The madness of March brings excitement and unforgettable storylines, and the 2025 men's NCAA tournament is no exception. Already, fans have witnessed thrilling moments, including a buzzer-beating win from Alabama State and an upset by McNeese, a program bracing for its head coach's departure. As the first round unfolds, two significant results have set the stage for this edition of the Big Dance to make history.
For the first time ever, two head coaches who previously won a national championship at the same school are set to face off in the NCAA tournament, albeit while coaching different programs. This intriguing matchup features Arkansas, led by John Calipari, who recently defeated seventh-seeded Kansas 79-72, and St. John's, under the guidance of Rick Pitino, who overcame a slow start to secure an 83-53 victory over No. 15 Omaha. The upcoming clash between Arkansas and St. John's is not just about the players; it also highlights the connection between Calipari and Pitino, both former champions at Kentucky.
As the anticipation builds for Saturday's game, the narrative surrounding these two iconic coaches is impossible to ignore. Both Calipari and Pitino are enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame and are seeking redemption in a post-Kentucky landscape. Notably, the early sentiment suggests that the Big Blue Nation may be leaning towards supporting Pitino in this matchup.
In Lexington, there is a palpable frustration with Calipari, whose tenure at Kentucky included a national title in 2012 and three additional Final Four appearances. However, following disappointing seasons, including missing the NCAA tournament in 2021 and suffering shocking first-round exits from 2022 through 2024, the fan base has grown restless. Despite having access to elite talent, Calipari's teams have not secured a championship in nearly a decade, leading to a shift in public perception that may favor Pitino, a notion that seemed unlikely not long ago.
Rick Pitino's journey has been one of triumph and controversy. Back in 1996, he led Kentucky to a national title, and though the program finished as the runner-up in 1997, it was clear that Pitino was building a dynasty. However, he left the Wildcats for the NBA, taking a position with the Boston Celtics, which disappointed many fans. After a lackluster stint in the NBA, Pitino became a highly sought-after candidate in the college coaching landscape, eventually taking the helm at Louisville, Kentucky's in-state rival—a move that was seen as a betrayal by many Wildcats supporters.
During his time at Louisville, Pitino achieved significant success, leading the Cardinals to a Final Four appearance in 2012 and a national championship in 2013, although that title was later vacated due to scandal. His tenure included navigating the school through various conference changes, further cementing his legacy while simultaneously stinging Kentucky fans. Interestingly, many of those fans were not distraught during Pitino's downfall in 2017.
Fast forward to today, and the narrative surrounding Pitino has shifted. At St. John's, he has revitalized a proud program that had struggled in recent years, bringing a defense-focused approach that led the Red Storm to victory in the Big East tournament, ending a 25-year drought, and earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. St. John's now finds itself favored against a 10th-seeded Arkansas team, which experienced a resurgence after a challenging previous season, finishing with a commendable record this year.
As both coaches prepare for this historic second-round matchup, it is essential to recognize that the outcome will not significantly alter their legacies. Whether Calipari or Pitino emerges victorious, their storied careers in college basketball will continue to be defined by their past achievements and the impact they have had on their respective programs.
