The best way to test a team’s readiness for a new season is to schedule a high-profile match. Rick Pitino is also ready to test his team’s preparedness for the upcoming season. As such, he has scheduled a high-profile game against the mighty Alabama team at Madison Square Garden on November 8, 2025. What a way to start the season!
Alabama Crimson Tide- The Perfect Opponent for Pitino’s Team
The Alabama Crimson Tide are the hottest basketball team currently. Under coach Nate Oats, they made waves in the 2024-25 NCAA tournament. Their 113-88 victory against BYU was the peak of their tournament. They eventually advanced to the Elite Eight and lost to the strongest team in the tournament, Duke.
NEWS: St. John’s and Alabama are finalizing an agreement to meet on November 8th at MSG, according to multiple sources.
A return game is expected in Birmingham during the 2026-27 season. https://t.co/ZR1Zuxj7R5
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 8, 2025
They are a powerhouse and have reached the Elite Eight in two consecutive years. They have excellent players and can provide the test needed to help a team determine if they are ready for the upcoming season. So, the decision to play them will benefit Rick Pitino’s team.
Oats’s impressive career has been exciting. He has benefitted from the experience of many, and his opponent, Pitino, is one of them. Oats learned from Pitino. He watched instructional videos that explained how Pitino had revolutionized the college game. These lessons contributed to his career progression, and his future looks bright.
Playing against his former mentor will allow him to test how well he has grown as a coach. This match promises to be exciting, and either coach will be happy to win the game. For the master, it is a joy that his former student has progressed. Yes, it is a game to look forward to.
Fan’s Excitement for the Game
Fans are also excited about the upcoming game. The talents on both rosters make the match one that will bring joy to the fans. This game will help both fanbases understand how ready their team is for the upcoming season.
St. John’s won the 2025 Big East tournament, and now is the time to check if they are prepared for the forthcoming season.
Some fans on X have called the match a “banger matchup.”
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One fan also said it will be a “great birthday present” for him. The game has been scheduled for November 8 at Madison Square Garden. Time to wait for the match that will set the tone for each team in the upcoming season.
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