College basketball fans could be in for a treat as the CBS Sports Classic reportedly considers its first major lineup change in years. According to sources, St. John’s may replace UCLA in the prestigious event, potentially setting up an electrifying showdown between Kentucky’s Mark Pope and his former mentor, Rick Pitino.
The rumored new field would feature Ohio State, North Carolina, Kentucky, and St. John’s, with the Red Storm stepping in for the Bruins. The CBS Sports Classic is contracted to continue through 2026 and remains a marquee nonconference showcase. Official confirmation of the lineup change is still pending.
St. John’s Reportedly Replacing UCLA in CBS Sports Classic
The Mark Pope-Rick Pitino connection runs deep through Kentucky’s storied basketball history.
Pope played under Pitino on Kentucky’s 1998 national championship team, and now the student might face the master. Pitino has praised Pope, calling him “brilliant for so many years” after Pope guided Kentucky to a Sweet 16 appearance.
NEWS: St. John’s is joining the CBS Sports Classic and will play the Kentucky Wildcats this season, according to a source.
The field of four will now be Ohio State, North Carolina, Kentucky and St. John’s.
The Red Storm are replacing UCLA. More details to come. #sjubb
— Dave (@Davee_8) May 1, 2025
This potential matchup would transcend a typical non-conference game, representing a clash of basketball philosophies shaped by Kentucky tradition.
If the reports prove true, Pope’s modern approach to spacing will be tested against Pitino’s tactical brilliance. Their shared Kentucky DNA makes this compelling beyond just basketball.
St. John’s Continues Its Big East Rise, as Kentucky Looks to Return to Championship Success
Both programs are on impressive trajectories. Kentucky under Pope has undergone a significant roster overhaul, focusing on versatile guards and wings like Malachi Moreno. The Wildcats made the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019, signaling Pope’s immediate impact.
Meanwhile, St. John’s has been transformed under Pitino’s leadership. Coming off a remarkable 30-4 season, the Red Storm has become a Big East powerhouse with a formidable front line featuring stars like Bryce Hopkins and Joson Sanon. Pitino has built a physical team with improved shooting.
If confirmed, the change would represent a competitive upgrade for the event. UCLA’s storied program has struggled recently compared to St. John’s resurgence under Pitino. The potential Pope-Pitino matchup would instantly become one of the most anticipated coaching battles of the season.
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The CBS Sports Classic would benefit from fresh storylines beyond just basketball. The mentor-protege dynamic creates natural media interest, while both coaches’ connections to Kentucky’s basketball legacy add historical significance to what would otherwise be just another non-conference game.
College basketball’s landscape continues evolving through transfer portals and coaching changes. This potential lineup adjustment shows how premier showcase events must adapt, too. If St. John’s indeed replaces UCLA, expect ticket demand and viewership to surge for a matchup years in the making.
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