St. John's Coach Rick Pitino Prepares for NCAA Showdown Against Kansas

SAN DIEGO, California — Ever wonder what it takes to beat a powerhouse like Kansas? For St. John's head coach Rick Pitino, the answer lies not just within his own team, but also within the formidable opponent they face on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the NCAA tournament's Round of 32. The stakes are high, with a coveted spot at the Sweet 16 on the line, and Pitino is focused on the task at hand.

The Red Storm, seeded No. 5, enter the matchup with an impressive 29-6 record and a recent surge of momentum, having won their last seven games, including four victories by double digits. They are riding high after capturing the Big East Championship by defeating UConn. Yet, Pitino knows the challenge posed by the No. 4 seed Kansas Jayhawks, who boast a 24-10 record this season and are renowned for their size and pace under coach Bill Self.

"If we win, making a Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999 will take care of itself," Pitino remarked, emphasizing his commitment to preparing his team for the tough challenge that lies ahead. He recognizes that Kansas presents a unique blend of physicality and skill, making them a formidable opponent. Pitino noted, "There’s the size Kansas has this season, and how much they like to use pace. There's no team we’ve faced this season that throws more lob dunks than KU."

One of the highlights of this matchup is Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson, who is a key player for the Jayhawks and a potential top pick for the 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson made headlines during his NCAA Tournament debut by scoring 28 points against No. 13 seed California Baptist just two days prior to this game. His performance has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike, and for good reason.

"He gets to the foul line, he’s got great size, a beautiful-looking jump shot with great arc," Pitino said, praising Peterson's abilities. "His size presents a problem. When he uses the pick and roll, he’ll reject it, and his size getting to the rim is great. He’s a great scorer. He’s going to be a great NBA player because he has an NBA game, and we’ve got our work cut out for us trying to stop him." The challenge is compounded by the fact that Peterson leads Kansas with an average of 20.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this season.

But Peterson's path to this moment has not been without its hurdles. Earlier this season, he faced a serious health scare that caused him to miss 11 games due to severe cramping. "I had like a full-body cramp, super serious," Peterson revealed, describing the experience that led to his hospitalization. "You could say it was traumatic." Since returning to the court on February 9, 2026, Peterson has been a standout player, proving his critics wrong and reaffirming his status among college basketball's elite.

For St. John's, guarding Peterson will be a top priority. Pitino has assigned Dillon Mitchell, a 6-foot-8 forward and Big East All-Defensive Team selection, to take on the challenge. "We’re going to put Dillon Mitchell on him. Dillon’s our best defensive player," Pitino stated, acknowledging the difficulty of the task at hand. "But he does so many great things. You know he’s going to shoot the basketball because he has a negative assist/turnover ratio." Mitchell's defensive skills will be put to the test against a player who has been described by Pitino himself, somewhat jokingly, with no known flaws: "Who said he has flaws? I haven't heard that he has any flaws, because they're projecting him to be the No. 1 pick."

The matchup between St. John's and Kansas showcases individual talent and highlights the coaching prowess of both Pitino and Self. This will mark the second time the two legendary coaches have faced each other, with Pitino recalling their previous encounter during his tenure at Iona. "He kicked our butt when I was at Iona. Took advantage of that poor little Catholic school. Made us cry and go home," he quipped, underscoring the respect he has for Self and the Kansas program.

Yet, Pitino is well aware of the unpredictability that characterizes Kansas basketball. He noted, "This is a team that blew out Iowa State by 20. It depends on what Kansas team you're facing. There have been some nights where they haven't been great, and there are other nights where they could be national champions. I'm hoping it's not the one I just mentioned." This unpredictability adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

Both teams have shown remarkable resilience and skill throughout the season, and this game promises to be a thrilling contest. For St. John's, advancing to the Sweet 16 would be a historic achievement, marking their first appearance since 1999. For Kansas, the opportunity to showcase their depth and talent against a surging opponent is equally compelling.

With the spotlight shining brightly on Peterson and the coaching strategies of Pitino and Self, fans can expect an exciting game filled with high stakes and intense competition. Will St. John's continue their winning streak and pull off an upset against the Jayhawks? Or will Kansas assert their dominance and secure a place among the final 16 teams? The answer lies just hours away, and anticipation is building.

Regardless of the outcome, this matchup is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of March Madness, where anything can happen and legends are born on the court.