Rick Pitino has spent decades in college basketball, so when the Hall of Fame coach shares his thoughts on the game, people tend to listen. The St. John’s Red Storm men’s basketball coach has always been willing to praise good basketball, even when it involves rivals or teams outside his program. This week was no different, as he applauded two coaches whose teams may have caused trouble for him this season.
The comments came after UConn's last-second win against Duke in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. Pitino initially shared his thoughts on X, saying the second half between the Huskies and Blue Devils showed why college basketball is the “best sport.” But once the dust settled, the veteran coach offered further praise for both teams and their coaches.
“Much congrats to a gritty UConn team that wouldn’t give up,” Pitino wrote on X. He then defended Duke head coach, even though the Blue Devils had ended St. John’s NCAA Tournament run earlier. “For all those people out there trying to criticize Jon Scheyer, he is one helluva coach and one of the class acts in our game. He played the toughest schedule and ended as the #1 overall seed. Championships will be in his future.”
The St. John’s coach also had positive words for his Big East rivals, a message that could indirectly include UConn head coach Dan Hurley. “UConn players and coaches, you have my utmost respect,” Pitino wrote. Many fans admired Pitino for the message. The rivalry between St. John’s and UConn has intensified in recent years, especially since Pitino’s arrival in the Big East Conference.
St. John’s defeated the Huskies twice in their three meetings this season. Pitino’s squad also captured both the Big East regular-season title and the conference tournament championship. Despite the growing rivalry, Pitino continues to show his trademark class.
And fortunately for fans, they will continue to see more of this Big East rivalry, as the veteran coach has agreed to a contract extension.
