be okay,” he continued. “I had my share of challenges; he was always there for me. Honest and direct, but also with care and love.”
It was more about just the wins and losses with ‘Looie’ for St. John’s, although there were 526 wins and a Final Four berth in 1985, but it was about the relationships that always stood out the most of some of the Red Storm’s all-time greats.
“He was one of the greatest persons I’ve known,” St. John’s legend Walter Berry emotionally explained.
“He helped me in ways that nobody else could. He was like a father figure to a lot of the guys that played at St. John’s and that made the difference…I didn’t have a father growing up, so Lou stepped in and became a father figure to me.”
His legend only grew, but beyond the scope of New York City. It was national. Players wanted to come to St. John’s and play for Lou Carnesecca.
“The reason why I signed with St. John’s was because I wanted to be a part of the history that St. John’s was building,” Felipe Lopez said. “Being in New York City, everybody knew who Lou Carnesecca was.”
Lopez never played for Carnesecca after he retired in 1992, two years before the Dominican native started his freshman year. It’s something that Lopez always reminded Carnesecca of and jokingly kept the grudge.
“Knowing how much the school was providing to so many young athletes, not just the opportunity for a good education but also the opportunity to go to the pros…I wanted a piece of that, and I think that’s what Lou Carnesecca brought to St. John’s University and New York City basketball.”
Fans can watch the full funeral service here and there are more tributes to come this weekend for Lou Carnesecca as St. John’s host Kansas State on Saturday morning (11:30 a.m. ET, FOX).
The school encourages fans to be in their seats by 11:15 a.m. ET for the pregame ceremony honoring Carnesecca. There will also be in-game tributes throughout the game.