In an interview with college basketball insider Jon Rothstein this morning, Rick Pitino confirmed he would be making his long-awaited return to the KFC Yum! Center. Earlier in the week it was announced that longtime Sports Information Director Kenny Klein, who tragically passed away over the summer, would have a banner dedication in the rafters of the arena. The commemorative ceremony will take place during the ACC matchup with Stanford on Saturday, January 2.

What would it be like for Rick Pitino to potentially go head-to-head with Louisville in the Players Era? https://t.co/37P3IN7QoQ (Apple) https://t.co/sNq3sf1Q9E (Spotify) https://t.co/ACb6odckmq (YouTube) pic.twitter.com/0g99cTqbaP

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 23, 2026

Pitino is currently coaching St Johns who happens to be playing a Big East game in Indianapolis at Butler the following day.…