No, Richard Pitino isn't going to follow in his father's footsteps at St. John's University.
Last February, Rick Pitino said he wanted Richard to remain in New Mexico until his time in St. John's was over and then take his place.
Asked about it on a conference call, Richard downplayed the suggestion.
“I thought, 'Oh my god, my dad is saying something insane again, and I hope no one hears him,'” Richard said Friday at 22 St. John's, N.M., on Sunday. spoke on a Zoom call before the visit. “I think he was probably kidding. I don't know where that came from. We've never had that conversation.”
Rick later said it was a joke.
Richard led the Lobos to the NCAA Tournament last year and is in his fourth season with the Mountain West Conference school.
This will be Rick's fourth time competing against Richard as a coach, and Rick's record is 2 wins and 1 loss.
This may be the last time the two will compete as coaches. It's unclear how long Rick, 72, will coach, but he said he plans to continue as long as he's healthy.
I don't even know Richard.
“All I can say is he's 72 years old, but I think the way he lives and coaches is inspiring,” Richard said. “There are a lot of people in this world who complain, but as a 72-year-old man, I never complain.
“I think he knows that coaching keeps him young and busy, and I think he wants to do that as long as he’s fit and healthy. I know he really enjoys it and I don't see him slowing down any time soon. ”
