Test Your Knowledge with This St. John’s Red Storm Trivia Quiz

1. Who was the head coach during St. John’s iconic 1985 Final Four run?

Lou Carnesecca

Mike Jarvis

Norm Roberts

Chris Mullin

Lou Carnesecca was the heart and soul of St. John's basketball in the 1980s. His leadership during the 1985 NCAA tournament led the team to the Final Four—a historic moment for the Red Storm. With his signature sweaters and sharp strategic mind, Carnesecca is synonymous with St. John’s success. This moment also solidified the program’s national relevance and made the Big East era a golden one. Any real fan of St. John’s history knows the 1985 run was Carnesecca’s masterpiece.

Explanation

Lou Carnesecca was the heart and soul of St. John's basketball in the 1980s. His leadership during the 1985 NCAA tournament led the team to the Final Four—a historic moment for the Red Storm. With his signature sweaters and sharp strategic mind, Carnesecca is synonymous with St. John’s success. This moment also solidified the program’s national relevance and made the Big East era a golden one. Any real fan of St. John’s history knows the 1985 run was Carnesecca’s masterpiece.

2. Which conference is St. John’s a founding member of?

ACC

Big East

Atlantic 10

Ivy League

The Big East Conference was formed in 1979 and St. John’s was one of the original members. The conference quickly became one of the premier leagues in college basketball, producing intense rivalries and powerhouse matchups. St. John’s presence helped define the identity of the Big East through physical play and high-level competition. The school’s NYC roots gave the conference a unique media spotlight and cultural cache that helped grow its national stature.

Explanation

The Big East Conference was formed in 1979 and St. John’s was one of the original members. The conference quickly became one of the premier leagues in college basketball, producing intense rivalries and powerhouse matchups. St. John’s presence helped define the identity of the Big East through physical play and high-level competition. The school’s NYC roots gave the conference a unique media spotlight and cultural cache that helped grow its national stature.

3. Which NBA Hall of Famer starred for St. John’s in the 1960s?

Julius Erving

Bill Russell

Chris Mullin

Walter Berry

Chris Mullin is not only a Hall of Famer but a Red Storm icon. During the 1980s, Mullin was the face of St. John’s basketball, leading the team to significant victories with his sharpshooting and basketball IQ. He earned multiple Big East Player of the Year awards and later had a celebrated NBA career. His presence elevated the Red Storm brand and still resonates with fans and alumni alike.

Explanation

Chris Mullin is not only a Hall of Famer but a Red Storm icon. During the 1980s, Mullin was the face of St. John’s basketball, leading the team to significant victories with his sharpshooting and basketball IQ. He earned multiple Big East Player of the Year awards and later had a celebrated NBA career. His presence elevated the Red Storm brand and still resonates with fans and alumni alike.

4. St. John’s team nickname “Red Storm” replaced which former nickname?

Golden Knights

Redmen

Thunderhawks

Crimson Kings

“Redmen” was the former nickname used by St. John’s athletic teams until it was officially changed to “Red Storm” in 1994 to move away from Native American imagery. This transition reflected a broader cultural shift across U.S. sports toward more culturally sensitive branding. “Red Storm” kept the fierce spirit intact while allowing the school to modernize its identity and align better with the evolving values of inclusivity and respect.

Explanation

“Redmen” was the former nickname used by St. John’s athletic teams until it was officially changed to “Red Storm” in 1994 to move away from Native American imagery. This transition reflected a broader cultural shift across U.S. sports toward more culturally sensitive branding. “Red Storm” kept the fierce spirit intact while allowing the school to modernize its identity and align better with the evolving values of inclusivity and respect.

5. St. John’s reached the Elite Eight in which recent year?

$2,010

$1,999

$1,985

$2,000

In 1999, St. John’s made a strong run to the Elite Eight, led by standout players like Ron Artest (now Metta Sandiford-Artest) and Erick Barkley. That season reflected a resurgence in the program’s strength and competitiveness during the post-Carnesecca era. It was a critical moment proving that the Red Storm could still hang with top-tier programs under intense tournament pressure. This deep March Madness run remains one of the most memorable in recent decades.

Explanation

In 1999, St. John’s made a strong run to the Elite Eight, led by standout players like Ron Artest (now Metta Sandiford-Artest) and Erick Barkley. That season reflected a resurgence in the program’s strength and competitiveness during the post-Carnesecca era. It was a critical moment proving that the Red Storm could still hang with top-tier programs under intense tournament pressure. This deep March Madness run remains one of the most memorable in recent decades.

