Adam Zagoria was the first to report that Peyton Siva, a longtime assistant under Pat Kelsey at the University of Louisville, is set to depart his current position and join Rick Pitino’s staff at St. John’s. The move marks a significant shift for both programs as they navigate the evolving landscape of college basketball.
Siva will replace Greg Youncofski, who left St. John’s in the spring of 2025 to join Richard Pitino’s staff at Xavier. Youncofski’s exit created a vacancy that Siva is poised to fill, bringing his experience with Louisville’s point guards and his press scheme from the previous season.
A Strategic Reunion
The transition also reunites Siva with Steve Masiello, a former Louisville assistant who now serves as associate head coach and interim general manager at St. John’s. Their collaboration dates back to Siva’s early days in the program, where he progressed from Director of Player Development to full‑time assistant before being promoted ahead of the 2025‑26 season.
Masiello’s elevation to a dual role underscores the program’s ambition to blend on‑court strategy with administrative oversight, a combination that could prove pivotal as St. John’s looks to strengthen its roster and scheduling outlook.
Beyond the staff reshuffle, the potential for a Thanksgiving matchup between Louisville and St. John’s adds an extra layer of intrigue. The two schools are slated to meet in the second round of the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, a venue that could host a holiday game with national attention.
Louisville’s fall semester begins in a few weeks, presenting a tight window for the Cardinals to identify a suitable replacement for Siva’s responsibilities. The urgency reflects the program’s desire to maintain continuity as it prepares for a demanding schedule.
Rick Pitino, renowned for cultivating one of the most extensive coaching trees in college basketball history, continues to shape the next generation of talent through these strategic appointments. His ability to attract and develop assistants like Siva and Masiello reinforces his lasting impact on the sport.