What's Happening?
Rick Pitino, the head coach of St. John's, has expressed interest in scheduling a nonconference game against Louisville for the 2025-26 season. Despite past controversies during his tenure at Louisville, Pitino is open to the idea, citing that the current administration is different from the one he had issues with. St. John's has already lined up a challenging nonconference schedule, including games against Alabama, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Iowa State, and Baylor. The potential matchup with Louisville is seen as a way to rekindle old rivalries and enhance the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Why It's Important?
The potential game between St. John's and Louisville could reignite a historic rivalry and provide a high-profile matchup that benefits both programs. For St. John's, it represents an opportunity to further solidify its status as a title contender in the Big East. Louisville, under head coach Pat Kelsey, is also poised to be a strong competitor in the ACC. Such games are crucial for teams seeking at-large bids for the NCAA tournament, as they offer valuable experience against top-tier opponents. The broader trend of scheduling tough nonconference games reflects a shift in college basketball towards embracing competitive challenges.
What's Next?
While the game is not scheduled for the 2025-26 season, there is momentum on both sides to make it happen in the future. Coaches from both teams are open to the idea, and discussions may continue to finalize the details. The success of St. John's and Louisville in their respective conferences could further drive the interest in this matchup. Additionally, other high-profile nonconference games are being considered, which could set a precedent for more such matchups in college basketball.
