Calipari, Pitino, Self Set for 2025 NCAA Showdown in Providence

The NCAA Tournament has set the stage for a highly anticipated matchup between coaching legends John Calipari of Arkansas and Rick Pitino of St. John's, alongside Bill Self of Kansas, all competing in the West Region at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Calipari's No. 10 seed Arkansas will face Self's No. 7 seed Kansas in the first round, a rematch of their past encounters in national championship games. This tournament marks the fifth postseason meeting between Calipari and Pitino, both Hall of Fame coaches with a history of intense rivalry. Self expressed that he is content to let the focus be on his fellow coaches rather than himself, while also acknowledging the competitive spirit of the tournament. The winner of the Kansas-Arkansas game could potentially face Pitino's St. John's, which has achieved significant success this season. With a combined total of five national championships among these coaches, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling basketball action.