Kentucky men’s basketball is headed to “Catlanta” with momentum, motivation and a matchup dripping with storyline. The Wildcats (7-4) will take the floor Saturday afternoon inside State Farm Arena to face No. 22 St. John’s (7-3) in the annual CBS Sports Classic, a neutral-site clash that brings together tradition, star power and a compelling coaching reunion.
While the game officially marks just the 17th meeting all-time between Kentucky and St. John’s, the subtext runs much deeper. On one sideline stands Mark Pope, Kentucky’s first-year head coach and former Wildcats captain. On the other is Rick Pitino, Pope’s former coach, mentor and one of the most influential figures in Kentucky basketball history. For the first time, Pope will coach against the man he credits with shaping not only his basketball philosophy, but his life.
Kentucky holds an 11-5 edge in the all-time series, despite St. John’s spending decades as a Big East staple. The teams last met on Dec. 1, 2011, when a top-ranked Kentucky squad under John Calipari cruised past the Red Storm 81-59 at Rupp Arena. That season, of course, ended with the Wildcats cutting down the nets and claiming the program’s eighth national championship.
Saturday’s meeting offers no such guarantees, but it does present a golden opportunity for both programs.
A MENTORSHIP TURNED MARQUEE MATCHUP
Pope has never shied away from expressing his admiration for Pitino, who coached him during Kentucky’s unforgettable 1996 national title run. During his introductory press conference, Pope spoke emotionally about Pitino’s impact.
“He changed me to my soul, changed my DNA as a human being,” Pope said. “He allowed me to be someone who feels they can walk into any room and take on any impossible task.”
That mutual respect will take a backseat once the ball tips. Both coaches are relentless competitors, and both teams reflect that edge with defensive intensity and physical play.
ST. JOHN’S: TOUGH, TALENTED AND TRENDING UP
St. John’s entered the season with massive expectations, debuting at No. 5 in the preseason AP Top 25. While losses to Alabama, Iowa State and Auburn knocked the Red Storm down the rankings, Pitino’s squad has stabilized and comes to Atlanta riding a three-game winning streak.
The Red Storm’s most impressive victory came on Nov. 25, when they dismantled Baylor 96-81 at the Players Era Festival, a statement win that showcased their offensive firepower and depth. Although St. John’s and Kentucky both lack wins over ranked opponents, the Johnnies have proven they can overwhelm quality competition.
Leading the way is former Wildcat Bryce Hopkins, who transferred to St. John’s after the 2021–22 season. Hopkins has blossomed into the team’s offensive engine, averaging 14 points per game to go along with 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. His familiarity with Kentucky’s program only adds intrigue to the matchup.
Another name Kentucky must account for is Zuby Ejiofor. The 6-foot-9 forward and Big East Preseason Player of the Year is doing it all, averaging 13.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per contest. Ejiofor’s ability to protect the rim and facilitate offense makes him a matchup nightmare and a centerpiece of Pitino’s system.
KENTUCKY: SEARCHING FOR A STATEMENT WIN
For Kentucky, Saturday represents another chance to break through against elite competition. The Wildcats are 0-4 against ranked opponents this season, with losses to Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina and Gonzaga. While those defeats exposed growing pains under a new staff, they also provided valuable lessons for a young roster.
The Wildcats enter the game on a two-game winning streak, fueled by improved play on both ends of the floor. Guard Otega Oweh has emerged as Kentucky’s leader, averaging a team-high 14 points per game while contributing across the stat sheet. After a slow start, Oweh has found his rhythm, scoring 21 points against North Carolina Central and following it up with a solid all-around performance against Indiana.
Kentucky’s depth and energy have also been difference-makers. Forwards Mo Dioubate and Brandon Garrison injected life into the Wildcats’ win over Indiana, bringing toughness on the glass and defensive intensity that drew praise from both Big Blue Nation and Pope. Against a physical St. John’s team, that same effort will be essential.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Beyond rankings and records, this game carries emotional weight. It’s a measuring stick for Pope’s Kentucky squad and a chance to earn its first signature win of the season. For St. John’s, it’s an opportunity to reinforce its place among the nation’s elite and hand Pitino a victory over the program where he built his legend.
In a building expected to lean heavily blue, with “Catlanta” once again living up to its nickname, the stage is set for a heavyweight battle that blends past and present.
Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET, with national coverage on CBS. When the ball goes up, sentiment will fade, intensity will rise and one of college basketball’s most compelling early-season matchups will take center stage.
