Dylan Darling had not scored a single point the entire game for St. John's in their thrilling showdown against Kansas. But with 3.9 seconds left and the scored tied 65-65, the 6-foot-1 point guard for the Red Storm told head coach Rick Pitino to call his own number for what would end up being an outstanding buzzer-beater, earning a spot in the Sweet 16.
Even for the 73-year-old Pitino, who has basically seen it all when it comes to the game of college basketball, he was left just about speechless by Darling's request to take the shot.
Although one could probably say Pitino was mostly impressed, with a healthy splash of amusement.
How Rick Pitino Reacted When Dylan Darling Called His Own Buzzer-Beater Against Kansas
"But here's the amazing thing and the funniest thing I've ever been involved with," Pitino began. "So we're gonna run a play but they [Kansas] got fouls to give. And 'Bells' [Darling's nickname that Pitino gave him] comes up to me and says 'run Power,' which is a high back-screen pick-and-roll ... So I said, 'ok, Power.'"
And it really just gets better from there:
"I walk away and said, 'wait a second, he hasn't scored a bucket and he wants to run a play for himself?' And then I'm thinking as I'm walking 'but he's Bells,'" a smiling Pitino continued. "And not only did he do it, he went with his right hand! [Darling is left-handed] So, real proud of him because, to want the ball when you haven't made a shot is unbelievable."
Pitino's Initial Reaction to Darling's Dramatic Game-Winner Against Kansas Was All Class
Pitino has seen plenty of amazing basketball and a boatload of wins throughout his storied head coaching career.
But one might just assume that regardless of a coach's experience, winning an NCAA Tournament game in such dramatic fashion over a program like the Kansas Jayhawks would draw some kind of emotion other than stoically adjusting their suit jacket.
However, that's precisely what Pitino did as he made his way towards the Kansas side of the court to shake hands with coaches and players before celebrating with his team.
The reaction could be read a number of ways, as Pitino has certainly been on the other side of these games more than once.
Ultimately, though, it likely boils down to the respect he has for his opponent, specifically longtime Kansas head coach Bill Self.
Up next for Pitino, "Bells," and St. John's will be a highly-anticipated game against No. 1-seeded Duke on Friday, March 27.
As of now, tip-off time has not been officially released.
For the time being, fans of the Red Storm can take a few days off from hoops and attempt to relax, or maybe just soak in the dramatics of Sunday's win on an endless loop.
