We woke up to reports of Rick Pitino being “interested” in the Sacramento Kings NBA head coaching job. I was very skeptical, my husband and I both agreed that he didn’t strike us as the California type. Plus, he’s one of the most feared sharks in college basketball, why go back to being a dolphin in the NBA?
Now a source close to Pitino has gone on the record as saying that the shark has no intention of swimming out west.
This source told Fox Sports: “Pitino would have no interest in taking that job, because of its undesirable location and the fact that it’s just not a good NBA job.”
Also hoping to put an end to the rumors, school spokesman Kenny Klein told The Courier-Journal on Friday, “He’s not going anywhere.”
He said that he had spoken to Pitino, who is in Florida.
I just read an article on A Sea of Blue.com that compares the top two college basketball coaches in the country – coaches we just so happen to call “ours.”
It’s a great read – see what you think: John Calipari and Rick Pitino: Twin Sons of Different Mothers?
By the way, do you Tweet?! Below are a few Twitter IDs you may want to follow:
Mike Sigers – Co-owner and photographer for Genuine Kentucky: @mikesigers
Coach John Calipari’s OFFICIAL twitter: @UKcoachcalipari
Mine! – @JoiTaniaSigers
I previously had a Twitter ID for another web site, but I got a new one with my very own name. If you don’t Tweet, get yourself to http://www.twitter.com and sign up NOW. It’s incredibly fast and even more fun. Be sure to follow me, I’ll follow you right back!
We’re all excited about Coach John Calipari’s first season at the University of Kentucky. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE baseball season and want to enjoy every single inning – but I’m definitely looking forward to college basketball. Calipari and Pitino in the same state… wow!
Apparently, Coach Calipari is going to have to hit the court running because ESPN announced yesterday that UK will face the Huskies on Dec. 9 in the SEC/Big East Invitational at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The programs’ only meeting was an 87-83 UConn victory in the second round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament, but we really don’t want to talk about that, do we?
The game, and chance at redemption will be shown on ESPN 2. I have a feeling that Coach Cal’s Cats will be shown on television a lot. Let’s hope.
Tickets for the game are expected to go on sale early this summer. For information visit www.secbigeastinvitational.com.
In other University of Kentucky news, the UK men’s basketball program has been recognized for their APR score (Academic Progress Rate score). The NCAA made the announcement yesterday.
UK received the award for placing in the top 10 percent of the nation’s Division I men’s basketball APR scores.
The APR marks are a four-year composite that measures academic eligibility and retention of student-athletes. The current APR covers the 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 school years.
UK was the only SEC men’s basketball team to receive public recognition.
The University of Louisville received top-10 recognition in men’s indoor track and women’s softball.
Just a side thought, since I’ve mentioned the University of Louisville – I want to go on record as saying that my thoughts are with Rick Pitino and his University of Louisville program. I’m sure you’ve read the whole soap opera-ish scenario. Karen Sypher, estranged wife of Rick Pitino’s longtime friend and equipment manager Tim Sypher decided to air her dirty laundry in public (I’m assuming the laundry included another man’s pants).
So, she decides that the “burden” of her little secret is too much for her and she must go public.
WHY would anyone in their right mind place the scarlett letter on their own forehead? Unless of course they wanted to draw a line down the middle of it – I don’t know, something like this: $ or this: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
No amount of money is worth announcing to the world that you have as much class as a retired school teacher. Make no mistake about it, the same could be said for anyone else involved in this. I’m just saying, it isn’t the players’ fault and it’s a shame that the University of Louisville has to deal with this right now. Rick Pitino and his family’s personal life should be able to stay just that - personal. He has, twice, brought programs in our state back from the brink. (Have you ever wondered where either would be without Coach Pitino?)
The only good thing is that this is coming out now instead of later – maybe it can all blow over before next season starts.
At least they say it was an upset. Personally, if Rick Pitino is on your side, I have trouble believing you aren’t instantly the favorite – but whatevs. It was a huge win – congrats all the way around the floor.
On ESPN.com, Joe Lunardi has a column titled 44 thoughts at the season’s midpoint. U of L is mentioned twice, thank you very much:
At number 2: Unbalanced conference schedules may play a greater role than usual in determining regular-season champions. Duke plays North Carolina and Wake Forest twice, for instance, while Wake and Carolina have already faced each other for the only time. In the Big East, Pitt and UConn play twice each while Louisville and Georgetown have no repeat games among this group.
At number 6: Among the contenders, Louisville has the most favorable Big East schedule remaining. My preseason choice of the Cardinals as a No. 1 seed is looking better.
Click HERE for the entire article.
