Evan Washburn Keeps Interview Flowing by Outmaneuvering Rick Pitino

Rick Pitino wasn’t quite on the same page as Scott Drew regarding in-game interviews. Baylor’s Drew famously wrapped up his chat earlier this week with Tracy Wolfson by stating, “That’s all I got,” effectively cutting the conversation short. Simple, direct and done.

Pitino, however, attempted a Houdini act after providing one quick answer during a break in the action, looking to vanish into thin air. But Evan Washburn wasn’t having it; he’s a professional and had no intention of letting Pitino escape that easily.

.@EvanWashburn with a talk (and a bit of a walk) with Rick Pitino at the break. pic.twitter.com/k6EO71JM3o

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 22, 2025

Unlike Pitino’s later complaints about Roger Rubin at the postgame presser after St. John’s 75-66 loss to Arkansas, Washburn didn’t employ any “leading” questions. He ensured Pitino remained engaged, extending his arm to ask another question: “Does the philosophy change at all with Kadary [Richmond] with two fouls?”

“I told him, I said ‘The first foul was the one that hurt us because you just reached in. It’s gotta be body to body,’” Pitino replied. For what it’s worth, the philosophy did change, as Richmond played just 16 minutes and fouled out, ending with five points on 28% shooting along with four rebounds and two assists. In contrast, during St. John’s 83-53 win over Omaha, the senior guard recorded 10 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Just as Richmond was done at five fouls, Pitino was done after two questions. He stormed off before Washburn could ask again, prompting Andrew Catalon to quip, “Good box out by Evan.” “Yeah, it was good,” responded Steve Lappas. “No foul called,” added Catalon. Although Pitino tried to execute a vanishing act, Washburn made sure his exit was anything but seamless—two questions followed by a swift exit but no escape.