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Rick Pitino has gone viral thanks to a recent clip from the Pitino: Red Storm Rising series, which has a new episode set to drop on Tuesday night. Aired on ViceTV, it gives a behind-the-scenes look as he leads the program in the 2024-25 season.
A preview of Episode 2 was released on social media this week. It showed Pitino ripping into his players in hopes of sparking a comeback effort against Providence.
Clip from Vice Sports of Rick Pitino at halftime of the St. John’s game at Providence. #sjubb was down big, and rallied to win. pic.twitter.com/5gAbXa0BVS
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) February 17, 2025
The pep talk worked. St. John’s dug itself out of a 42-29 halftime hole and went on to win by a bucket. The team is now 22-4 and firmly in position to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance under Rick Pitino.
The Red Storm won 20 games a year ago but were left out on Selection Sunday. That won’t be the case this March.
Pitino’s son, Richard, saw the clip as it circulated the internet on Tuesday. He jokingly said he had flashbacks watching his father dig into the team in the locker room.
PTSD of the time I didn’t make my bed.
–Richard Pitino on X
The younger Pitino has been head coaching at the college level since 2012. After spending a season at Florida International, he accepted a job at Minnesota where he stayed for eight years.
With the Golden Gophers, Pitino posted a 141-123 overall record. He made a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances.
He’s now in his fourth season with New Mexico, fresh off a conference tournament championship. Like his dad, his team has a 22-4 record this year and should be in line for another trip to the Big Dance.
His father’s tough love helped him get to this point. Clearly, he hasn’t forgotten!