Hear from Mark Pope and Rick Pitino as historic matchup announced: Kentucky will play St. John’s in CBS Classic

The college basketball world is buzzing with excitement as the announcement of a historic matchup between two storied programs—Kentucky and St. John’s—has been made official. Set to take place in the highly anticipated CBS Classic, this game promises to be one of the most thrilling matchups of the 2025 season. The Wildcats, led by head coach John Calipari, will face off against St. John’s, guided by the legendary Rick Pitino, in what is sure to be an unforgettable showdown that captures the attention of fans and analysts alike.

With both teams bringing rich histories, passionate fan bases, and the promise of high-level basketball, the CBS Classic will feature two of the biggest names in college basketball coaching: Mark Pope of Kentucky and Rick Pitino of St. John’s. As the event draws nearer, both coaches shared their thoughts on what this historic game means for their programs, the players, and the larger landscape of college basketball.

The Significance of the CBS Classic

The CBS Classic is a prestigious event that has become a staple of the college basketball calendar. Featuring some of the top programs in the country, the event not only provides fans with a chance to witness high-stakes, early-season matchups, but it also plays a pivotal role in shaping the college basketball narrative for the year. This year’s CBS Classic has all the ingredients for a classic clash: a powerhouse program in Kentucky, a revitalized St. John’s program under the guidance of Rick Pitino, and the undeniable excitement that comes with watching two top-tier coaches face off.

Historically, Kentucky has been a dominant force in college basketball, with a record of consistent success under coach John Calipari. The Wildcats have been to numerous NCAA tournaments and have claimed multiple national championships over the years. On the other hand, St. John’s has been a historic program in its own right, though it has struggled to reach the same level of success in recent years. The hiring of Rick Pitino in 2023 was a game-changer, as the legendary coach’s pedigree and ability to rebuild programs quickly has already begun to pay dividends for the Red Storm.

The matchup between Kentucky and St. John’s in the CBS Classic not only carries the weight of tradition but also the excitement of two teams with distinct playing styles and philosophies coming together in one of the most high-profile games of the season.

Mark Pope’s Perspective: Building on Kentucky’s Legacy

For Mark Pope, Kentucky’s head coach, the CBS Classic is a significant moment in a season filled with high expectations. Kentucky enters the game as a perennial powerhouse, and despite the dominance of Coach Calipari, Pope’s influence on the program over the past several years has been unmistakable. Under Pope’s leadership, Kentucky has continued to recruit at a high level, bringing in some of the top young talent in the nation.

“The CBS Classic is a great opportunity for our players, for our fans, and for our program,” said Pope, who has played an instrumental role in Kentucky’s continued success. “Anytime you get a chance to showcase your team on national television against a program like St. John’s, you’re excited. Rick Pitino has been one of the greatest coaches of all time, and facing off against his team will certainly be a huge test for us. But it’s exactly the type of challenge we want to face as we get ready for the rest of the season.”

Pope, who has worked tirelessly to maintain Kentucky’s status as a top-tier program, has been particularly focused on fostering a sense of unity and purpose within his team. With a roster that features a mix of veteran talent and new recruits, the Wildcats have a dynamic that is as versatile as it is dangerous. Pope has emphasized the importance of team chemistry and developing an identity that will help them compete for a national title. A game against St. John’s will give Kentucky an early opportunity to test their mettle against one of the country’s most exciting up-and-coming teams.

While Kentucky enters the game as the more established program, Pope is quick to point out that St. John’s, under Pitino’s leadership, is a team on the rise. “Rick Pitino is a coach who can turn a program around in no time,” Pope continued. “His success speaks for itself. We’re going to have to be at our best if we want to come out of this one with a victory.”

Rick Pitino’s Return to Glory: St. John’s Under His Leadership

On the opposite sideline, Rick Pitino’s return to college basketball has been one of the most exciting stories in recent years. Known for his success at Louisville, where he won a national championship, Pitino’s ability to revive struggling programs has been well-documented. His arrival at St. John’s in 2023 was met with a mix of anticipation and skepticism—could he truly turn around a program that had been struggling to find its footing in the competitive Big East?

The answer, it seems, is yes. Pitino wasted no time putting his stamp on St. John’s, building a competitive roster and instilling his signature fast-paced, high-intensity style of play. His influence has been felt in all areas of the program, from recruiting to player development to game strategy. Pitino has been known for his ability to get the most out of his players, and his coaching prowess has helped St. John’s become one of the most exciting teams in the country.

“This is a big game for us, no question about it,” said Pitino in a statement about the upcoming matchup. “Kentucky is a powerhouse, and Coach Calipari’s program is one that everyone respects. But for us, this is an opportunity to prove that we belong on the national stage. We’re building something special at St. John’s, and a game against a team like Kentucky is exactly the kind of challenge we need.”

Pitino’s ability to build up programs quickly is already being tested in this early-season matchup. With a revamped St. John’s roster that includes a mix of veteran players and exciting young talent, the Red Storm will bring a high level of intensity and energy to the CBS Classic. Pitino’s trademark full-court press defense, combined with a fast-break offense, could create a matchup nightmare for Kentucky if they aren’t ready to handle the pressure.

“We know Kentucky is going to be a tough opponent, but we’ve got players who are capable of stepping up to the challenge,” Pitino continued. “This is going to be a great test for us and a chance to show the college basketball world that St. John’s is back on the map.”

Tactical Insights: What to Expect in the CBS Classic

From a tactical standpoint, this matchup between Kentucky and St. John’s is intriguing on several levels. Kentucky, under Coach Calipari, is known for its athleticism, depth, and versatility. The Wildcats will look to establish their inside presence early, using their size and length to dominate in the paint. Their offense will likely feature a balanced approach, with a combination of fast-break opportunities and set plays designed to get their top scorers in open positions.

On the other hand, St. John’s under Pitino will look to use their defensive pressure to disrupt Kentucky’s offensive flow. Pitino’s press defense, combined with a high-paced offense that thrives on transition basketball, will challenge Kentucky to maintain composure and execute their plays under duress. St. John’s will also rely heavily on its ability to create turnovers, turning those steals into fast-break points to capitalize on any Kentucky mistakes.

“This is a game where execution will be key,” Pope said. “We have to be patient, make smart decisions, and avoid turnovers, especially against a team like St. John’s that thrives on getting out in transition. We can’t let them dictate the tempo.”

For Pitino, the strategy will be clear: “We want to play fast. We want to force Kentucky into uncomfortable situations and capitalize on every opportunity we can. It’s going to be about intensity and tempo.”

The Future of Both Programs

This matchup between Kentucky and St. John’s is not only significant for the teams involved but also for the larger landscape of college basketball. For Kentucky, a victory would reinforce their status as one of the top programs in the nation, while a loss could raise questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. For St. John’s, this game is a chance to announce their return as a force in college basketball under Rick Pitino’s guidance.

Regardless of the outcome, this game will have long-term implications for both programs. For St. John’s, a strong showing against Kentucky could solidify their place in the upper echelons of the college basketball world. For Kentucky, a victory would continue their path toward a potential national championship and reaffirm their position as a powerhouse in the SEC.

As the CBS Classic approaches, fans are eager to see these two legendary programs face off on the national stage. With Mark Pope and Rick Pitino at the helm, the game promises to be a clash of styles, philosophies, and traditions. Kentucky and St. John’s will not only be playing for victory but also for respect, as both teams look to make their mark in the 2025 season.

As the countdown begins, one thing is certain: this is a matchup that no basketball fan will want to miss.