It will be a unique family gathering on Sunday at the Garden. Rick Pitino’s daughter Jacqueline and son Ryan will be supporting St. John’s, while Pitino’s wife, Joanne, her sister, and best friend will be cheering for New Mexico. The game is part of the NYC Hoops for Heroes Classic, with a portion of proceeds going to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The rivalry between father and son coaches adds an exciting element to the game. Rick Pitino has been praising New Mexico, putting pressure on St. John’s to perform well. This tactic is not new to Richard, as Rick has a history of building up opponents before games. Despite the competitive spirit, family bonds remain strong.
This upcoming match will be the fourth time the Pitino duo faces off as coaches. Rick won the first two encounters, but Richard claimed victory in the most recent match. The family dynamics are always interesting, with Rick showing grace in defeat and the siblings sharing light-hearted banter about past games.
Richard Pitino initially had no plans to follow his father’s footsteps into coaching. However, a temporary coaching opportunity led him to discover his passion for the game. His coaching journey has been marked by success and growth, with a chance to lead New Mexico to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
While the Pitinos share a love for coaching, they have distinct coaching styles. Richard is described as a player’s coach, more relaxed and less intense compared to Rick. Despite their differences, both coaches are focused on the upcoming game and the success of their respective teams. The game will be a test of skills and strategy, rather than a personal competition between father and son.
As the game approaches, both Rick and Richard express their desire for a competitive yet respectful match. The outcome of the game holds significance for their teams, but the mutual respect between the coaches transcends the on-court rivalry. Whether victory goes to St. John’s or New Mexico, the bond between father and son remains unbreakable.
