INDIANAPOLIS — Mike Repole laughed at the suggestion that this St. John’s season could deter him from financially supporting the program in the future.
First of all, the billionaire entrepreneur and Red Storm booster still believes in this team, despite the 9-5 record and uneven first two months of the season. Second, if this year doesn’t turn around and St. John’s goes on to miss the NCAA Tournament, it would motivate him further.
“It makes me want to do it even more,” Repole told The Post in an exclusive phone interview. “Are you kidding me? If we make the Final Four this year, I’d be more apt not to do it. Are you kidding me? Of course I want to do this.”
Repole remains bullish on St. John’s and coach Rick Pitino, even after Saturday’s ugly home loss to Providence. He is convinced the Red Storm will still go dancing — “this will definitely be a tournament team and will definitely be dangerous in March,” the BodyArmor founder said — pointing to a difficult nonconference schedule that is going to pay off in the end. St. John’s has led after halftime in all five losses, and nearly beat undefeated and No. 3 Iowa State in November.
