Key moments
On March 22, 2026, Rick Pitino’s St. John’s team is set to face off against Kansas in the NCAA Tournament, marking a significant moment in Pitino’s storied coaching career. At 73 years old, Pitino is the oldest head coach in Division I men’s basketball and has amassed over 900 career wins. This matchup is particularly noteworthy as it pits him against fellow coaching veteran Bill Self, who has also achieved over 800 wins and two national championships.
St. John’s advanced to this stage after a decisive 79-53 victory over Northern Iowa in the first round of the tournament. This win is a crucial step for the team, which is aiming to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999. The game against Kansas is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS, drawing significant attention from college basketball fans.
The encounter between Pitino and Self is not the first; the two coaches previously faced each other in November 2021. Both have had illustrious careers, with Pitino’s national championship at Louisville in 2013 being vacated due to NCAA rules violations, a blemish on an otherwise impressive record.
In preparation for the tournament, Pitino has adapted to the evolving landscape of college basketball, notably by incorporating the transfer portal into his recruiting strategy. In 2023, he brought in 10 transfer players, demonstrating his ability to adjust to the changing dynamics of the sport.
One of the standout players for Kansas is freshman guard Darryn Peterson, who is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson has been impressive this season, averaging 20.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game across 23 games. His performance could be pivotal in the upcoming game against St. John’s.
As the game approaches, Pitino remains focused on the task at hand. He stated, “If we win, we’re going to be in the Sweet 16. I’m not looking ahead. I’m just looking at every possession.” This reflects his experience and understanding of the pressures that come with tournament play.
In a candid moment, Pitino acknowledged the uncertainty of his future in coaching, saying, “I could be out of coaching next year.” His comments highlight the challenges faced by coaches in maintaining longevity in the sport, as he noted, “There’s so many great coaches out there, but they have a tough time standing the test of time.” These reflections add a layer of depth to the narrative surrounding this matchup.
As fans eagerly anticipate the game, the stakes are high for both teams. With Pitino at the helm, St. John’s hopes to continue its tournament run and make a significant impact, while Kansas seeks to assert its dominance and advance further in the competition.
