Luigi P. "Lou" Carnesecca

Animated and energetic, Lou Carnesecca patrolled the basketball sidelines in a constant whirlwind of excitement – and success. Following in the footsteps of Hall of Famer Joe Lapchick, Carnesecca kept St. John's University in the national spotlight even though he primarily recruited New York City players. He compiled eighteen 20-win seasons, posted back-to-back 30-win campaigns in 1985 and 1986, and averaged more than 20 wins a year for his career. The man who made colored sweaters a wardrobe staple won over 500 games and led all of his St. John's teams to postseason appearances. His 1985 team advanced to the Final Four, and his 1979 and 1991 teams competed in NCAA Regional Finals. He also coached the New York Nets to the 1972 ABA Finals. Voted National Coach of the Year twice by the United States Basketball Writers Association,and once by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, he was named Big East Coach of the Year three times.