NEW YORK – Rick Pitino, the veteran college basketball coach, orchestrated a stunning upset on Sunday night, leading St. John’s to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the first time since 1999. The Red Storm’s improbable victory over Kansas, secured by a buzzer-beating layup from Dylan Darling, has reignited discussion surrounding Pitino’s often-provocative takes on the game’s greatest players.
Pitino’s latest success comes with a familiar echo: a past assertion that continues to raise eyebrows among basketball purists. Years ago, while coaching Nick Calathes at Panathinaikos, Pitino boldly declared that the Greek guard was a superior passer to legendary figures like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Maurice Cheeks, and Isiah Thomas. The statement, initially made in 2019, resurfaced as St. John’s advanced in the tournament, prompting renewed debate about Pitino’s assessment of playmaking talent.
The improbable win against Kansas, fueled by 18 points from Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins, and capped by Darling’s game-winning shot, was a testament to Pitino’s coaching acumen. Darling, who had struggled from the field throughout the game, found himself with the ball in his hands as time expired, sinking a layup to secure a 67-65 victory. “I just heard everyone going crazy. It was beautiful,” Darling said, according to reports.
Pitino’s reaction to the game-winning play was characteristically candid. He recounted a conversation with Darling during a crucial timeout, revealing the player’s unexpected confidence. “Dylan comes to me and says ‘Run power’ – that’s a high pick and roll with a slip. So I walk away and I say, ‘Wait a minute, he hasn’t made a basket and he wants to run a play for himself?’” Pitino explained, still seemingly astonished by the outcome. “I just can’t imagine a player today, in today’s world, with all the scrutiny, wanting the ball when he’s been shooting terrible. It was the only play we could run, but as soon as he told me to do it, I knew he could get to the basket because he hadn’t done a damn thing all night, so I knew he was going to make it.”
The victory propels St. John’s into the Sweet Sixteen, where they will face Duke and former Barcelona teammate of Calathes, Dame Sarr. The Red Storm’s improbable run is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the March Madness tournament.
Pitino’s initial claim about Calathes, made during his time with the Greek club, centered on the guard’s exceptional court vision and passing accuracy. He stated, “I have coached against Magic, Bird, some of the greatest point guards – Maurice Cheeks, Isaiah Thomas – in the game, Nick Calathes is the best passer I have seen in my lifetime.” This assertion, while controversial, highlighted Calathes’ unique skillset and Pitino’s willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.
The comparison to Johnson and Bird, two of the most iconic passers in NBA history, was particularly striking. Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his dazzling passes and court awareness, while Larry Bird’s pinpoint accuracy and unselfish playmaking were hallmarks of his Hall of Fame career. To suggest that Calathes surpassed these legends was a bold statement, even from a coach known for his outspokenness.
Calathes, a Florida Gators alum, enjoyed a successful career in Europe after being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009 but never playing in the NBA. He became a EuroLeague star, winning multiple championships and earning individual accolades for his exceptional playmaking abilities. His time with Panathinaikos under Pitino further solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted passers in the world.
The current tournament run by St. John’s, and the manner in which it was achieved, adds another layer to Pitino’s already fascinating coaching narrative. Trusting a player who had been struggling all night to take the final shot – and having that trust rewarded – is a testament to Pitino’s willingness to embrace unconventional strategies and believe in his players. It’s a gamble that paid off handsomely, echoing the same kind of bold thinking that led him to champion Calathes years ago.
Whether Calathes truly surpasses the likes of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird remains a matter of debate. However, Pitino’s unwavering belief in his former player, coupled with his recent tournament success, serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected decisions can yield the greatest rewards. The Red Storm’s journey continues, and with Pitino at the helm, anything seems possible.
St. John’s will now prepare to face Duke in the Sweet Sixteen. The game is scheduled for [verify date/time/location and add here if available]. Fans can follow updates and watch the game on [verify broadcast details and add here if available].
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