Though they downplayed the animosity, the coaches also noted that they are not friends. Earlier in the week, Calipari waxed on about his relationship with Self, and how it’s hard to play against friends; Pitino did the same about coaches like former UConn coach Jim Calhoun who have been important to him.

Thirty-three years after their first-ever NCAA tournament meeting took place in Philly, frenemies Rick Pitino and John Calipari will square off again when Arkansas takes on St. John's on Saturday.