# Rick Pitino: College Basketball Most Competitive in 20 Years

> Rick Pitino says college basketball is the most competitive it's been in 20 years due to NIL.
- Title: Rick Pitino: College Basketball Most Competitive in 20 Years
- Summary: Rick Pitino says college basketball is the most competitive it's been in 20 years due to NIL. Rick Pitino claims the NIL era has made college basketball the…
- Keywords: rick pitino, ncaa, nil, college basketball, st john's red storm, sweet 16, preseason top 25, Rick, Pitino, College, Basketball, Most
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/ncaa/rick-pitino-says-college-basketball-is-the-best-its-been-in-20-years-12625662
- Author: Rowan Fisher-Shotton
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rick pitino, ncaa, nil, college basketball, st john's red storm, sweet 16, preseason top 25
## St. John's 2023 Season
St. John's finished 30-7, winning Big East regular-season and tournament titles.
## NCAA Tournament Run
They reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999, losing to Duke 80-75.
## Pitino on NIL Impact
Pitino says NIL has made college basketball the most competitive it's been in 20 years.

> The great thing about the nil era is what's taken place between the lines in college basketball, the actual play, away from the courts, away from all the problems we're experiencing, is the best basketball i've seen in 20 years
## NIL Era Timeline
NIL officially started in 2021 with NCAA's interim policy allowing athletes to earn money from name, image, and likeness.
## Competitive Landscape
Teams like Nebraska, Iowa, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, and Arkansas made Sweet 16 runs this year.
## Key takeaway

Rick Pitino claims the NIL era has made college basketball the most competitive it's been in 20 years.