The matchup is set and it’s what the college basketball world wanted in the Round of 32 – Rick Pitino vs. John Calipari.
It’s high drama and high stakes with a berth in the Sweet 16 on the line Saturday afternoon in Providence.
While the two don’t have a close personal relationship whatsoever, Pitino downplayed meeting his old rival again after St. John’s defeated Omaha in the Round of 64 on Thursday night.
“I don’t go against other coaches,” he said after the 83-53 victory. “We go again teams.”
“He doesn’t have to worry about me. My jump shot is long gone. We’re preparing for his players. He’s preparing for our players. John and I don’t play one-on-one anymore.”
Calipari holds a 13-10 head-to-head record against Pitino at the college level and was 8-2 while at Kentucky with Pitino nearby with Louisville. It’ll be the fifth meeting in the postseason between the two coaches, splitting its previous four matchups.
It wasn’t the easiest of paths for John Calipari to get his date with Rick Pitino after his Arkansas team closed on a 15-5 run over the final three minutes to beat Kansas, 79-72.
The first-year head coach in Fayetteville wasn’t asked about the potential matchup against Pitino since the Red Storm had not tipped off against the Mavericks yet, but it will be a major point of conversation when he steps to the podium on Friday afternoon.
“I have always had great respect for John. We have not seen this size and athleticism all year,” Pitino added. “We know what we’re up against, obviously.”
“I don’t know what they finished in the SEC. Eighth? Ninth? But if they finished eighth or ninth from what I watched today, I’m glad we’re not in the SEC because that talent level in that conference is amazing to me.”
Things will certainly heat up between the two parties as tipoff gets closer in Rhode Island.