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

SAN DIEGO, California — St. John's head coach Rick Pitino is focused on what it will take to defeat the Kansas Jayhawks on Sunday, March 22, 2026, during the men’s NCAA tournament Round of 32. With a chance to reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999, Pitino is well aware of the challenges posed by Kansas, a team known for its size and pace under coach Bill Self.

The Jayhawks, who hold a 24-10 record this season, have consistently demonstrated a tough-minded approach, something Pitino has noted during his preparations. “They have a terrific team,” he said, highlighting how Kansas utilizes their physicality to dominate opponents. “There’s no team we’ve faced this season that throws more lob dunks than Kansas.”

St. John's, entering the game with a 29-6 record, has been on a roll, winning seven straight games, including four by double digits. This momentum comes after a successful run through the Big East Championship, where they defeated UConn to claim the title. The Red Storm's recent form has set the stage for a compelling matchup against the Jayhawks.

At the forefront of the Kansas team is freshman Darryn Peterson, a player who has garnered attention for his skills and for his potential to be a top pick at the 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson made headlines during his NCAA tournament debut by scoring 28 points against California Baptist, proving he can perform under pressure. Pitino is acutely aware of Peterson’s talent, stating, “He gets to the foul line, he’s got great size, a beautiful-looking jump shot with great arc. His size presents a problem.”

Peterson's season has not been without its challenges. Earlier this year, he missed 11 games due to severe cramping and a serious health scare that required hospitalization. The incident, described by Peterson himself, was traumatic and involved a full-body cramp that left him needing substantial fluids. “It was a traumatic experience,” he recalled, but since returning to the court on February 9, he has been a key player for Kansas, averaging 20.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

With Peterson's scoring prowess and the Jayhawks' collective talent, the matchup will be a test for St. John's defense, particularly for Dillon Mitchell, a member of the Big East All-Defensive Team. Pitino indicated that Mitchell would be tasked with guarding Peterson, acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead. “He does so many great things,” Pitino said of Peterson, emphasizing the difficulty of containing such a skilled player.

The stakes are high for both teams, with a Sweet 16 berth on the line. Pitino, who has had a storied coaching career, is aiming to lead St. John's to its first appearance at this stage of the tournament since 1999. He has guided the Red Storm to two NCAA Tournament appearances within three seasons, and the anticipation surrounding this matchup is palpable.

Meanwhile, Kansas coach Bill Self is familiar with the pressure of tournament play and has built a formidable program known for its ability to perform at a high level. The Jayhawks have had a mixed season, with impressive victories over teams like Arizona and Iowa State, but also some unexpected losses. Pitino noted, “This is a team that blew out Iowa State by 20. It depends on what Kansas team you’re facing. There have been nights where they haven’t been great, and there are other nights where they could be national champions.”

With both coaches being celebrated figures with extensive experience, the matchup promises to be a tactical battle. Pitino, known for his strategic mind, will look to exploit any weaknesses he can find within Kansas's game plan. “If you know some [weaknesses], please let me know,” he joked when asked about potential flaws of Peterson, highlighting the respect he has for the young player.

St. John's will need to maintain its momentum and capitalize on the confidence built from their recent performances. The Red Storm's success hinges on their ability to contain Peterson and on their own offensive execution. Pitino's squad, led by former Kansas transfer Zuby Ejiofor, has demonstrated a capability to score efficiently, making them a formidable opponent.

This matchup is not just about the players on the court but also the narratives surrounding them. Peterson's rise to prominence after overcoming health challenges adds a compelling layer to the game. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he performs against a St. John's team that is playing its best basketball of the season.

With the game set to tip off, both teams are prepared for the intensity of NCAA tournament play. Pitino's Red Storm will aim to keep their winning streak alive, but they face a tough challenge against a Kansas team that is hungry for advancement. The outcome will determine who moves on to the Sweet 16 and serve to highlight the future stars of college basketball.

Regardless of the outcome, this matchup between two storied programs, led by two legendary coaches, is a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that March Madness brings. The stakes are high, and the basketball will surely be thrilling.