Rick Pitino Triumphs Over Son in NYC Hoops Clash

NEW YORK — In a highly anticipated family showdown, Rick Pitino secured a victory against his son Richard Pitino in a basketball coaching matchup at Madison Square Garden. The St. John’s Red Storm, under Rick’s leadership, emerged victorious with an 85-71 win over the New Mexico Lobos, marking their fourth consecutive triumph this season. Richard’s Lobos, on the other hand, experienced their first loss, now standing at a 3-1 record.

The basketball contest drew a significant crowd of 12,310 fans, with some taking the opportunity to revive a famous chant from the past. «Who’s your daddy?» was heard echoing in the stands, a nod to a taunt previously directed at former baseball pitcher Pedro Martínez. While such chants are part of the New York sports culture, Rick Pitino expressed his displeasure with the crowd’s choice, stating, «I just wish they would stop saying that.»

Rick Pitino, currently in his second season as the head coach of St. John’s, has now improved his record to 3-1 in coaching duels against his son. Previously, he was the coach at Iona, where another encounter took place. Richard had managed to defeat his father’s Iona team two years ago, one of only two recorded victories in 22 Division I coaching matchups between fathers and sons.

«OK, he’s my son so I’m going to brag on him: He is a great young coach,» Rick Pitino commented. «His offensive mind is brilliant, and he puts you in situations that really hurt you defensively.» Rick reiterated the admiration he holds for Richard’s coaching abilities despite the competitive nature of their encounters.

The game was part of the NYC Hoops for Heroes Classic, an event supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause dear to the Pitino family due to the loss of Rick’s brother-in-law, Billy Minardi, in the 9/11 attacks.

Following the game, Richard Pitino expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play against his father’s team at the iconic venue. «Although we didn’t win, I’m very, very grateful that my dad agreed to do it, and I’m grateful that my players were able to experience something like this,» he stated.

The family affair saw Rick and Richard share a post-game embrace, reflecting a deep personal bond amid the professional rivalry. While Rick’s wife, Joanne, sat behind Richard’s bench in support of her son, other family members maintained a neutral stance, highlighting the personal dynamics at play.