Sadiku Ibine Ayo and Rick Pitino, Digi Mart USA News: Sadiku Ibine Ayo described his relationship with Rick Pitino as a series of “uncomfortable conversations” about his future. Ibine Ayo wanted to stay at St.
John’s, while Pitino wanted to keep him in the program.
The reserve wing did not score often or log heavy minutes, but he was instrumental to St. John’s success over the previous two seasons.
The team won back-to-back Big East regular season and postseason championships.
Ibine Ayo was the player who helped Kadary Richmond find his groove after a slow start two years ago. He was also the teammate who stayed in Ian Jackson’s ear during difficult stretches last winter.
He best understood Pitino and spread his message to the rest of the roster.
Ibine Ayo served as a two-year co-captain. Pitino praised his impact this week, saying, “Sadiku is invaluable in the locker room, invaluable in practice.
He makes sure everybody does it the right way.”
