Lou Carnesecca: A Legendary Coach and Icon of New York City Basketball
Early Life and Coaching Career
Lou Carnesecca, the excitable St. John’s coach whose outlandish sweaters became an emblem of his team’s rousing Final Four run in 1985, died at 99 on Saturday, just a few weeks shy of his 100th birthday. The university said it was notified by a family member that Carnesecca died in a hospital, surrounded by loved ones.
St. John’s Career
Carnesecca coached St. John’s for 24 seasons over two stints, making a postseason tournament each year. He became the face of a university whose campus arena in Queens would eventually carry his name. A statue of him was unveiled before the 2021-22 season. When asked once in a question-and-answer session with the school to describe St. John’s, Carnesecca said: "home."
Achievements and Legacy
It was home where he coached St. John’s to 18 seasons of at least 20 wins, and 18 NCAA Tournament appearances. It was home where he finished with a 526-200 record and had 30-win seasons in 1985 and 1986. And it was home where St. John’s became a charter member of the Big East Conference and a pillar of its success.
Coaching Style and Personality
He was an old-school coach, grounded in fundamentals. And through it all, Carnesecca was a swirling, kinetic presence on the sidelines, arms flailing, legs kicking, shirt tails flying, all 5-foot-6 of him curled in exasperation over a missed shot or agonizing call. But his antics never crossed the line into chair-throwing fury.
Personal Life
Luigi P. Carnesecca was born on Jan. 5, 1925, the son of Italian immigrants. He grew up in Manhattan, in East Harlem, living above the grocery store and deli owned by his father. He took his heritage seriously, rooting for such New York Yankees as Tony Lazzeri and Joe DiMaggio.
Conclusion
Lou Carnesecca was a treasured city sports figure in his day, affection for "Little Looie" never wavering in a bustling town with scant patience for its players, coaches, executives and owners. He will be remembered as a legendary coach, a true icon of New York City basketball.
FAQs
Q: What was Lou Carnesecca’s record at St. John’s?
A: Carnesecca finished with a 526-200 record at St. John’s.
Q: How many seasons did Carnesecca coach St. John’s?
A: Carnesecca coached St. John’s for 24 seasons over two stints.
Q: What was the significance of Carnesecca’s sweater?
A: Carnesecca’s sweater became an emblem of his team’s rousing Final Four run in 1985.
Q: What was Carnesecca’s coaching style?
A: Carnesecca was an old-school coach, grounded in fundamentals.
