Rick Pitino vs. Dan Hurley. Two fiery legends. Two basketball minds who never back down. They’ve battled six times already. Every game felt like a March Madness game. It’s a dream for Big East fans. Hall of Fame energy on both sidelines. Fire. Strategy. Swagger. You can feel the tension. You can feel the respect, too. Because at the end of the day, it’s a rivalry built on greatness! Next season might be the best one yet. For the first time, both coaches could have rosters stacked from top to bottom. That’s what makes this so exciting. Analysts can’t wait. Neither can the fans. So, who you got?

Since 1992, UConn has dominated this matchup–holding a 26-13 record over St. John’s and hanging five national banners along the way. Jon Rothstein summed it up perfectly: “It’s been 31 years of bullying.” But last season? The script flipped. Rick Pitino’s Red Storm took both regular-season games against Dan Hurley. He won his first wins in this rivalry. Before that, Hurley was 4-0.

Pitino’s no stranger to outsmarting great coaches, and his game plan on February 23, 2025, was a masterclass—St. John’s forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 24 points, and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds to dominate the glass. Hurley’s team, known for its crisp offense, coughed up the ball too much, and Pitino’s pressure defense was the difference.

Of course, there’s always been an imbalance. One coach usually had the stronger roster. That made all the difference. This year, though? Things feel different. Both squads look loaded. Even. Dangerous. And that sets the stage for one of the most exciting Big East seasons in recent memory.

On the Field of 68: After Dark podcast, Rob Dauster threw out a very interesting question to Jeff Goodman– if his entire life savings were on the line, who would he take: St. John’s or UConn? Goodman didn’t hesitate. He made his pick. And it’s one that likely won’t sit well with UConn fans or Dan Hurley.

He says, “I’m going with the St. John’s Johnnies… Rick Pitino, man. I still say, as good as Dan Hurley is, he’s not Rick Pitino. And St. John’s–the point guard situation worries me, it does, no doubt about it. But they have everything else, and I think Rick will figure it out.”

Yes, the point guard situation is definitely something St. John’s will be keeping a close eye on. With key playmakers like Kadary Richmond and Deivon Smith graduating, and Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr. entering the portal, the Johnnies lost a major chunk of their backcourt creativity. But Pitino didn’t sit still! He made some big moves in the portal!

According to 247 Sports, they’ve secured the second-best transfer class in the nation. The Red Storm added some serious firepower: Ian Jackson, Bryce Hopkins, Joson Sanon, and Oziyah Sellers. That backcourt trio of Jackson, Sanon, and Sellers? Explosive. They bring scoring punch, creativity, and plenty of shooting to the table.

Add in Bryce Hopkins, who was an All-Big East standout at Providence before injuries limited his play, averaging 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the 2023–24 season. Pair him with Zuby Ejiofor, who scored 18 points against UConn last season, and St. John’s boasts a formidable frontcourt. KenPom ranked their defense No. 1, and with the addition of Jackson’s offensive flair, they aim to enhance their scoring capabilities.

But Dan Hurley and his squad weren’t just going to sit back. UConn made some key moves of their own–and they’ve got some major names coming back for another run. Their offseason? Quietly impressive as well. Let’s break it down!

Dan Hurley and co make moves this off season

Dan Hurley and his staff know the road back to the top won’t be easy. But there’s plenty to be excited about in Storrs. The Huskies are bringing back some key names–captain Alex Karaban, Solo Ball, and Tarris Reed Jr. are all returning. Add in Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. and 5-star freshman Braylon Mullins. UConn look strong.

It’s easy to imagine a starting five featuring Karaban, Solo Ball, Tarris Reed Jr., Silas Demary Jr., and Jaylin Stewart—all capable of scoring in double digits. Or maybe Mullins, the McDonald’s All-American, earns that final spot over Stewart. Either way, it’s a solid mix of veteran leadership and youthful firepower.

Will it all come together for another deep March run? That remains to be seen. But on paper, both UConn and St. John’s look like top-10 teams heading into next season. Pitino vs. Hurley is shaping up to be must-watch basketball once again. Stay tuned!