Pitino was probably referring to the clash between UConn and Michigan State, which was scheduled for after their game. That game started a bit later because the first game ended. Duke went first in their post-game conference, which lasted more than 15 minutes. For Pitino, that is too much waiting after losing the most important game of the season.

Rick Pitino and the St. John’s Red Storm ended the 2025-26 college basketball regular season with a 28-6 overall record and 18-2 in Big East play, securing the No. 5 seed in the East region of the NCAA Tournament.

St. John's head coach Rick Pitino reacts to UConn’s shocking comeback win over Duke that sent the Huskies to the Final Four.

St. John’s coach Rick Pitino has an explanation for why hot-shooting Ruben Prey didn’t get much playing time in the second half of last Friday’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 loss to Duke. He also would like to bring in a 7-foot center and better,

Is the former UK coach right that the advantages the traditional powers have long enjoyed are no longer as relevant in the current era?