The Kentucky Wildcats have a tough non-conference schedule once again this season. With plenty of top-tier programs, including North Carolina, Michigan State, and Gonzaga, they will also welcome a newer opponent to the schedule in the St. John’s Red Storm.
Led by Rick Pitino now, the Johnnies have taken NYC by storm. With another impressive roster this season, Pitino will look to make some noise against not only the Cats but his former player and team captain in Mark Pope.
In a recent interview with Jon Rothstein, the college basketball guru asked the legendary coach what coaching against Pope will be like. He compared it to a similar feeling to coaching against his son.
“I think it’s no different than coaching against your son. Obviously, it stirs different emotions,” said Pitino. “I think anytime you play Kentucky, what I’ve always called the Roman Empire of college basketball, you know you’re going to go against great talent.
“Certainly, Mark Pope is one of the bright young coaches in the game, and really has a great offensive mind, but it’ll be great to play against the University of Kentucky. I’m really looking forward to the game.”
Atlanta is going to be a madhouse for this matchup. Will Coach Pope and the Cats prevail against a likely top-10 squad in college basketball? To do so, the UK head coach and his opponent will have to fight through some big emotions in what will be an emotional matchup overall.