Rick Pitino has recently disclosed that he and Pat Kelsey are in the process of finalising a contest at Madison Square Garden for the upcoming season. Louisville and St. John are anticipated to commence a home-and-home series.

Louisville basketball and St. John’s basketball conclude their series with a contest at Madison Square Garden.

SAN ANTONIO— Louisville basketball is in the process of finalising a home-and-home series with St. John’s, which will commence with a game at Madison Square Garden in the early part of the 2025-26 season.

That is according to Rick Pitino, the former Cardinals coach who is currently with the Red Storm. Pitino spoke with reporters at the Final Four on Friday after accepting a share of The Associated Press’ Coach of the Year Award.

Pitino stated, “We are currently in the process of negotiating with Louisville to schedule a game against them at the beginning of the season.” “I am considering cancelling that proposal after they signed the backcourt that was recently signed.” They are reviewing their schedule to determine whether they are capable of fulfilling it.

In 2017, Pitino was “effectively fired” amid an FBI investigation into an alleged pay-for-play scandal. This matchup in the Big Apple will be his first game against Louisville since then. He was subsequently exonerated in 2022, during a stop at Iona, by an independent NCAA commission.

Pitino was subsequently enquired as to whether he would be willing to visit the University of Louisville if the 2013 national championship banner, which had been removed, was reinstated in the KFC Yum! Centre. He responded, “My tenure at Lousiville has concluded.”

“I have a deep affection for the fans,” he concluded. “I would potentially consider returning if they reconcile with (fired athletics director) Tom Jurich.” However, until that day arrives, I believe it would be more advantageous for me to remain in New Rochelle.

Pitino has since returned to his birthplace to serve as the head coach of St. John’s, leading the team to a 31-5 record and the Big East’s regular-season and tournament championships in 2024-25, his second season in charge. In the second round of March Madness, the Red Storm were defeated by Arkansas and former Kentucky coach John Calipari.

Pitino recorded a video message during the campaign, which was played at halftime of Louisville’s victory over Miami on February 8 at the Yum! Centre. The message was part of a 20th anniversary commemoration for the team that Pitino led to the 2005 Final Four.

“Oh, how I yearn to be present,” he exclaimed. Regrettably, I am still instructing. For what reason? I have no clue.

Fans of the Cards and Kelsey were acknowledged in Pitino’s message.

He stated to the instructor, “You are now one of the fortunate few to be able to coach at the University of Louisville.” You are performing exceptionally well; we are all immensely delighted of you.

To the supporters: “I have never had the opportunity to bid you farewell, and I will not.” “Because you never say goodbye to great friends that you love.” You merely extend a friendly greeting.

I will see you at the Garden.

Louisville’s nonconference schedule for Year 2 of the Pat Kelsey era includes a road journey to Tennessee’s Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Centre on December 16, in addition to the contest against St. John’s.

Which backcourt was Pitino alluding to on Friday? This includes transfers Ryan Conwell (Xavier), Isaac McKneely (Virginia), and Adrian Wooley (Kennesaw State). McDonald’s All-American point guard Michael Brown Jr. and 21-year-old German large man Sananda Fru are the other newcomers in 2025-26.

J’Vonne Hadley, Aly Khalifa, Kasean Pryor, Kobe Rodgers, Khani Rooths, and James Scott are all expected to return to Kelsey’s inaugural team, provided that they do not choose to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Rick Pitino: St. John’s may travel to Kentucky for an exhibition against Mark Pope

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope walks onto the court Thursday, March 27, 2025, during practice ahead of the Sweet 16 March Madness tournament game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Pitino also disclosed to reporters on Friday that he was contemplating an exhibition game at Rupp Arena against Kentucky, another of his former teams. He stated that coach Mark Pope, who previously played for the Wildcats during the Hall of Famer’s tenure in Lexington, was unable to organise a regular-season game.

“We may be travelling to Kentucky for an exhibition game,” Pitino stated. “We had intended to attend a regular game there; however, they are unable to do so, regrettably.” We had intended to collaborate on a home-and-home series with them.

Last October, Pitino returned to Lexington for Big Blue Madness in a triumphant manner, embracing the ovation and simultaneously pounding the drum Pope as he entered his first year at his alma mater.

Pitino addressed the audience that evening, asserting, “He is the most selfless, humble young man I have ever coached in my lifetime.” “One of the most exceptional illustrations of the essence of Kentucky basketball.” Mark Pope will guide you to excellence in every sense of the term.

Contact Louisville men’s basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @brooksHolton.