Richard Pitino reacts to father, Rick, reaching 900 wins: 'He'd have a lot more if he stayed at Kentucky'

Saturday afternoon, St. John’s came all the way back to defeat Xavier as Rick Pitino clinched his 900th career win. Musketeers coach Richard Pitino – his son – shared his reaction to the milestone achievement, but also pointed out his father’s exit from Kentucky in 1997.

Rick Pitino was UK’s head coach from 1989-97 and helped the Wildcats to a national title. But he left to become the Boston Celtics head coach from 1997-2001. He amassed a 102-146 overall record before his departure and ultimately returned to the college game at Louisville, where he worked until 2017.

But even after leaving college basketball twice, Pitino reached the 900-win plateau on Saturday, although the NCAA officially recognized 777 of those wins due to alleged recruiting violations at Louisville. Richard Pitino congratulated his father on the achievement, although he acknowledged the impact of Rick’s departure from Kentucky.

“I’m happy for him that he won 900,” Richard Pitino said. “I think he’s the best coach to ever coach college basketball. He’d have a lot more if he had stayed at Kentucky.

“But when your dad is 73, you just want him to be healthy and happy. We all are reminded way too much of how short life is. So to see him doing great, coaching, being celebrated at St. John’s, that’s all I care about. It keeps him young. I hope he continues to coach. He’s a phenomenal coach, but I’m really, really lucky to have him as a father.”

Heading into Saturday, only three coaches in the history of Division I men’s basketball had reached 900 wins, and Pitino has now passed Bob Knight for fourth on the all-time wins list. Roy Williams sits third at 903.

It wasn’t easy for the Red Storm, though. Xavier led by as many as 16 points in the second half before St. John’s came all the way back to take a lead in the final minutes. The game went back-and-forth from there as the two teams traded blows. Ultimately, though, Rick Pitino got the better of Richard in their first showdown as Big East coaches.

After the game, TNT Sports’ Andy Katz asked Rick Pitino about defeating his son for his 900th career victory. He acknowledged the job Richard has done at Xavier, helping the program surge to start Big East play.

“I don’t like beating him, obviously, but it’s beating Xavier,” Pitino said. “Richard did a phenomenal job. If it wasn’t for a bad call against Creighton, they’d [have] won three in a row. From where they were losing to Santa Clara to now, it’s one of the best coaching jobs I’ve seen in basketball. I can’t love him or be more proud of him.”

Then, Pitino was asked what’s left to achieve after getting No. 900. He didn’t miss a beat before answering: “1,000.”