"Then Richard will beat him in the Big East Tournament!”: College hoops fans react as Rick Pitino sends hilarious warning to son ahead of clash 

College basketball fans were treated to a lighthearted, yet fiery side of Rick Pitino. The St. John’s coach set the stage ahead for the 2025-26 season with a playful comment about facing his son, Richard Pitino. Richard was hired by Xavier in March and is set to coach against him in the Big East conference.

On Thursday, the New York Post's Zach Braziller shared Rick's comments on Yankees radio.

“I never spanked any of my children growing up,” Rick said. “But I can’t wait to spank Richard twice this year.”

Zach Braziller

@NYPost_Brazille

On #yankees radio, Rick Pitino on facing his son Richard: “I never spanked any of my children growing up but I can’t wait to spank Richard twice this year.” #sjubb

The tweet has garnered over 100,000 views, along with a flurry of comments.

"Then Richard will beat him in the Big East Tournament," a fan wrote.

"Bold face lie. No surprise there," another fan commented.

Bill Hayes

@BF32Squared

Then Richard will beat him in the Big East Tournament!

Kimani Old

@kimaniold

Bold faced lie. No surprise there

The father-son banter adds a personal layer to what’s shaping up to be a compelling Big East season.

Others continued to express their support for Richard.

“Is he talking about after dinner activities again at his favorite Italian restaurant?” a fan commented.

“Take the Knicks job and avoid all that,” another fan said.

“No chance step aside grandpa, it’s time for son to take over,” one fan wrote.

Rick was named the coach of St. John's on March 20, 2023, following Mike Anderson's firing after four years with the program. He was named AP Coach of the Year last season and also won the Henry Iba Award.

Rick Pitino shuts down Knicks coaching rumors

Despite his name being floated as a potential replacement of Tom Thibodeau, Rick Pitino made it clear he is not interested in coaching the New York Knicks.

The Knicks parted ways with Thibodeau after falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the Eastern Conference finals. Pitino’s name emerged due to his previous ties to the organization and New York basketball.

"Absolutely not," Pitino said on Wednesday, via Yankees Radio.

Pitino served as the Knicks' coach from 1987 to 1989. He led the team to a 38-44 record in his first year and a 52-30 finish in his second, before stepping down to take over Kentucky. Pitino also coached the Boston Celtics from 1997-2001.

He congratulated the Knicks for their season, despite not reaching the NBA Finals.

"Major congrats to the entire organization. The players and coaches were awesome. Lot of fun watching young men give every ounce they have in them. Next year we go further!" Pitino tweeted on Monday.

Rick Pitino

@RealPitino

Major congrats to the entire

@nyknicks

organization. The players and coaches were awesome. Lot of fun watching young men give every ounce they have in them. Next year we go further!

While he might not be headed back to coach the team, Pitino remains positive about its future.