The 2025 edition of the CBS Sports Classic will feature a rare and compelling storyline: Kentucky and St. John’s will face off on December 20 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, in a game that reunites Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino with his former program and his former player Mark Pope.
St. John’s is stepping in to replace UCLA, which has been a staple of the four-team event since its inception in 2014. The new lineup of Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, and St. John’s adds a fresh narrative twist to the long-running showcase.
Pitino Returns to Face Kentucky
Rick Pitino’s coaching legacy at Kentucky remains one of the most iconic in college basketball history. During his tenure from 1989 to 1997, Pitino revitalized the Wildcats, culminating in a national championship in 1996. One of his players on that title-winning team was Mark Pope, who now leads the program following the departure of John Calipari.
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This will mark Pitino’s first matchup against Kentucky since 2016 and his first time coaching against Pope. The two have shared mutual respect, with Pitino calling Kentucky “Camelot” in a recent statement and referring to Pope as “The Captain,” a nod to his leadership during his playing days.
“I will remember it for a long, long time,” Pitino said of the upcoming game.
Both Programs on the Rise
Beyond the emotional and historical significance, the matchup has national implications. Both teams were ranked in the top 10 of ESPN’s way-too-early Top 25 released in April, setting the stage for a high-stakes December showdown.
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Under Pitino, St. John’s captured both the Big East regular-season and conference tournament championships in his second season at the helm. Pope, meanwhile, led Kentucky to the Sweet 16 in his debut year, signaling a promising new era in Lexington.
CBS Sports Classic Comes to “Catlanta”
Kentucky has developed a favorable history in Atlanta, often drawing massive fan support in what many call “Catlanta.” The Wildcats recently defeated Duke and North Carolina in back-to-back seasons at State Farm Arena, adding to their comfort level at the venue.
Though Kentucky holds a modest 5-6 record in the CBS Sports Classic overall, the location could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this particular matchup.
A Game Built on Legacy
This game represents more than a midseason test between two top-tier programs. It is, in many ways, a generational moment, a respected coach facing a former student now walking his path. While the stakes are high on the court, the connection between Pitino and Pope lends the matchup a layer of depth rarely seen in non-conference play.
Their shared past will frame the game, but it will be the present performance that decides the outcome.
