Peyton Siva Officially Joins St. John’s Basketball Coaching Staff

Rick Pitino is reuniting with a former player, Peyton Siva, on the St. John's Red Storm coaching staff.

Mar 11, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Louisville Cardinals assistant coach Peyton Siva reacts in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The St. John’s Red Storm had to make several changes to their roster this offseason, reloading with talent for the 2026-27 season.

However, it wasn’t only their roster that underwent changes. The coaching staff also features a new face, but one that head coach Rick Pitino is very familiar with. St. John’s officially announced the addition of Peyton Siva as an assistant coach.

Siva was the starting point guard with the Louisville Cardinals when Pitino led them to the national championship in 2013. He was on staff for two years with his alma mater under Pat Kelsey before deciding to make the move to reunite with Pitino in Queens.

“Petyon is a world-class person and leader,” said Pitino in a release from the school. “Our players will be thrilled to have his expertise.”

St. John's adding Peyton Siva to coaching staff

Apr 8, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino talks to guard Peyton Siva (3) during the second half of the championship game in the 2013 NCAA mens Final Four against the Michigan Wolverines at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

With Louisville, Siva started out as the Cardinals’ director of player development and alumni relations in 2024. For the 2025-26 season, he was elevated to assistant coach. In the two seasons he was on staff, Louisville saw an impressive turnaround, going 51-19 overall and 29-9 in ACC play, with two NCAA tournament appearances.

Siva was just as successful as a player during his time with the program. He is currently second on the all-time list in assists, with 677, and steals, with 254. He made his mark with the Cardinals, earning the Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player honor two times in his career in 2012 and 2013.

In 2013, he was an AP All-American Honorable Mention and Third Team All-Big East selection en route to the championship. During his senior year, Siva set the single-season records for steals and assists with 90 and 228, respectively.

“I’m incredibly grateful for everything Louisville has meant to me throughout my life,” said Siva. “The city, the university, and the fans have given me so much, and I’ll always be thankful. Thank you to Coach Pat Kelsey for giving me the opportunity to coach at my alma mater. It was truly an honor, and I’ll always be grateful for the belief and trust you placed in me.

This season, the Cardinals are projected to be even better after adding several impact players in the transfer portal. Leaving such a situation behind, especially one that Siva knows so well, cannot be easy.

Pitino adds former champion Peyton Silva to his coaching staff #SJUBB pic.twitter.com/LKd6AxUwYS

— Nick Ziegler (@NickZiegler20) September 17, 2026

But when the opportunity to reunite with Pitino became an option, it was one that Siva knew he couldn’t pass up.

“I’m also extremely excited for this next chapter. Getting the opportunity to join one of—if not the greatest—coaches of all time is something I don’t take lightly. Playing for Coach Rick Pitino was a dream, and now having the chance to coach alongside him is an incredible opportunity. St. John’s has established itself as one of the premier programs in college basketball over the past few years, and I’m excited to become a part of it. I can’t wait to get to work. Go Johnnies!”

A native of Seattle, Siva continued his basketball career following a successful career at Louisville. He played in 24 games with the Detroit Pistons after being selected in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft before embarking on an overseas journey that included time in Italy, Germany, Greece, New Zealand and Australia.

Now back with Pitino, he will be looking to expand his post-playing career in the coaching ranks with a Red Storm team that has the potential to be among the best teams in the country.