New York, November 30, 2024 — Lou Carnesecca, a towering figure in American basketball and a beloved icon in New York City, has died at the age of 99. His remarkable life, bridging Italian roots and American hoops glory, is chronicled in a new bilingual volume, “Lou Carnesecca From Pontremoli to New York,” by journalist Lorenzo Mangini and published by Erga Edizioni.
A Legacy Beyond the Scoreboard
The book explores Carnesecca’s impact not just as a coach, but as a man who valued people and relationships above all else, a philosophy he famously stated mattered most “when the game scoreboard is turned off.”
- Carnesecca amassed 526 victories as the first coach of St. John’s University, earning him a place of honor at Madison Square Garden.
- Despite being born in New York, he deeply identified with his Italian heritage, even mastering the language to connect with players and coaches abroad.
- The new book details his life from his family origins to his coaching career, featuring testimonials from those who knew him best.
Carnesecca’s journey began in East Harlem, a neighborhood that welcomed Italian immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. His achievements were formally recognized in 2001 when a flag honoring his 526 wins was raised to the rafters of Madison Square Garden, a testament to his success with St. John’s, the Queens institution founded by the Vincentians. He embodied the spirit and values of the order throughout his career.
What made Lou Carnesecca such a unique figure in basketball? He considered himself Italian in every respect, despite being born in New York and spending only a year in Italy as a child. This connection fueled his dedication to sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with Italian basketball communities.
Valerio Bianchini, a participant in Carnesecca’s legendary 1966 clinic in Rome, recounts in the book how the coach dedicated six months to perfecting his Italian, enabling him to convey not only technical skills but also the psychological and pedagogical nuances of the game. Participants remember his extraordinary humanity, friendliness, and originality both on and off the court.
The fusion of Italian basketball fundamentals with the innovative techniques developed by American university coaches, under Carnesecca’s guidance, created a style of play that resonated throughout Western Europe. The book delves into these influences and their lasting impact.
“Lou Carnesecca From Pontremoli to New York” is structured in three parts: an exploration of Carnesecca’s origins and family history, a detailed account of his basketball career, and a collection of tributes from coaches and players who were close to him, including Gamba, Bianchini, Meneghin, Marzorati, Peterson, Messina, Danna, and Marco Baldi, who played three years at St. John’s.
The Municipality of Pontremoli is sponsoring the book and Mayor Jacopo Ferri has initiated a process to name a significant area in the hamlet of Cargalla, the family’s ancestral home, in honor of the coach. The book also incorporates “Open” VCodes, allowing readers to access images and videos of celebratory events held for Carnesecca in both Italy and the United States.
Did you know? Carnesecca’s ability to connect with players extended beyond the court, fostering a sense of family and loyalty that defined his coaching legacy.
