Historic NCAA Tournament Win for Father-Son Coaching Duo

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a remarkable turn of events, both Rick Pitino and his son Richard led their respective teams to victories in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025, marking a historic achievement as the first father-son duo to win games in the same tournament.

Richard Pitino’s New Mexico Lobos, a No. 10 seed, upset the No. 7 seed Marquette with a score of 75-66, one day after Rick’s St. John’s Red Storm defeated the Omaha Mavericks 83-53 as a No. 2 seed. This is the first time in NCAA history that a father and son have each secured a tournament win during the same year.

Richard took the reins of the Lobos in 2021 after a successful stint at the University of Minnesota, where he led the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and an NIT Championship in 2013. His coaching career has been marked by steady progress, and this monumental victory heightens his family’s already significant legacy in college basketball.

“Winning together in the tournament is something you dream about,” Richard said, reflecting on the moment. “To share this experience with my dad is something I’ll cherish forever.”

Rick Pitino, known for his iconic white suit which he first debuted during a memorable game with Louisville in 2008, continues to be a formidable presence in college basketball. His Red Storm clinched the Big East regular season title in February 2025, representing a landmark achievement for the program.

The rivalry between Rick Pitino and fellow coach John Calipari adds another layer of excitement to this tournament. Pitino acknowledged their competitive history, stating, “We have a mutual respect, but we’re not close. We don’t know each other’s families.”

The upcoming matchups are set with New Mexico facing No. 2 seed Michigan State on Sunday, while St. John’s will clash with the Arkansas Razorbacks, coached by Calipari, the following day. As both teams prepare, anticipation for these games grows, especially given their shared legacy and rivalry.

St. John’s success has added more pressure on the team, as they aim to advance further. After a dominant performance against Omaha, the Red Storm appears poised for another challenge. “Every game is a battle, but we’re ready,” Rick remarked confidently ahead of the Arkansas matchup.

Meanwhile, New Mexico’s victory over Marquette marked their first NCAA Tournament win since 2012. The Lobos had a strong overall performance, showcasing resilience as they moved ahead despite a competitive back-and-forth battle.

“It means so much for our team and community,” Richard added. “This is just the beginning. We’re aiming high.”

As both teams enter the next rounds of the tournament, college basketball enthusiasts look forward to witnessing the evolution of the Pitino legacy. With their remarkable achievements so far, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on this coaching family and the impact they have made in the sport.