# Sadiku Ibine Ayo's bond with Rick Pitino

> Sadiku Ibine Ayo forged deep bond with Rick Pitino, leaving St. John's to thrive.
- Title: Sadiku Ibine Ayo's bond with Rick Pitino · New York Post
- Summary: Sadiku Ibine Ayo forged deep bond with Rick Pitino, leaving St. John's to thrive. Sadiku Ibine Ayo left St.
- Keywords: sadiku ibine ayo, rick pitino, st john's red storm, big east, carnesecca arena, december 16 2025, New York Post
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/11/07/sports/ionas-sadiku-ibine-ayo-forged-deep-bond-with-rick-pitino
- Published: 2026-11-08T00:30:58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sadiku ibine ayo, rick pitino, st john's red storm, big east, carnesecca arena, december 16 2025, news, entertainment
## Sadiku Ibine Ayo
Sadiku Ibine Ayo was a two-year co-captain for St. John's Red Storm.
## Rick Pitino
Rick Pitino called Sadiku 'invaluable in the locker room and practice'.

> Sadiku is invaluable in the locker room, invaluable in practice
## St. John's bond
Sadiku left St. John's after forming a deep bond with Pitino, who wanted him to stay.
## Key takeaway

Sadiku Ibine Ayo left St. John's after forming a strong bond with coach Rick Pitino, who called him 'invaluable in the locker room'.