Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope prepares to face his mentor, Rick Pitino, the head coach at St. John’s, for only the second time in their careers. The two will meet in the CBS Sports Classic at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, as Kentucky (7-4) takes on St. John’s (7-3). Pitino boasts an impressive 18-4 record against former players who have become head coaches.
This matchup marks a significant moment for Pope, who previously faced Pitino during his inaugural season as a head coach with Utah Valley. In that encounter, Pope’s team suffered a heavy defeat, losing 98-68 to Pitino’s Louisville squad at the KFC Yum! Center on December 23, 2015. Now, he aims to turn the tide against his former coach, whom he played for at the University of Kentucky.
“Our only job is to win,” Pope stated during a recent press conference. He expressed admiration for Pitino, referring to him as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. Despite the challenges ahead, Pope emphasizes the importance of team growth and understanding rather than focusing solely on beating Pitino.
As both teams look to prove themselves, they face a similar challenge: neither has managed to secure a win in Quad 1 games this season. This adds an extra layer of urgency to the encounter, particularly for St. John’s, which, like Kentucky, seeks to improve its standing.
The clash between the Wildcats and the Red Storm is set to begin at 12:30 p.m. today. With Kentucky entering as a 3.5-point underdog, this contest is expected to be a thrilling and close affair, featuring a flurry of lead changes and a highly competitive atmosphere. Fans can anticipate an emotionally charged game as the two coaches strive for victory, making this matchup one to watch in the college basketball landscape.