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DETROIT — Rick Pitino will face his former captain next year in a blockbuster non-conference showdown in Atlanta.

St. John’s has signed on to face Kentucky and coach Mark Pope in the CBS Sports Classic on Dec. 20, it was announced Thursday.

The annual showcase has traditionally featured Kentucky, UCLA, Ohio State and North Carolina, but since UCLA and Ohio State are now conference foes, UCLA pulled out.

St. John’s made the announcement official on social media by posting a FaceTime call between the two coaches.