Rick Pitino and Mark Pope: Kentucky vs. St. John’s in Atlanta Is Sure to Reignite Rivalry! Are You Prepared for a “Catlanta” Christmas Match?
It’s the holiday season in the South, and while many are stringing lights or planning family gatherings, college basketball fans have something else marked on their calendars—December 21, 2025. That date will showcase one of the most electrifying and emotionally charged non-conference matchups of the year: Kentucky vs. St. John’s, coached by two icons of the game—Rick Pitino and Mark Pope—meeting in Atlanta for what’s already being dubbed the “Catlanta Christmas Clash.”
Set to take place at State Farm Arena, this event isn’t just a game—it’s a meeting of past and present, of legacy and future, and it brings to life a budding rivalry with deep historical roots and passionate fanbases.
A Historic Matchup Years in the Making
Though Kentucky and St. John’s don’t often square off, the upcoming holiday game feels personal. The connection lies within the coaching ranks.
Rick Pitino: The Coach Who Made Kentucky Matter Again
It’s impossible to talk about modern Kentucky basketball without talking about Rick Pitino. In the wake of NCAA sanctions in the late 1980s, the Wildcats were in turmoil. Pitino arrived in Lexington in 1989 and immediately injected life, energy, and a sense of urgency into a wounded program. By 1996, he had them hoisting a national championship trophy.
Now, nearly 30 years after that title run, Pitino is back in the spotlight—but on the opposite sideline. Having taken the reins at St. John’s in 2023, Pitino is leading another resurgence. He’s rejuvenated Red Storm basketball in the heart of New York City, building a roster of gritty, fast, fearless athletes.
But this December, he faces off against the very program he helped rebuild—a full-circle moment with major implications.
Mark Pope: The Disciple Comes Home
On the other bench is a man who once played under Pitino during that title run—Mark Pope. A former standout center on that 1996 Kentucky team, Pope has risen through the coaching ranks with stints at Utah Valley and BYU before accepting the head coaching job in Lexington in 2024.
Now, with the Big Blue Nation squarely behind him and a roster full of top-tier talent, Pope is charged with restoring Kentucky’s elite status after a few underwhelming seasons. Facing Pitino adds narrative fuel to the fire, and fans are ready for the kind of emotionally charged competition they remember from the program’s heyday.
Atlanta: The Perfect Southern Stage
Atlanta may seem like a neutral site for a New York vs. Kentucky matchup, but in reality, it’s a home away from home for Big Blue Nation. Kentucky fans have long referred to the city as “Catlanta” for the way they routinely dominate ticket sales and flood venues when the Wildcats play in the area.
The arena will be packed with Kentucky blue, but St. John’s fans won’t back down. With Pitino at the helm and their program surging, many Red Storm supporters are eager to show the nation that New York’s team is back.
The neutral site also makes the game more than just another non-conference clash—it transforms it into a marquee college basketball event. Atlanta, with its booming sports scene, southern charm, and national accessibility, is the ideal stage.
Star Power on the Court
This matchup isn’t just about the coaches. Both teams feature rosters loaded with talent, many of whom could hear their names called in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Kentucky’s Rising Stars
Coach Pope wasted no time retooling the Kentucky roster. With a top-5 recruiting class and some savvy additions from the transfer portal, the Wildcats are looking formidable.
- Jalen Harrell, a 6’7″ sophomore wing from Georgia, is emerging as a leader. A natural scorer with explosive athleticism, he’s projected as a potential lottery pick.
- Amari Clay, a dynamic freshman combo guard, was a five-star target who chose Kentucky over several blue bloods. His ability to control pace and hit clutch shots makes him a player to watch.
- Trevor Vann, a 6’10” junior center, anchors the paint with elite shot-blocking and rebounding.
Kentucky’s depth is unmatched, and Pope’s system emphasizes pace, spacing, and relentless defensive effort.
St. John’s Revival Roster
Pitino, always the master recruiter and motivator, has turned St. John’s into a legitimate top-15 program. His roster is a blend of experience and raw talent.
- Dior Johnson, a once highly-touted guard, has finally found stability and leadership under Pitino. He’s excelling in the Red Storm’s press-heavy system.
