“It Was a Calculated Mistake on Their Part”: Rick Pitino Subtly Blames the NCAA Over Eligibility Chaos

St. John’s coach Rick Pitino on Thursday made his thoughts clear regarding the NCAA’s handling of fifth-year eligibility chaos. Earlier this year, the NCAA introduced a “five-in-five” eligibility rule for 2026. The new rule has triggered a wave of legal cases by athletes from the 2022 recruiting class demanding an extra year of eligibility after exhausting their eligibility in four seasons under the previous rules.

According to Pitino, the NCAA should have waited until November before making the rule change to avoid lawsuits and roster chaos for 2026-27.

“Look, we’re all in the NCAA. When you talk about NCAA, that’s us,” Pitino said. “All they had to do is tell us what they’re gonna do in November, and none of this would’ve happened. But they did it early on. Why?, I don’t know. I think it was a calculated mistake on their part. But we’re part of the NCAA, so we’ve gotta live with it.”

After the NCAA’s rule change, several athletes across college sports sought help from courts and were granted temporary relief that would allow them to continue playing in 2026.

A federal judge in Colorado criticized the NCAA’s handling of the situation, saying the college sports body had created a “bind of its own making.”

Rick Pitino Faces Uncertainty From NCAA Over His International Addition

Like many coaches in college sports, Rick Pitino has also found himself in a tricky spot over the eligibility of one of his international additions.

Earlier this month, St. John’s Babacar Sané sued the NCAA in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, for not clearing his eligibility status. The NCAA ruled Sané ineligible for the 2026-27 season because of his prior stints in the NBA G League (Ignite, Salt Lake City Stars, Iowa Wolves) and an Exhibit 10 contract with the Utah Jazz. He has also played professionally in Germany.

“On August 13, 2026, (the NCAA) denied the request that would have resolved the rest, and it now holds the appeal, with no deadline to decide it,” the suit stated.

According to the lawsuit, St. John’s and Sané were initially led to believe the NCAA would clear him on his eligibility. The suit also mentions how Sané’s scholarship and revenue-sharing arrangement depend on being cleared to play.

“Sané’s opportunity to compete in the 2026-27 season is time-limited,” the suit continued. “His athletics aid and revenue-sharing agreement depend on NCAA eligibility, and he cannot replace the practices, games, education, exposure, and development opportunities of a lost season with money damages. Team workouts began September 2, 2026; full-team practice begins September 21; and the season opens at home on November 2. And under Bylaw 12.1.1.1.4, once all appeal opportunities are exhausted without eligibility, he ‘may no longer participate in practice activities.'”

The 6-foot-8 forward from Senegal was signed by Pitino in May. He was expected to play a big role for St. John’s this season. The NCAA’s decision has left Pitino guessing whether he will have Sané playing for the Red Storm.