Count Rick Pitino splits his time between St. John’s and Kentucky.
New Wildcats head coach Mark Pope brought up the idea during his induction press conference in Lexington on Sunday, and the Red Storm head coach wrote that St. John’s was “acceptable” to the offer.
“[St.John’s men’s basketball] You will be accepted in the UK this year and in Mecca next year! Looking forward to saying goodbye [Kentucky],” Pitino wrote to X replied to the Pope.
The possibility of Lexington and the Wildcats heading to Manhattan to play at Madison Square Garden stems from comments Pope made when he officially took over the reins of Kentucky’s men’s basketball program.
“Is anyone going to the game against St. John’s?” the Pope asked the crowd Sunday.
When Kentucky’s new coach mentioned the idea, fans went wild.
Pitino coached the Wildcats from 1989 to 1997 and helped the team, which Pope captained in college, win a national title in 1996.
“Coach Pitino changed me,” Pope said Sunday. “And I would like to say that he changed my soul, changed my DNA as a human being. He taught me to walk into any room and take on any impossible task. He made me a man who can take on challenges. And I will love him forever. That’s why I say it. [let’s play] St. John’s is something I really respect. He’s the best person to have done that. ”
Since taking over at St. John’s last year, playing more games at Madison Square Garden and away from Carnesecca Arena in Queens has been a priority for Pitino.
A game against Kentucky at the Garden will definitely fill the seats.
The Red Storm played eight games last season at Madison Square Garden, three at UBS Arena on Long Island and one at Barclays Center.
