The Marquette Golden Eagles have begun preparation for Friday’s game against New Mexico, and head coach Shaka Smart knows all too well that Richard Pitino’s Lobos will provide an excellent challenge. Smart spoke to the media on Sunday following the bracket being revealed and discussed his relationship with Pitino, as the two have crossed paths many times in their careers.
Shaka Smart Has History With New Mexico Coach Richard Pitino
While Rick Pitino is the one who grabs most of the headlines for the illustrious basketball family, his son Richard has done a fantastic job as the head coach of the New Mexico Lobos. The program has not been to an NCAA Tournament since 2014, but after a season that saw them win the Mountain West regular season crown, the Lobos secured an at-large bid in 2025 and will now face the Marquette Golden Eagles.
Just days after falling to Rick’s St. John’s Red Storm, Shaka Smart and Marquette will now face off against Richard’s New Mexico in the first round. While Smart has competed in the same conference as Rick all season, the head coach also has some interesting ties to Richard, which he elaborated on during Sunday’s media availability.
“I’ve known Richard Pitino for a long time, we actually, we were both hired by the same AD, me at VCU and him at Minnesota, so, we kind of have that common link. Before that, he replaced me as an assistant coach at Florida after I left to go to VCU.”
Smart has nothing but praise for Richard Pitino’s coaching ability and acknowledged that Marquette’s opponents on Friday will be a tough group to play against.
When further asked about his days with the University of Florida, Smart recalled speaking with then-Gators head coach Billy Donovan, who went on to coach both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, about his leaving. Smart smiled as he recalled Donovan’s humorous remarks.
“I just know when I left, I told Coach Donovan I felt bad for leaving, I was only there for one year. He said don’t worry about it Shaka, we’ll get someone better than you.”
Donovan’s staff would bring on Richard Pitino, who has now coached for four seasons at New Mexico following stops at Florida International and the aforementioned Minnesota.
Rick Pitino Comments on His Son Richard’s Familiar Matchup
As Marquette and Shaka Smart prepare to gameplan for New Mexico, Rick Pitino is well aware of his son’s round one matchup. As St. John’s prepare for their first game against Omaha, Rick noted that he will make time to speak with his son about Marquette.
When Rick Pitino was asked about his son Richard getting matched up with Marquette, he smirked and said they’ll be having a discussion on how to game plan for them. #sjubb
— Jason Dimaio (@Jaydimaio) March 16, 2025
Tipoff for Marquette vs New Mexico is set for 4:25 eastern on Friday. If Marquette advances, they will face the winner of Michigan State and Bryant.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
