“Da-n family’s ruining my life here.” That’s what Tom Izzo had to say after Michigan State barely survived Bryant, setting up a showdown with New Mexico, led by Richard Pitino. Yes, that’s right, another Pitino. You know the name. His father, Rick Pitino, is basically basketball royalty, and Richard’s been following right in his footsteps, coaching in college hoops for the past two decades. This isn’t the first time both Pitinos have had their teams in the NCAA Tournament, though, but this was the first time they both made it to the second round.
And we were all bracing for a battle between Izzo and the elder Pitino later in the tournament with both coaches gunning for a deep run. But then, boom. St. John’s crashed out in brutal fashion. They fell to John Calipari’s Arkansas squad. Just like that, Pitino was out. Or so we thought.
Because the Pitino name is still alive in this tournament. The younger one is carrying the family torch, fighting for a Sweet 16 spot, and St John’s head coach wasted no time showing up in Cleveland to cheer him on. Just less than 24 hours after his own team’s season ended.
Meanwhile, Richard and Izzo have had their fair share of battles. Twelve, to be exact, back when Richard coached Minnesota in the Big Ten. There’s mutual respect there, sure, but tonight all bets are off. New Mexico just got its first NCAA Tournament win since 2012, and a Sweet 16 berth hasn’t happened since 1974.
Rick Pitino has made the trip to Cleveland to watch his son Richard Pitino.
Less than 24 hours after St. John’s season came to an end, he is now in the stands rooting and supporting his son. pic.twitter.com/sbKUDVrqHJ
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 24, 2025
So, it’s about time, and with his father’s support right from the stands, can Richard Pitino bring Izzo’s season to an end?
The post Everything is Still Not Over for Rick Pitino as He Takes Strong Stance Against Tom Izzo within 24 Hours of St. John’s Elimination appeared first on EssentiallySports.