It’s official: Rick Pitino is coming back — and so is the drama.
St. John’s is replacing UCLA in the 2025 CBS Sports Classic, setting up a holiday showdown between Pitino’s Red Storm and Mark Pope’s Kentucky Wildcats on December 20 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
And this time, it’s personal.
🎁 Pitino vs. Pope: The ultimate Christmas gift for BBN
Mark Pope didn’t hold back when CBS cameras captured his heartfelt message to the Hall of Famer who coached him to a national championship 30 years ago.
“It’s 30 years since you won your first national championship, and I got mine, thanks to you,” Pope told Pitino. “And I think we should give the Johnnies and all of BBN the greatest Christmas gift ever on December 20th in Catlanta. What do you say?”
Pitino, in classic form, responded with a grin:
“It feels like it was about seven, eight years ago that we won the championship,” he said. “But I’ve coached one of the greatest teams in the history of the game, and you were the captain, and now we get to coach against each other.”
“I’m just turning 60 years of age and you’re still young.”
(For the record: Pitino is 72. But hey, he still moves like he’s 50.)
🏀 The first-ever matchup: Kentucky vs. St. John’s
This will mark the first time ever Kentucky and St. John’s face off in the CBS Sports Classic. St. John’s steps in for UCLA, which has opted out of this year’s event. Ohio State and North Carolina will meet in the other game of the doubleheader.
For Kentucky, it’s a marquee opportunity on a national stage — and another elite non-conference test for a team that looks to contend for Final Four status under Pope’s second season.
For St. John’s, it’s a spotlight chance to showcase Pitino’s rebuild against one of college basketball’s gold standards — a school he once led to the pinnacle of the sport.
🗓️ December 20 in “Catlanta”
The event will be held at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, a city now affectionately dubbed “Catlanta” thanks to its heavy UK fanbase. Expect it to feel like Rupp South — but with a twist.
This time, Big Blue Nation won’t just be watching Kentucky vs. a former blueblood — they’ll be watching Kentucky vs. a legend.
“Can’t wait, Coach,” Pope said. “I love you, man. Let’s go make this happen.”
“Love you, Mark. Let’s go,” Pitino replied. “It’ll be so exciting for both programs, and I look forward to a great Christmas.”
🎟️ How to get tickets
Tickets for the CBS Sports Classic aren’t on sale yet, but fans can register for email alerts at cbssportsclassic.com/tickets. Registrants will receive early access to ticket presales, travel packages, and event updates.
🔥 Why it matters
- It’s Rick Pitino vs. Kentucky for the first time since 2016.
- It’s Mark Pope vs. his mentor for the first time ever.
- It’s a celebration of 30 years since UK’s 1996 title run — with the coach and captain now facing off from opposite benches.
- And it’s all happening in a city where Big Blue always shows out.
December 20 can’t come soon enough.