In a move that has sent ripples through the college basketball world, the University of Kentucky Wildcats have officially announced the addition of Rick Pitino and his St. John’s Red Storm to their 2025 non-conference schedule. The clash between the Wildcats and Pitino’s new team will be a monumental event in the sport, bringing together two of the most storied programs in NCAA basketball history. This decision is not only significant for Kentucky’s schedule but also for the larger basketball community, which is excited to see how the seasoned coaching legend fares in a high-profile matchup with his former program’s biggest rival.
Rick Pitino, one of the most successful and controversial figures in college basketball, has had an illustrious career that includes multiple NCAA championships, Final Four appearances, and countless accolades. However, Pitino’s tenure in the sport has not been without its controversies. After being dismissed from Louisville in 2017 amid a series of scandals, including a federal investigation into corruption in college basketball, Pitino took a brief hiatus from the power conferences before resurfacing in 2020 as the head coach at Iona College.
Pitino’s move to St. John’s is arguably the most significant moment of his coaching career since his time at Louisville. St. John’s, which has long been a sleeping giant in college basketball, hired Pitino in 2023 to help restore the program’s former glory. Known for his ability to turn struggling programs into national contenders, Pitino brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to Queens, New York. With Pitino now at the helm, St. John’s has begun to rise back into the national conversation, and Kentucky’s decision to add them to their schedule is a testament to Pitino’s enduring influence in the sport.
The matchup against Kentucky will mark Pitino’s first return to the Bluegrass State since his days as head coach of the Louisville Cardinals. His rivalry with Kentucky’s Wildcats has always been one of the fiercest in college basketball, and now, after years away from the spotlight, he is once again positioned to square off against one of the sport’s most iconic programs. The game is likely to be emotional for Pitino, as it represents not just a reunion with his old foes but also a chance to prove himself in a new era of college basketball.
The decision by Kentucky head coach John Calipari to schedule St. John’s and Rick Pitino is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Wildcats’ non-conference schedule and prepare them for the rigors of the SEC and NCAA tournament play. Kentucky, one of the most successful programs in NCAA history, has always prided itself on scheduling top-tier opponents in the regular season. While SEC play is notoriously competitive, the Wildcats have historically sought out high-profile non-conference games that help them gauge where they stand on the national stage.
In recent years, Kentucky has faced an increasing level of scrutiny when it comes to its non-conference schedule. Critics have pointed out that the Wildcats have sometimes relied on weaker opponents in the early part of the season, leaving the team unprepared for the intense challenges of conference play and the NCAA tournament. The addition of St. John’s and Rick Pitino is a direct response to these concerns. By facing a revitalized St. John’s squad under the guidance of a proven coach like Pitino, Kentucky will be put to the test before the SEC season begins in earnest.
Moreover, scheduling Pitino’s St. John’s team serves a dual purpose for Kentucky. First, it provides a significant challenge for the Wildcats as they look to prepare for a tough season. Second, it generates tremendous fan interest and media attention, which will only help boost the program’s national profile. This is a win-win scenario for Kentucky, which is always looking for ways to increase its visibility and marketability in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
The rivalry between Rick Pitino and the University of Kentucky dates back to the 1980s, when Pitino served as the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals. During his tenure, Pitino’s Louisville teams consistently battled Kentucky for supremacy in the state, with both programs regularly ranked among the top in the nation. The rivalry reached its peak during the 2012-2013 season, when Pitino’s Louisville squad defeated Kentucky in the NCAA Final Four on their way to winning the national championship.
The intensity of the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry has only grown over the years, with both teams’ fanbases deeply invested in the outcome of every game. Pitino’s departure from Louisville and his subsequent move to Iona and St. John’s did little to extinguish the flames of this rivalry. In fact, Pitino’s return to the power conferences with St. John’s only serves to reignite the intensity of the rivalry. For Kentucky fans, the prospect of facing Pitino again is an opportunity to settle old scores, while for St. John’s fans, it’s a chance to prove that Pitino’s success at Louisville was not just a product of the school’s resources but a reflection of his unparalleled coaching abilities.
For St. John’s, the game against Kentucky is a statement about the program’s resurgence. Once a powerhouse in college basketball during the 1980s and 1990s, St. John’s has fallen on hard times in recent decades. However, with Pitino now at the helm, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the program. The addition of Kentucky to their schedule not only serves as a major challenge but also as an opportunity to demonstrate that they belong among the elite programs in the country.
Pitino’s ability to recruit and develop talent will be on full display when his team faces Kentucky. The Wildcats are known for their one-and-done players and elite recruiting classes, while St. John’s has relied more on Pitino’s coaching acumen and ability to develop players over time. This contrast in approaches—Kentucky’s focus on superstar talent versus St. John’s emphasis on player development—will make for an intriguing dynamic on the court.
For Pitino, this game represents another chapter in his storied career. Having already won national championships at Louisville and Kentucky’s rival, the game offers Pitino the chance to further solidify his legacy. If he can guide St. John’s to a win over Kentucky, it would be another feather in his cap and could serve as a springboard for the Red Storm’s future success.
This game isn’t just about the coaches—it’s about the players. For Kentucky, the addition of St. John’s to their schedule adds another layer of intrigue. The Wildcats have consistently recruited some of the most talented players in the nation, and a showdown with Pitino’s St. John’s team will be a valuable test for their young stars. On the other hand, St. John’s has been retooling under Pitino, and this game represents their chance to prove that they are ready for the upper echelons of college basketball.
For college basketball fans, the Kentucky-St. John’s game promises to be an exciting, high-stakes contest. Pitino’s brand of aggressive, fast-paced basketball will go head-to-head with Calipari’s dominant, defensively-minded Wildcats. The game could have significant postseason implications for both teams, depending on their performances in their respective conferences and how they fare in the early months of the season.
Beyond the on-court drama, the emotional storylines surrounding Pitino’s return to Kentucky will only add to the excitement. Both teams have passionate fanbases, and the atmosphere in Rupp Arena will undoubtedly be electric. The narrative of Pitino, who spent years at Louisville as Kentucky’s most bitter rival, facing off against the Wildcats, will provide plenty of fodder for media coverage and fan discussion.
As the 2025 season approaches, college basketball fans are eagerly anticipating the matchup between Kentucky and St. John’s. With the addition of Rick Pitino to the mix, this game has the potential to be one of the most thrilling of the season. The Wildcats are looking to continue their legacy as one of the sport’s premier programs, while Pitino and St. John’s are hoping to make their mark as a national contender.
Ultimately, the game is more than just a contest between two teams—it is a symbol of the changing landscape of college basketball. As programs like St. John’s rise back to prominence under veteran coaches like Pitino, the balance of power in college basketball is shifting, and this game could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport.
For now, fans will have to wait and see how these two iconic programs stack up against each other. What is certain, however, is that the Kentucky vs. St. John’s showdown, with Rick Pitino back in the mix, is set to be one of the most anticipated games in recent memory.
