Pitino and Calipari Prepare for a High-Stakes Showdown

On Friday, Rick Pitino and John Calipari were cautious not to stoke any rivalries ahead of their meeting on Saturday, where the No. 2 seed St. John’s will face No. 10 seed Arkansas for a chance to advance to the Sweet 16. However, the Hall of Fame coaches did share candid thoughts on their relationship.

“We don’t know each other’s families very well. We’re not exactly close friends,” Pitino remarked, noting that despite knowing Calipari from a young age, they have never shared a meal together. “We’re both Italian and love the game, but that’s pretty much where our similarities end.”

Though they aren’t personal friends, Calipari and Pitino are historically significant figures in NCAA Men’s Basketball, being the only two coaches to lead three different teams to the Final Four. They each hold two NCAA Tournament victories over one another, setting the stage for what could be a decisive battle for the all-time series record.

The narrative of their match-up feels almost scripted, showcasing two of the sport’s winningest active coaches facing off amid the chaos of March Madness. Pitino, who faced career turbulence after his departure from Louisville, has rejuvenated St. John’s in what he calls the most surprising season of his coaching tenure. Conversely, Calipari made headlines by moving from Kentucky to Arkansas after years of disappointment in tournament play.

With a total of 1,758 career wins, 13 Final Fours, and three national championships between them, their historical rivalry cannot be overlooked. Both coaches have shared their rivalry’s roots, with Calipari recalling his admiration for Pitino from their shared experiences at basketball camps in the late 1970s.

As for Saturday’s game, Arkansas arrives with momentum, having won six of its last eight games, with standout performances from players like Johnell Davis and Trevon Brazile. St. John’s, on the other hand, boasts a top-ranked defense and star guard RJ Luis, who will need to avoid slow starts to secure a spot in San Francisco.

Despite their storied history and the spotlight on them, both coaches assert that they focus on team performance rather than personal rivalries. As they prepare for what could be a symbolic conclusion to their competitive narrative, Pitino aims to keep his team “on Broadway” as they strive for success in the NCAA tournament.