St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino needs just one win to reach 900 coaching victories, a feat that only a few legendary coaches have achieved.
Rick Pitino’s squad is currently riding a five-game winning streak, having beaten the likes of Butler, Creighton, Marquette, Villanova and most recently, Seton Hall. The Red Storm have improved to 14-5 on the season — 7-1 in conference play — for the No. 2 spot in the Big East.
Advertisement
St. John’s will play the Xavier Musketeers next, a team that is 11-8 so far and has lost four of its last six outings.
What’s interesting about the showdown is the fact that Rick Pitino’s son, Richard Pitino, is the head coach of Xavier men’s basketball.
St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino instructs his team during a game.Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin-Imagn Images)
Richard Pitino, who is in his first year as Musketeers head coach after four seasons with New Mexico, couldn’t help but hype up the game.
“Can’t believe I’m going for my 258th win vs. my dad. What are the odds???” Richard Pitino wrote on X on Friday.
Advertisement
Rick Pitino is 3-1 in career matchups against his son. They met last season when St. John’s took down New Mexico, 85-71. Saturday’s contest will be their first meeting in the same conference.
For what it’s worth, Rick Pitino is also excited to play against Richard Pitino, especially in his bid for win No. 900.
“What’s the chances of that happening?” the St. John’s coach stated, according to ABC News. “So I think that’s a big treat for me, and the family. Either way we know we’re going to have a difficult game against them because of their style of play. He’s doing a fabulous job.”
Advertisement
The elder Pitino also expressed his belief that his son “will do everything humanly possible” to stop him from reaching the milestone.
Related: St. John’s Coach Rick Pitino Announces Personal News Amid College Basketball Season
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
