Rick Pitino is set for another showdown with Duke, this time as St. John’s head coach, in the NCAA Tournament's third round in Washington, D.C. This matchup brings back memories of Kentucky's iconic 1992 regional final loss to Duke, a game forever etched in tournament history due to Christian Laettner’s unforgettable buzzer-beater.
Reflecting on that moment, Pitino, who later claimed a national title with Louisville in 2013, shared his perspective. “I took the ’92 game as a positive.
Our four seniors got their jerseys retired after that loss, which is rare,” Pitino remarked. “I’ve always treasured that game.
It was one of the greatest ever played, despite the loss. We even played overtime without Mashburn, which people often forget.”
Pitino also noted a strange coincidence: “When we won with the Kevin Ware injury, it was 25 years to the day of that game. That’s really spooky.”
The conversation then shifted to the current state of college basketball, particularly the impact of NIL deals and the transfer portal. Pitino isn’t worried about the so-called death of Cinderella stories.
“You’ll see it again,” he asserted. “What’s better now is that the blue bloods no longer control basketball.
There’s no difference between teams like Kentucky, North Carolina, and others like Illinois or St. John’s.
It’s all the same now, making for a great product.”
He praised the Big East for increasing their NIL budgets, believing it will enhance the conference's competitiveness. “Kudos to them for doing that,” he said.
Discussing the historical advantages of traditional powerhouses, Pitino pointed out changes in the landscape. “Facilities used to be a big draw, but now they’re further down the list.
Players don’t stay long, making the game more like professional basketball,” he explained. “I want excellence on the court, and we’re getting that now.
The absence of blue bloods is great for the game.”
Pitino, who has had nine head coaching jobs, contrasted his journey with Tom Izzo’s long tenure at Michigan State. “I’ve loved every place I’ve lived.
I’m not a nester,” Pitino said. “I enjoyed Greece probably more than anywhere else.
For me, exploring new places is great. Everyone’s different, and I’ve made lifelong friends along the way.”
As Pitino prepares for another chapter against Duke, his reflections reveal a coach who cherishes the past while embracing the evolving future of college basketball.