Rick Pitino insisted there were no extra emotions attached to seeing Kentucky on the other sideline, even with the memories, the banners, and a former championship captain standing across from him.
For the first time in nearly a decade, Pitino faced the Wildcats he once led to national prominence, this time as the head coach of St. John’s. Kentucky rallied in the second half to pull away for a 78-66 victory Saturday in the opening game of a college basketball doubleheader in Atlanta.
“It was no big deal,” Pitino said afterward. “If this was at Rupp Arena, I think I’d have a lot more emotions. But I didn’t have any emotions.”
Now 73 and in his third season with St. John’s, Pitino coached Kentucky from 1989 to 1997, highlighted by the 1996 national championship. One of the leaders on that title team was Mark Pope — now the head coach of the Wildcats.
Pitino had nothing but praise for his former player, saying Pope has already made a noticeable imprint on Kentucky’s identity.
“I’m really proud of Mark,” Pitino said. “I think he’s done a brilliant thing with changing the whole mindset of the team.”
Pope, meanwhile, downplayed the significance of coaching against his former mentor, keeping the focus squarely on his current roster.
“The only thing I care about is our team growing,” Pope said. “I love Coach. I love him. But I’m just happy for our guys.”
Kentucky’s growth was evident after halftime. Despite early struggles, the Wildcats leaned into a more physical, defense-first approach in the second half, holding St. John’s without a field goal for nearly nine minutes. That stretch proved decisive, turning a close game into a comfortable win.
Pitino noted the adjustment, pointing out that Pope recognized what his team needed — and acted on it.
“They’re going to be a very good basketball team,” Pitino said. “They have to keep playing smash-mouth basketball. Mark’s a big believer in finesse and shooting the three, but it’s not working — so let’s change it. I give him all the credit in the world.”
Both programs entered the season with high expectations, and both have faced uneven stretches. Kentucky improved to 8-4, while St. John’s fell to 7-4 after finishing 31-5 last season and winning the Big East.
The Red Storm, ranked No. 22 entering the game, could drop out of the AP Top 25 following the loss.
“I’m disappointed with any loss,” Pitino said. “But our job is to get better. We’ve got a decent basketball team — nothing more than decent. Now we’ve got to take decent to good.”
For Kentucky, the win offered more than just a résumé boost. It provided a glimpse of a developing identity — one built on toughness, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve — even against a familiar face who helped shape the program’s past.
