Alleged bandit accused of stealing memorabilia from Rick Pitino’s office claims he ‘didn’t take the basketball’ — just one of many items swiped
The New York City man accused of stealing memorabilia from legendary St. John’s University basketball coach Rick Pitino’s office denied involvement when confronted by The Post.
“I didn’t take the basketball,” 25-year-old Emanuel Yakubov told The Post as he was led in cuffs to his arraignment in Queens court.
Yakubov was later sprung on supervised release Sunday after his attorneys highlighted community ties, his status as a student, a full-time job with an uncle, and his lack of priors — something which seemed to baffle the defendant as he left the courtroom.
“What do you mean I have no priors?” The Post overheard him telling his attorney.
“Don’t ask about that in there,” the lawyer replied.
The basketball he allegedly stole — a signed piece of memorabilia — was just one of the items taken in a clumsy Tuesday evening heist at the office of the renowned basketball coach.
Other pieces snagged included a ceremonial dagger and a bullhorn — both of which Yakubov and an accomplice appeared to be blatantly carrying in security footage from outside Pitino’s office. The pair made next to no effort to conceal their identities while caught on the cameras.
A mask and numerous bottles of alcohol were also taken.
The accomplice appeared to be speaking openly on the phone as they walked through the halls with stolen items in their hands.
Yakubov was arrested Friday night by officers with the 107th Precinct. He faces charges of fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, third-degree criminal trespassing, petit larceny and third-degree burglary.
“St. John’s University is grateful for the rapid response made by the NYPD and the recovery of stolen property,” a St. John’s spokesperson said after the arrest.
“The safety and security of our campus community are essential, and our cooperative relationship with law enforcement helps ensure that.”
Prosecutors asked that Yakubov be fixed with electric monitoring during his release, but the judge declined despite the elevated profile of Pitino.?
Pitino — who previously coached in the NBA with the New York Knicks and has led the local school’s men’s basketball team since 2023 — joked online that he was bothered only by the theft of a bottle of wine, which he said was worth over $1,500.
“Really upset! Taking my memorabilia is one thing but the 1985 6L Petrus Pomerol has me livid!!!” he wrote on X.