- Luka Petrovic, a Serbian sensation, runs the offense with poise and precision.
- Elijah Taylor, a power forward who transferred from Temple, brings grit, rebounding, and a defensive edge Pitino loves.
Together, they’ve become one of the most disciplined and dangerous teams in the East.
Pitino vs. Pope: Mentor Meets Mentee
Few matchups in college basketball feature such an intimate coaching rivalry. Pitino coached Pope as a player at Kentucky and remains one of the formative influences in his coaching journey.
But don’t expect sentimentality on the court.
Pitino’s fiery style and competitive edge are legendary. Pope, though respectful of his former coach, is no pushover. His coaching philosophy mirrors Pitino’s in intensity but differs tactically, focusing more on modern spacing, pick-and-rolls, and three-point efficiency.
Their duel will offer a fascinating chess match—who adjusts faster? Who controls tempo? Who gets their players to execute better under pressure?
Christmas Implications: More Than Just a Game
This game isn’t happening in a vacuum. It comes at a crucial point in the season and could shape the narrative heading into the new year.
NCAA Tournament Seeding
A win for either team adds a critical Quadrant 1 victory to their résumé. Both programs are aiming for top-4 seeds in March, and a head-to-head battle with national eyes watching is the kind of moment that Selection Sunday committees remember.
Recruiting Wars
The clash doubles as a recruiting billboard. With the transfer portal heating up and high schoolers making late decisions, national exposure matters. A strong showing could tip the balance for undecided five-star prospects and immediate-impact transfers.
Bragging Rights and Legacy
For Pitino, this is a chance to prove he can beat Kentucky with a new program—and do it on a major stage. For Pope, it’s about proving he’s more than a former Wildcat—he’s the future of Kentucky basketball.
A win here cements his credibility with fans and recruits.
Fan Buzz: Big Blue vs. Red Storm Roar
Kentucky fans have already dubbed the game “Catlanta Christmas,” organizing pregame events, tailgates, and alumni gatherings. Expect a sea of blue to flood downtown Atlanta.
St. John’s fans, long waiting for a return to national relevance, are traveling in droves too. Pitino’s arrival has galvanized the fan base, and this trip is a pilgrimage for those wanting to witness the Red Storm take a seat at the elite table again.
Social media will be ablaze with old clips of Pitino pacing the Rupp Arena sidelines, Pope’s 1996 championship celebration, and plenty of memes from both sides. It’s the kind of passionate buildup that only college basketball delivers.
Pregame Hype and Broadcast Details
Broadcast: ESPN – Primetime
Tip-off: 8:00 PM ET
Announcers: Jay Bilas, Rece Davis, LaPhonso Ellis
Special Segment: “Legacy of Pitino” feature with footage from Kentucky and Louisville days
Halftime Tribute: Likely honoring Pitino’s impact on Kentucky basketball
The pregame show will likely include side-by-side interviews, fan reactions, and analysis of the coaching rivalry. Expect fireworks—figuratively and possibly literally.
Prediction: Who Wins in “Catlanta”?
This game has all the makings of a classic. Tensions will be high. Emotions will be raw. Both teams are talented and well-coached. But here’s how it may play out:
First Half
St. John’s jumps out early with pressure defense, forcing Kentucky into turnovers. Petrovic and Johnson knock down threes to give the Red Storm a 10-point lead at the break.
Second Half
Pope makes key adjustments. Kentucky slows the pace, uses its size advantage, and finds a rhythm. Harrell and Clay catch fire, turning the tide in the final minutes.
Final Score
Kentucky 81, St. John’s 76
Player of the Game: Amari Clay (22 points, 6 assists)
Takeaway
Pope gets his signature win, but Pitino proves the Red Storm are legit. Both teams leave Atlanta battle-tested and tournament-ready.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Holiday Game
The “Catlanta Christmas Clash” is more than a basketball game. It’s a celebration of tradition, a clash of eras, and a showcase of where college basketball is headed.
Pitino, the wily veteran, is proving he still belongs among the elite. Pope, the rising star, is beginning his own legendary run in Lexington. Their shared history adds depth, their programs add passion, and the fans bring the fuel.
As the final buzzer sounds in State Farm Arena, one thing is certain—this won’t be the last time these two titans meet.
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