SI Weekend Roundup: The Long-Awaited Showdown Between Rick Pitino and Bill Self Has Finally Arrived

The two Hall of Fame coaches have each experienced exile and resurgence. Their teams meet with a real stakes, a Sweet 16 berth, on the line.

SI WEEKEND ROUNDUP The Long-Awaited Showdown Between Rick Pitino and Bill Self Has Finally Arrived Pat Forde The two Hall of Fame coaches have each experienced exile and resurgence. Their teams meet with a real stakes, a Sweet 16 berth, on the line. READ MORE Is This the End of Cinderella in Men's March Madness? Kevin Sweeney As power-conference programs get stronger, the path for mid-majors to shock the bracket is disappearing. READ MORE Join Verducci's View Newsletter Tom Verducci delivers a mix of expert commentary, inside angles and thoughtful perspectives on baseball's biggest storylines. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE Duke Is Still a Work in Progress—and That's the Scary Part Bryan Fischer The Blue Devils are still a ball of wet clay, but its identity on defense is masking its inconsistencies and fueling its March Madness run. READ MORE More from Sports Illustrated No. 9 USC Is Saved by the Buzzer, Outlasts No. 8 Clemson in Overtime Classic Read More Why Michigan's Ernest Hausmann Walked Away From Football, But Then Came Back Read More Flag Football Classic: NFL Stars Have Work Cut Out For Them Chasing Olympic Dreams Read More LeBron James Breaks NBA Record for Most Regular Season Games Played Read More Kevin Durant Passes Michael Jordan for Fifth on NBA's All-Time Scoring List Read More Get the print edition of Sports Illustrated delivered to your door. Click to subscribe! Join the SI College Basketball Newsletter SI's college basketball newsletter delivers insider reporting and can't-miss stories on the biggest moments from across the country. From weekly previews to in-depth features, it's your essential guide to staying ahead in the world of NCAA hoops. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE We may receive compensation for some links to products and services included in this email. Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. 625 Broadway, 10th floor New York, NY. 10012 You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the Sports Illustrated newsletter. You can unsubscribe here . Privacy Policy – Terms & Conditions © 2026 Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. All betting and gambling content included in the Sports Illustrated newsletter is intended for individuals 21+ (18+ in DC, KY, NH, RI, and WY). Betting and gambling content, including picks and predictions, are based on individual commentators' opinions and we do not guarantee any success or profits. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or texting 800GAM. Click this link to view the newsletter in your browser.