Rick Pitino made headlines on Thursday with an unexpected appearance during Pardon My Take’s takeover of Kentucky Sports Radio. The legendary coach, now at St. John’s, brought a mix of humor, honesty, and bombshell revelations — including financial figures that left fans and insiders stunned.
In the middle of a casual, spirited conversation, Pitino opened up about the changing landscape of college basketball, particularly around NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. He didn’t mince words, calling the NIL revolution “a complete game-changer” that’s reshaping how coaches recruit and programs operate. According to Pitino, some players are now earning upwards of $500,000 to $1 million per season — numbers unheard of just a few years ago.
Even more surprising, Pitino hinted that he had been approached by top-tier programs with multi-million dollar offers before accepting the head coaching role at St. John’s. Though he didn’t disclose names, the implications were clear: the college basketball world still sees him as a valuable asset, and the money being thrown around for experienced coaches is reaching staggering heights.
Pitino also looked back on his Kentucky days with a mix of pride and nostalgia, offering rare insight into his tenure with the Wildcats. He joked with the Pardon My Take hosts, reminiscing about intense rivalries and unforgettable games, but also acknowledged how different the sport has become — especially now that big money plays a direct role in both coaching hires and player decisions.
The segment quickly went viral, with fans praising Pitino’s openness and charisma. For Kentucky supporters and basketball lovers everywhere, the interview was a goldmine of insight, surprise, and financial truth bombs. Even off the court, Rick Pitino remains one of the most fascinating figures in the game.
