Championship pedigree returns to Queens
Peyton Siva, a former Louisville point guard who helped the Cardinals capture the 2013 NCAA title, is leaving his alma mater to join the staff at St. John’s University as an assistant coach under head coach Rick Pitino.
Siva’s hiring comes after Greg Youncofski departed to take a similar role at Xavier, where he will work under Richard Pitino. The move signals Pitino’s intent to reshape his support crew with proven winners.
During his collegiate career, Siva ranked second in Louisville history for assists and steals, earned a spot on the 2013 championship roster, and later entered the NBA draft, being selected 56th overall by the Detroit Pistons.
Although his NBA stint lasted just one season, Siva spent nine years navigating the G‑League and overseas leagues, honing a basketball IQ that he now hopes to pass on to the next generation of Red Storm players.
A strategic addition to Pitino’s staff
The new assistants join Steve Masiello and Taliek Brown, both of whom also won national championships as players at Kentucky and UConn respectively. Their combined experience creates a unique blend of championship know‑how within the program.
Pitino, who returned to the Big East after a storied career at Kentucky and Louisville, emphasized that Siva’s role will encompass training, scouting and mentorship, aiming to blend fresh talent with the program’s storied past.