Statement on the passing of Lou Carnesecca

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association mourns the loss of Hall-of-Fame St. John’s University coach Lou Carnesecca, who died Saturday just over a month before what would have been his 100th birthday. Carnesecca, winner of the Henry Iba Award as USBWA men’s coach of the year in 1982-83 and 1984-85, was one of the most accessible and quotable figures in the history of the sport. His appreciation of storytelling and his understanding of the needs reporters faced marked his time at St. John’s as much as his 526 victories, two Big East tournament championships, 18 NCAA tournament appearances and the sweater he wore all the way to the 1985 Final Four. The USBWA sends its gratitude and heartfelt condolences to his wife Mary, daughter Enes and the extended Carnesecca family.