It has been an exhilarating season up so far, and Mike Repole doesn’t need something to alter subsequent 12 months.
The billionaire’s help of his alma mater continued on Monday, when the Flat High Fund — considered one of two St. John’s collectives — introduced a brand new fundraising drive through which Repole will match as much as $1 million of what’s raised for Title, Picture & Likeness (NIL) for the No. 12 Pink Storm.
“It’s a possibility for me to assist the college, but additionally encourage others who’re loving this and loving the sensation of getting a high 12 workforce and [being in] first place within the Huge East, and say, ‘Hey, if I’m going to present $10, it seems like I’m giving $20,’” Repole, a St. John’s alum, advised The Submit in a cellphone interview. “From my Catholic background from St. John’s, I’ve at all times heard success is greatest when shared.”
As a part of the marketing campaign, presents of $25,000 or extra will embrace a personal dinner occasion hosted by Repole and coach Rick Pitino. Items of $10,000 or extra will grant the donor and two friends entry to the 2025-26 Flat High Lounge on the Backyard for all the season.
Repole is flying up from Florida for Tuesday’s showdown in opposition to No. 11 Marquette on the Backyard.
He was at a latest win over Xavier, and couldn’t assist however suppose again to his childhood, when St. John’s was such an enormous a part of New York Metropolis sports activities. He’s seeing it occur once more.
The Johnnies have received eight straight video games, sit on their own atop the Huge East and are beginning to attract massive crowds. Greater than 19,000 followers attended Saturday’s win over Windfall.
“This can be a particular, particular, particular workforce and a particular 12 months. However between [president] Father [Brian] Shanley and Rick Pitino and [athletic director] Ed Kull and me, that is one thing we need to be the norm: Having a High 25 workforce yearly,” mentioned the 56-year-old Repole, who donated within the seven figures for this 12 months’s workforce. “Hear, to me, this isn’t nearly basketball, however it’s additionally concerning the college. There’s two issues I’m centered on: 19,000 followers on the Backyard and Father Shanley and Eddie Kull can be sure enrollment is up 20, 30 % and get the St. John’s model again to the place it was.”
Pitino raved concerning the significance of Repole’s help in his Monday information convention. On this age of NIL and the switch portal, monetary backing has grow to be essential.
Since Pitino’s arrival, Repole has been on board, offering the sort of funding that has enabled the Queens faculty to do properly within the portal.
“Mike is, for us, a godsend for our program as a result of he provides and asks for nothing again,” Pitino mentioned. “He doesn’t ask for any favors, doesn’t ask for any issues. Simply flies in, roots onerous for the workforce, and leaves and takes off. With out him, I don’t know the place the hell we might be.”
Junior wing RJ Luis was considered one of 50 gamers named to the Oscar Robertson Trophy midseason watch checklist by the U.S. Basketball Writers’ Affiliation (USBWA). It’s a Nationwide Participant of the Yr award.