6. What borough of NYC is St. John’s University located in?

Manhattan

Brooklyn

Queens

The Bronx

St. John’s University is located in Queens, New York, making it the only major NCAA basketball program rooted directly in one of NYC’s five boroughs outside Manhattan. This gives the team a unique identity in terms of urban grit and diversity. The Queens location also influences its recruitment pipeline, drawing in NYC hoopers and establishing an unmatched streetball-to-hardwood culture that only the Red Storm can authentically claim.

Explanation

St. John’s University is located in Queens, New York, making it the only major NCAA basketball program rooted directly in one of NYC’s five boroughs outside Manhattan. This gives the team a unique identity in terms of urban grit and diversity. The Queens location also influences its recruitment pipeline, drawing in NYC hoopers and establishing an unmatched streetball-to-hardwood culture that only the Red Storm can authentically claim.

7. Which of these players did not play for St. John’s?

Ron Artest

Mark Jackson

Malik Sealy

Kemba Walker

Kemba Walker starred at UConn, not St. John’s. While Ron Artest, Mark Jackson, and Malik Sealy are all notable Red Storm alumni, Kemba built his reputation with the Huskies—particularly during their 2011 NCAA Championship run. This is a classic trick question that tests whether fans can distinguish New York basketball legends by school. Kemba is NYC through and through, but his college legacy belongs to UConn, not Queens.

Explanation

Kemba Walker starred at UConn, not St. John’s. While Ron Artest, Mark Jackson, and Malik Sealy are all notable Red Storm alumni, Kemba built his reputation with the Huskies—particularly during their 2011 NCAA Championship run. This is a classic trick question that tests whether fans can distinguish New York basketball legends by school. Kemba is NYC through and through, but his college legacy belongs to UConn, not Queens.

8. What is the name of the arena where St. John’s plays most home games?

Barclays Center

Madison Square Garden

Carnesecca Arena

UBS Arena

While St. John’s does occasionally play at Madison Square Garden, their true home court is Carnesecca Arena on campus in Queens. It’s more than just a venue—it’s a legacy. Named after the legendary coach Lou Carnesecca, this arena is where students experience the most electric Red Storm matchups. The MSG games are high-profile, but Carnesecca Arena is where the true campus vibes and gritty basketball energy thrive.

Explanation

While St. John’s does occasionally play at Madison Square Garden, their true home court is Carnesecca Arena on campus in Queens. It’s more than just a venue—it’s a legacy. Named after the legendary coach Lou Carnesecca, this arena is where students experience the most electric Red Storm matchups. The MSG games are high-profile, but Carnesecca Arena is where the true campus vibes and gritty basketball energy thrive.

9. Which coach returned to St. John’s as head coach in 2015?

Rick Pitino

Lou Carnesecca

Steve Lavin

Chris Mullin

Chris Mullin returned to his alma mater in 2015 as head coach, bringing a wave of nostalgia and renewed hope to the program. While his coaching tenure had mixed results, his comeback was deeply symbolic. It showcased the school’s trust in legacy and tradition while attempting to revive Red Storm’s competitive spirit. Mullin’s presence also boosted recruitment and media attention, reinforcing the school’s enduring connection to basketball greatness.

Explanation

Chris Mullin returned to his alma mater in 2015 as head coach, bringing a wave of nostalgia and renewed hope to the program. While his coaching tenure had mixed results, his comeback was deeply symbolic. It showcased the school’s trust in legacy and tradition while attempting to revive Red Storm’s competitive spirit. Mullin’s presence also boosted recruitment and media attention, reinforcing the school’s enduring connection to basketball greatness.

10. What color combo is iconic to the Red Storm identity?

Red and Black

Red and White

Blue and Gold

Green and Gray

The official colors of St. John’s are red and white, representing energy, pride, and tradition. While some fans may associate red and black with aggressive athletic branding, red and white have been part of the school’s visual identity for decades. These colors are prominent in uniforms, merchandise, and school branding. They convey a sense of boldness and clarity—fitting for a team with such a storied history in New York’s sports scene.

Explanation

The official colors of St. John’s are red and white, representing energy, pride, and tradition. While some fans may associate red and black with aggressive athletic branding, red and white have been part of the school’s visual identity for decades. These colors are prominent in uniforms, merchandise, and school branding. They convey a sense of boldness and clarity—fitting for a team with such a storied history in New York’s sports scene.