Senate Resolution No. 220

BY: Senator ADDABBO

        MOURNING    the    death    of   Lou   Carnesecca,
        distinguished citizen  and  devoted  member  of  his
        community

  WHEREAS,   A  legendary  coach  and  ambassador  for  the  sport  of
basketball, Lou Carnesecca passed away on Saturday, November  30,  2024,
leaving  behind  a  remarkable legacy that will be forever remembered by
the St. John's University community, the basketball world, and all those
whose lives he touched throughout his illustrious career; and

  WHEREAS, Lou Carnesecca devoted his life to the game of  basketball,
impacting  the lives of countless student-athletes, fans, and colleagues
throughout his remarkable career, earning him a reputation as one of the
most respected coaches in college basketball history; and

  WHEREAS, For more than two decades, Lou Carnesecca  served  as  Head
Coach  of  the St. John's University Men's Basketball Team, from 1965 to
1982 and 1985 to 1992,  leading  the  program  to  national  prominence,
numerous   NCAA   Tournament   appearances,   and  Big  East  Conference
championships; and

  WHEREAS, Coach Lou Carnesecca's  contributions  to  the  growth  and
success   of  college  basketball,  particularly  within  the  Big  East
Conference, are immeasurable, as he helped elevate the  stature  of  St.
John's  University  and  solidified  its  place  as a premier basketball
program; he also contributed to the development of numerous  future  NBA
stars,  most notably Chris Mullin who became one of the greatest players
in the history of the program; and

  WHEREAS, A vibrant  personality,  charismatic  coaching  style,  and
iconic  fashion,  including  his  signature  colorful sweaters, made Lou
Carnesecca a beloved figure on the sidelines and  a  cherished  part  of
basketball culture; and

  WHEREAS,  Coach  Lou  Carnesecca  was  inducted  into  the  Naismith
Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, cementing his legacy as one of
the greatest coaches in the history of college basketball; and

  WHEREAS, Throughout his life, Coach Lou Carnesecca  was  a  tireless
advocate  for  the  values  of  sportsmanship,  teamwork, and education,
inspiring generations of young people to pursue excellence not  only  in
sports  but  also  in  life,  earning  the respect and admiration of his
peers, players, and fans alike; and

  WHEREAS, Lou Carnesecca's influence extends far  beyond  basketball,
as  he  remains  a beloved figure in the St. John's community and across
the world of college athletics; his passing leaves a  profound  void  in
the world of college basketball, yet his memory will continue to inspire
future  generations,  reminding us of the power of sports to shape lives
and build communities; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
honor  and  commemorate  the extraordinary life and contributions of Lou

Carnesecca whose legacy as a coach, mentor, and leader will  endure  for
generations to come; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Lou Carnesecca, extending deepest  sympathy
and gratitude for his lifelong commitment to the game of basketball, the
students  he  mentored,  and  the  lasting  impact  he had on St. John's
University,  the  Big  East  Conference,  and  the  broader   basketball
community.